Published on November 28, 2012 · Updated on November 2, 2026

Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Alcobaça, Bahia: things to do, beaches, history, Abrolhos

Alcobaça, Bahia, is a historic town in the far south of the state, on the Costa das Baleias (Whale Coast). In addition, it is known for its calm beaches, its traditional festivals and its boat trips to the Recifes das Timbebas, part of the Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos (Abrolhos Marine National Park). So, in this guide, you will find where Alcobaça is, what to do, its history, its heritage and the festival calendar.

Where is Alcobaça, Bahia

First of all, Alcobaça lies on the coast of the far south of Bahia, at the mouth of the Itanhém River. Via the BA-001, the town is about 35 km from Prado to the north and about 50 km from Caravelas to the south. In addition, Teixeira de Freitas, the largest city in the region, is about 60 km away.

Video about Alcobaça

History of Alcobaça

According to the IBGE, settlement began in 1752, when families from Caravelas settled on the left bank of the Itanhém River and formed the hamlet of Itanhém. Then, in 1755, a royal charter created the village of São Bernardo de Alcobaça, which was established on 12 November 1772.

In fact, the name honours the town of Alcobaça in Portugal, the homeland of the colonists. Also, devotion to São Bernardo shaped the religious identity of the village. Finally, in 1896, Alcobaça was raised to the status of a town. Later, the municipalities of Medeiros Neto, Itanhém and Teixeira de Freitas were carved out of its territory.

What to do in Alcobaça

• Beaches: stretches of sand, natural pools and beach huts, for example at Praia da Barra, Praia do Centro and Praia do Farol.
• Boat trips: diving and marine life watching at the Recifes das Timbebas and the Parcel das Paredes.
• Festivals: folk and religious traditions throughout the year.
• Historic centre: mansions, the main church and squares that still preserve the memory of the town.

What to do in Alcobaça at night

At night, the action centres on the Calçadão Central and the Praça da Caixa d’Água, with bars, snack bars and, in summer, live shows. In addition, at Praia do Farol there are moonlight parties and bonfires at certain times of year.

Festivals and culture

In general, the festivals of Alcobaça blend devotion and folklore:

• Luta dos Mouros e Cristãos: a traditional re-enactment of the battle between Moors and Christians, held in January, on the 19th and 20th.
• Festa de São Sebastião: the feast of Saint Sebastian on 20 January, together with the Moors and Christians re-enactment.
• Festa do Divino: the Feast of the Holy Spirit, held around Pentecost, in May or June.
• Festa de São Pedro: the feast of Saint Peter on 29 June, with a boat procession linked to fishing.
• Festa de São Bernardo: the patron saint’s feast in August, with religious and cultural events.
• Christmas: folk celebrations such as Reisado (an Epiphany pageant), Pastorinhas (nativity plays with shepherdesses) and Bumba Meu Boi (a folk drama about the death and revival of an ox).

Architecture and historical heritage

First, the centre of Alcobaça preserves 19th-century mansions and two-storey townhouses. For example, the streets are paved with hexagonal blocks, and there are still century-old farms in the surrounding area. For this reason, experts from the Instituto do Patrimônio Artístico e Cultural da Bahia (IPAC) have recommended preserving this ensemble.

1. Igreja Matriz de São Bernardo

Also on Praça Padre José Porphirio, the Igreja Matriz de São Bernardo is one of the town’s landmarks. Its construction began in the 1860s under Father José Porphirio da Silva, but it was only completed in 1887, after his death.

Since then, it has undergone several renovations. In 1958, for example, the ceramic roof was replaced, and in the 1970s the high altar was modernised.

2. Casa de Izidro Nascimento

Built in 1892 by Major Izidro Pedro do Nascimento, this townhouse on Rua Pedro Muniz now serves as the parish residence. Moreover, the facade still retains original details.

