Em Salinas da Margarida e Barra do Paraguaçu é possível ver as águas doces do rio Paraguaçu correrem serenas para o interior da Baía de Todos os Santos após percorrerem mais de 400 km desde o centro geográfico baiano, berço de mais da metade dos rios do estado.
All Saints Bay
All Saints Bay: Natural Beauty and History
The Bay of All Saints combines lush nature and historical monuments in one of Brazil’s most enchanting destinations. Islands, forts and cities reveal the vibrant soul of Bahia, offering beaches, culture and unforgettable experiences by the sea.
Enchanting islands in the Bay of All Saints
Each island has unique landscapes, history and beaches perfect for relaxing.
- Itaparica Island: tranquil beaches, medicinal waters and a historic centre with colonial churches and old houses.
- Ilha dos Frades: crystal clear sea, preserved Atlantic Forest and the historic Church of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe (17th century).
- Ilha de Maré: Afro-Brazilian traditions, fishing communities, and beaches such as Praia de Botelho and Praia das Neves.
Historical monuments and forts in the bay
Fortifications and architectural complexes that tell the story of the region.
- Fort of São Marcelo: the only round fort in the Americas, known as the “Fort of the Sea”.
- Fort of Santo Antônio da Barra: home to the Barra Lighthouse, an icon of Salvador.
- Solar do Unhão: colonial complex on the shores of the bay, home to the Bahia Museum of Modern Art.
- Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia: one of the oldest churches in Salvador, near the pier.
Historic towns and local culture
- Salvador: Brazil’s first capital — Pelourinho, Lacerda Lift and Mercado Modelo facing the bay.
- Cachoeira: a listed city with colonial architecture on the banks of the Paraguaçu River.
- Itaparica: history, local culture and beautiful beaches.
Nautical experiences and activities
Activities for all tastes and ages:
- Schooner trips around the islands.
- Diving on reefs and shipwrecks.
- Water sports: sailing and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Gastronomy: moqueca, acarajé and seafood by the sea.
Plan your visit
For more information, see our Bahia Tourism Guide
Tourism in São Francisco do Conde (BA) — Tips and Attractions
São Francisco do Conde, a municipality in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador (BA), combines historical heritage, natural beauty and the traditions of the Recôncavo Baiano. With its islands, mangroves, stretches of Atlantic Forest and coastline, the city is the ideal destination for those seeking ecotourism, colonial history and traditional cuisine. […]
Todos-os-Santos Bay (Bahia) — History, geography and conservation
Todos-os-Santos Bay, situated in the state of Bahia, is Brazil’s largest bay and an important ecosystem and historical centre. Its area is commonly cited as approximately 1,223 km² (some sources mention 1,233 km²) and it has an average depth of approximately 9.8 m, with depths reaching 42 m. Diving visibility […]
Todos os Santos Bay: Nature, History, Culture and Tourism
The Todos os Santos Bay and its recesses are an immense amphitheatre where nature, history and culture come together to form a beautiful setting for nautical tourism and ecotourism activities. This magnificent setting is made up of a vast expanse of calm waters from which 56 islands emerge. There are […]
Bay of Todos os Santos: nature, history and cultur
The Bay of Todos os Santos and its recôncavos form a vast natural amphitheatre where nature, history and culture intertwine, creating an ideal setting for water-based tourism and ecotourism. The bay is home to calm waters and around 56 islands. In addition, there are beaches, mangrove swamps, sandbanks, forests, rivers […]
Tourist Guide to the Pantanal in Bahia — Jaguaripe (BA) | Mangroves, Fishing and Excursions
The Bahian Pantanal Ecological Sanctuary is a coastal complex formed by the mouths of rivers such as the Jaguaripe River. The landscape comprises extensive mangrove forests, navigable channels, streams, white sandy beaches and patches of Atlantic Forest, creating an environment of great ecological and visual value. How to get there […]
Maré Island (Bay of Todos os Santos) — beaches, culture and how to get there
Maré Island forms part of the Baía de Todos os Santos archipelago; it belongs to Salvador and is around 30 minutes by boat away (depending on the point of departure). Covering approximately 14 km², it is a destination renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty, traditional communities and historical heritage. Location […]
Island of Fear: Mysteries and Hauntings
Island of Fear (Baía de Todos os Santos) — History, Legends and Environmental Protection Island of Fear is a small island situated in Baía de Todos os Santos, in the state of Bahia. Known for its mysterious name, the island combines history, ancient ruins and nature reserves — attracting researchers, […]
Itaparica Island — Complete Guide: History, Beaches and Tips
Itaparica Island is the largest island in the Bay of Todos os Santos and a destination that combines colonial history, reef-protected beaches, mangroves and local culture. Straddling the municipalities of Itaparica and Vera Cruz, the island offers options for those seeking relaxation, ecotourism and historical itineraries just a short distance […]
History of the island of Itaparica in the Bay of All Saints
