Arembepe: beaches (Piruí, Praia do Canto), Hippie Village and the Tamar Project

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Arembepe is a charming village on the north coast of Bahia, around 42 km from Salvador. Known for its historic Hippie Village, the Tamar Project site and beaches with natural pools, Arembepe is ideal for those seeking contact with nature, alternative culture and peaceful beach life.

Praia Central ou Praia de Arempebe no município de Camaçari na Bahia — Praia Central or Arempebe Beach in the municipality of Camaçari, Bahia

Praia de Arempebe no município de Camaçari na Bahia — Arempebe Beach in the municipality of Camaçari, Bahia

Praia do centro urbano do vilarejo de Arembepe — The beach in the centre of the village of Arembepe

Videos about the village of Arembepe

Arembepe o paraíso é aqui!03:40

Praia de Arembepe em Camaçari03:04

Hippie Village: history and experience

The Arembepe Hippie Village flourished in the 1960s and 1970s and welcomed many distinguished visitors. Today, nestled between the dunes and the Capivara River, around 60 residents live in rustic huts, producing handicrafts and organising cultural activities.

Practical tips:

Visit the village in the morning to soak up the atmosphere of the craft markets.
Buy items directly from the artisans and ask about local workshops and demonstrations.

Aldeia Hippie de Arembepe — Arembepe Hippie Village

Tamar Project: site visit and environmental education

Arembepe is home to one of the Tamar Project’s historic centres (since 1982). The centre offers exhibitions, interactive tanks and guided tours — a great option for families and schools.

Practical tips:

Check the visiting hours and any cub release events taking place during the season.
Please respect the marked nesting areas and follow the guides’ instructions.

Beaches and natural pools

Main beaches:

Praia Central — reefs that form natural pools at low tide; ideal for swimming and families.
Piruí — waves for surfing and a more secluded setting.
Canto Beach — a coral reef and a peaceful sunset.
Capivara River — great for swimming when the water is high.

Praia do Piruí no vilarejo de Arembepe — Piruí Beach in the village of Arembepe

Praia do Canto — bancada de corais e pôr do sol tranquilo — Canto Beach — a coral reef and a peaceful sunset

Rio Capivara em Arembepe — Capivara River in Arembepe

Village, cuisine and crafts

The town centre features a revitalised square, the Church of St Francis of Assisi, craft shops and restaurants specialising in seafood. Recommended spots: the Craft Centre and the traditional Bar do Alceu.

Food tip: try moquecas, shrimp bobó and acarajé made by local cooks.

Nature, birdwatching and hiking trails

Arembepe forms part of the North Coast Environmental Protection Area (APA), featuring sandbanks, mangroves and dunes. It is ideal for nature walks, birdwatching and guided tours led by local guides.

Cultural events and heritage

In the summer, there are fairs, moonlight gatherings and events celebrating the history of the hippie village. There are local initiatives to have the village recognised as a cultural heritage site — keep an eye on the local association’s social media for the programme.

How to get there and practical tips

Distance: ~42 km from Salvador (Luís Eduardo Magalhães Airport ≈ 40 minutes via the BA-099, Estrada do Coco).
Transport: hire car, taxi, ride-hailing apps or city bus (see up-to-date timetables).
Best time to visit: September to March — warm weather and calmer seas.
What to bring: sun cream, a hat, insect repellent, walking shoes and cash for the markets.
Environmental responsibility: do not walk on the reefs, respect spawning grounds and take your rubbish away with you.

mapa do município de Camaçari na Bahia — map of the municipality of Camaçari in Bahia

mapa de Arembepe na Bahia — Map of Arembepe in Bahia

A practical 1-day itinerary

Morning: a visit to the Hippie Village and the Craft Centre.
Afternoon: natural pools at Praia Central; surfing at Piruí (optional).
Sunset: Canto Beach or the banks of the Capivara River.
Evening: dinner with live music in the town centre.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 10/05/2026 · Updated on 19/05/2026