Salvador and the Bahia Coast: Places to Explore

The municipality of Arraial starts just across Rio Buranhém from Porto Seguro, a 10-minute ferry ride. The town is about 4 km (2.5 mi) south of the river. It was founded by Jesuits that arrived in... Read more

This riverside colonial town dates from the 16th and 17th centuries, when sugarcane was the economy's mainstay. It has been designated a national monument and is the site of some of Brazil's most authentic... Read more

In Brazil, Ilhéus (literally meaning "islanders") is synonymous with cocoa and Jorge Amado, one of Brazil's best-known 20th-century writers. Amado spent his childhood here, and the house he lived... Read more

In 1822 a precious-stone frenzy began with the discovery of diamonds in riverbeds around the town of Mucugê. Hundreds of people hoping to make their fortune flooded into the region. This golden age... Read more

On Ilha de Tinharé, just south of Itaparica, Morro de São Paulo is the most popular place on the island, most of which is covered with thick Atlantic Forest protected by a state park. Private... Read more

To reach some of Bahia's more pristine and less crowded beaches, head north of Salvador on the Estrada do Coco (Coconut Road), leaving the baroque churches and colonial dwellings behind in favor of miles... Read more

The Chapada Diamantina (Diamond Highlands) in Central Bahia was once famous for its precious gems, but it's now recognized one of the country's best spots for ecotourism. In this chain of mountain ranges... Read more

Not too long ago, Porto Seguro (Safe Harbor) was a serene fishing village. Now it's one of the prime tourist destinations in the country, with international flights from several Europeans cities. Hotels... Read more

Praia do Forte was first settled in 1549 by Garcia D'Avila, a clerk for the Portuguese crown. For reasons lost in the mists of history, Garcia D'Avila had acquired a fortune and became a landowner. With... Read more

Though the city of Salvador, founded in 1549, lost its status as capital of Brazil in 1763 when that honor was given to Rio (and later to Brasília), it remains the capital of Bahia. At least 70%... Read more

Smaller than its northern neighbors Arraial and Porto Seguro, Trancoso moves at a much slower pace. Founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1586, its first name was St. John Baptist of the Indians. Life here... Read more