Salvador and the Bahia Coast Travel Guide

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In "the land of happiness," as the state of Bahia is known, the sun shines almost every day. Its Atlantic Ocean shoreline runs for 900 km (560 mi), creating beautiful white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms—while inland is Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina (Chapada Diamantina National Park), with 152,000 hectares (375,000 acres) of mountains, waterfalls, caves, natural swimming pools, and hiking trails. And in Bahia's capital, Salvador, the beat of bongo drums echoing through the narrow cobblestone streets is a rhythmic reminder of Brazil's African heritage.

Hotels

Salvador and the Bahia Coast Hotels

Lodging options in Salvador range from modern high-rises with an international clientele and world-class service to cozy, often family-run pousadas (inns)...read more

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Restaurants

Salvador and the Bahia Coast Restaurants

The laid-back lifestyle of Bahians is reflected in their food. In urban areas, breakfast is a minor meal—maybe just a cup of coffee with a lot of...read more

Things To Do

Things To Do in Salvador and the Bahia Coast

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Salvador and the Bahia Coast Experiences

  • Top Reasons to Go to Salvador and the Bahia Coast

    Warm waters year-round and a continuous lineup of beautiful beaches from south to north make Bahia one of the premier destinations in Brazil for... Read more

  • A Bit of History

    In 1549 Tomé de Sousa was appointed Brazil's first governor-general, with orders to establish the colony's capital in Bahia. The deep... Read more

  • Afro-Brazilian Heritage

    Of all of Brazil's states, Bahia has the strongest links with its African heritage. There are few other countries with such a symphony of skin... Read more

  • Beach Savvy

    As a rule, the farther away from the downtown area, the better the beach in terms of water cleanliness and number of people, especially on weekends... Read more

  • Eating Bahian

    When African slaves arrived in Bahia, they added coconut milk, palm oil, and hot spices into Portuguese and Indian dishes, transforming them... Read more

  • Spiritual Salvador

    Evidence that Brazil is officially a Roman Catholic country can be found everywhere. There are beautiful churches and cathedrals—from the... Read more

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