Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Barra do Cahy: Brazil’s first beach – history and nature

Barra do Cahy is located in the municipality of Prado, on the Costa das Baleias, in the extreme south of Bahia. The region is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, paradisiacal beaches and historical significance.

Besides the city of Prado, which has 84 kilometres of lush beaches, the district of Cumuruxatiba and the parish of Corumbau stand out.

The municipalities bordering Prado are Alcobaça, Itamaraju, Porto Seguro and Veredo.

Barra do Cahy is 18 kilometres from Cumuruxatiba and is a paradise destination with a beach of crystal clear waters where the Cahy River meets the sea. The landscape is characterised by imposing cliffs and lush coconut palms, creating a stunning setting.

From the sea at Barra do Cahy you can see Monte Pascoal, which is about 62 kilometres from Porto Seguro.

According to historical records, this was the first piece of land discovered by Pedro Álvares Cabral’s squadron in 1500, making the region a landmark in Brazilian history.

Video – Why is Barra do Cahy the first beach in Brazil?

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Por que Barra do Cahy, na Bahia, é a primeira praia do Brasil?

Barra do Cahy - Drone

Barra do Cahy - Reportagem02:44

Barra do Cahy - Drone03:51

Barra do Cahy beach

Barra do Cahy Beach has been given the official title of “Brazil’s First Beach” in recognition of the fact that it was one of the first places the Portuguese landed.

According to historians, it was here that the Portuguese made their first contact with the Tupiniquin Indians, one of the most significant moments in the discovery of Brazil.

Cabral’s landing at Praia do Cahy

Praia do Cahy is considered the greatest symbol of the Discovery Coast, as its mouth was the landing place for Pedro Álvares Cabral’s squadron on 22 April 1500.

The landing was led by Nicolau Coelho, one of the captains of the fleet, who made the first contact with the Tupiniquin Indians.

From this point, the Portuguese discovered the Monte Pascoal, located in what is now the Monte Pascoal National Park.

The crew remained moored on the shores of the Carapeba Coral Reef for 40 hours until the morning of 24 April. During this time they explored the region, observing the natural riches and the indigenous people.

The mouth of the Cahy River was named by the Portuguese crew in reference to the nightfall on April 22nd 1500, the exact moment of their arrival. Monte Pascoal, on the other hand, was named by the Portuguese navigators in honour of Easter Week.

After this first stop, Cabral’s squadron spent another 40 hours in Porto Seguro, where they found a safe anchorage, and then headed for the Mulho do Mutari, in Coroa Vermelha, where the Portuguese stayed for six days before continuing their journey.

With its rich history and natural beauty, Barra do Cahy is one of the most important destinations on the Discovery Coast, offering an experience that combines leisure and culture.

Cahy River

The Cahy River is one of the great natural attractions of the region. Its springs are located in the Descobrimento and Monte Pascoal National Parks, guaranteeing extremely clean and uncontaminated waters.

One of the most recommended excursions is snorkelling in the waters of the Cahy River, which offers a unique experience of contact with nature and the history of the region.

Due to its well-preserved natural features, it is believed that the river retains aspects similar to those of the time of discovery.

Bahia.ws – Tourist Guide to Salvador, Bahia and the Northeast

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 09/03/2017 · Updated on 26/03/2025

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