The history of Itaparica Island, located in the Bay of All Saints, is marked by a rich intertwining of cultures and significant events, from pre-colonial times to the present day. The first inhabitants Initially inhabited by the Tupinambás, the island became a strategic point for the Portuguese at the beginning […]
Documentary about Itaparica Island na Bahia
The Island of Itaparica was discovered by Europeans on 1 November 1501 by Amerigo Vespucci, along with the Bay of All Saints. However, the island was already occupied by the Tupinambá Indians. European occupation The European occupation of the island of Itaparica began with a small settlement founded by the […]
Ilha dos Frades – History, Beaches and Attractions
The Ilha dos Frades: A natural and historical paradise Ilha dos Frades, in the heart of the Bay of All Saints, is a natural and historical paradise. With its lush landscape full of paradise beaches, crystal clear waters and rich biodiversity, the island also preserves traces of its colonial past. […]
Tourist information about Bom Jesus dos Passos Island
Discover Bom Jesus dos Passos Island: A peaceful retreat in Todos os Santos Bay The Island of Bom Jesus dos Passos, located in the Bay of All Saints, is a small, peaceful island just a 10-minute boat ride from Madre de Deus and close to the Island of the Brothers. […]
Santo Amaro in the Recôncavo Baiano and its history
Santo Amaro, located in the Recôncavo Baiano, is a town rich in history, culture and traditions. Founded in the 16th century on the banks of the Subaé River, the city’s past is linked to the sugar cane cycle, which has driven its economic and architectural development. As well as being […]
Madre de Deus: a paradise in the Recôncavo Baiano
The municipality of Madre de Deus is located 63 kilometres from Salvador. A district of the Bahian capital until 1989, the region boasts natural riches that impress visitors at first sight, when the first stretch of sea is revealed. Part of the Baía de Todos-os-Santos (Bay of All Saints), it […]
Candeias: History of the Feast of Our Lady
The town of Candeias, located in the bay of Todos os Santos, attracts thousands of worshippers and revellers every year during the religious festival of Nossa Senhora das Candeias, a celebration that mixes the sacred and the profane, accompanied by much joy and excitement. The colonisation of the region began […]
City of Cachoeira: Bahia’s Hidden Historical Treasure
The city of Cachoeira is a National Monument. The city of Cachoeira, in Bahia, is considered a National Monument, listed by the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage in 1971. Location and architecture Located in the Recôncavo Sul, after Salvador, it is the city in Bahia with the most […]
Discover the beauty and diversity of the Bay of All Saints
All Saints Bay: A natural and cultural treasure The Bay of All Saints is the largest bay in Brazil, both in terms of area (1,052 km²) and cultural diversity. It is rich in handicrafts, history, colonial architecture (such as churches, fortresses and beautiful colonial mansions) and ecosystems that offer breathtaking […]
Main islands of Todos os Santos Bay
Todos os Santos Bay is the second largest bay in the world and the largest on the Brazilian coast. Discovered on 1st November 1501, the bay was named to coincide with All Saints Day. Located in the state of Bahia, Todos os Santos Bay is a depression in the Brazilian […]
Latest posts
-
Rio Vermelho is Salvador’s trendiest and most bohemian neighbourhood
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is Salvador’s main hub for bohemian life and dining, bringing together bars, restaurants, acarajé stalls, small
-
The History of Lençóis in the Chapada Diamantina — Origins, the Diamond Cycle and Heritage
Lençóis is the gateway to the Chapada Diamantina. The town was founded when diamond deposits were discovered in Mucugê in the mid-19th century. At
-
Ponta de Humaitá — Lighthouse, church and the best sunset in Salvador
Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming spots in Salvador, situated near Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe peninsula. With a stunning view of
-
Pelourinho: what to do in Salvador’s Historic Centre
A practical guide to things to do in Pelourinho: Baroque churches, museums, squares, a suggested itinerary and tips for making the most of
-
Discover the 23 beaches of Salvador — A complete guide and tips
The beaches of Salvador, Bahia, offer 50 km of coastline with something for everyone: beaches with calm waters perfect for families, reefs that form
-
Arembepe: beaches (Piruí, Praia do Canto), Hippie Village and the Tamar Project
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
-
7-day itinerary in Salvador and the surrounding area: Pelourinho, the islands and Praia do Forte
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together — the perfect setting for
-
Bahia Maritime Museum: History of Navigation at the Barra Lighthouse
Bahia Maritime Museum: what you need to know before visiting Housed within the iconic Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Maritime Museum is one of
-
4 Must-See Museums in Salvador: Art, History and Culture
A quick cultural guide to Salvador’s most popular museums, with practical tips on how to make the most of each visit. Salvador is a cultural hub
-
Paranaguá Palace — History, architecture and visiting information in Ilhéus (BA)
Paranaguá Palace — Ilhéus (Bahia) Paranaguá Palace, listed by the Bahia Institute of Artistic and Cultural Heritage (IPAC), is one of the