3. Sobrado da Família Medeiros

Also known as Casa de Ismael Medeiros, this townhouse on Rua Pedro Muniz was built by João José de Medeiros. After all, it is a typical 19th-century bourgeois townhouse and, according to accounts from the period, it had a high basement used to house enslaved people and servants.

4. Cacimba do Concelho

Between Rua Joaquim Muniz and Rua Pedro Muniz, the Cacimba do Concelho is an old water fountain, probably from the 18th century. However, the current octagonal structure with geometric tiles dates from the late 19th century. Although it was closed in the 1970s, it is still a town landmark.

5. Cadeia Municipal

On the banks of the Itanhém River, the old Cadeia Municipal (municipal jail) dates from the 19th century. At the time, it served as both a prison and the seat of local administration.

6. Casa da Cultura (Casa de Garcia Júnior)

Opposite the Igreja Matriz, this single-storey house belonged to Antonio Garcia de Medeiros Júnior (1861–1945), a former mayor of the town. Later, his heirs donated it to the municipality, which used it as a school and, from the late 1960s onwards, as a leisure venue.

Today, it houses the Casa da Cultura, with music and theatre events and a small museum on local history.

7. Calçadão Central

The pedestrian-only Calçadão Central runs through the centre of Alcobaça. Thus, it links the Praça da Caixa d’Água to the area near Praça Padre José Porphirio. That is why it is the main spot for shopping and meeting people, with bars and snack bars.

8. Praça da Caixa d’Água

One of the town’s main squares, it has a large water tower in the middle. In addition, it hosts the evening events and, in summer and during Carnival, a stage for bands.

9. City Hall

The City Hall building, at one end of Praça Padre José Porphirio, has been through fires, changes and renovations. Initially, the original building, from the time of Mayor Antonio Garcia de Medeiros Júnior, housed the town hall and, under the staircase, the jail. After years of neglect, it was restored and once again became the seat of the town hall.

Beaches of Alcobaça

The beaches of Alcobaça suit different kinds of visitors: families, surfers and anyone looking for peace and quiet.

Praia da Barra

First of all, this beach at the mouth of the Itanhém River has mangroves and is good for fishing and water sports. There are also beach huts and places to eat.

Praia do Centro

In general, it is a long stretch of golden sand with beach huts, restaurants and guesthouses. As a result, it is great for all ages.

Praia do Farol

More remote and peaceful, this beach in Alcobaça is known for its moonlight parties. Besides, at certain times of year, sea turtles lay their eggs there.

Itanhém River and mangroves

In Alcobaça, the river and the sandbar are great for boat trips, kayaking and fishing. For this reason, boat hire and local guides are available.

Recifes das Timbebas and diving

The Recifes das Timbebas, off the coast of Alcobaça, are part of the Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos. Together with the Parcel das Paredes, they are also popular spots for snorkelling and scuba diving. Trips to the Abrolhos archipelago, on the other hand, depart mainly from Caravelas. So, in all cases, book with licensed operators and respect the park rules.

See also the guides to Nova Viçosa, Mucuri and the towns of the far south and Abrolhos.

Frequently asked questions about Alcobaça, Bahia

Where is Alcobaça, Bahia?

In the far south of Bahia, on the Costa das Baleias, between Prado and Caravelas.

In fact, it lies at the mouth of the Itanhém River.

What is there to do in Alcobaça?

Enjoy the beaches Praia da Barra, Praia do Centro and Praia do Farol, explore the historic centre and take the trip to the Recifes das Timbebas.

In addition, in January it is worth seeing the Luta dos Mouros e Cristãos.

How many days do you need to see Alcobaça?

In general, 2 to 3 days, plus one more day for the boat trip.

That way, you can see the centre and the beaches at a relaxed pace.

When is the best time to visit Alcobaça?

From July to November, to see the humpback whales; in January, for the festivals.

In summer, however, the town gets busier.

When was Alcobaça founded?

The village of São Bernardo de Alcobaça was established on 12 November 1772.

Later, in 1896, it became a town.