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 […]
Discovery Coast
Discovery Coast in Bahia
The Discovery Coast, located in the extreme south of Bahia, is considered the cradle of Brazilian history, where the Portuguese first landed in 1500.
The region is famous for its natural beauty, historical heritage and living indigenous culture, and includes cities such as Porto Seguro, Santa Cruz Cabrália and Belmonte.
Main tourist attractions
The Costa do Descobrimento is the ideal destination for those who want to combine beautiful beaches, Brazilian history, indigenous culture and fun, all in a setting of exuberant nature.
1. Porto Seguro
Porto Seguro is the region’s main tourist destination, known for its trendy beaches such as Taperapuã and Mutá, its lively nightlife and its historic centre, home to centuries-old churches and the famous Landmark of Discovery.
2. Arraial d’Ajuda
The charming village of Arraial d’Ajuda enchants with its paradisiacal beaches such as Pitinga and Mucugê, cobbled streets, craft shops and relaxed atmosphere.
3. Trancoso
Trancoso is a sophisticated and rustic destination, famous for its Quadrado – a lawn surrounded by colourful houses and a historic church – and beaches such as Praia dos Coqueiros and Praia do Espelho.
4. Santa Cruz Cabrália
Santa Cruz Cabrália maintains strong links with its historical past, offering cultural tours such as Pataxó da Jaqueira Village and beautiful beaches such as Coroa Vermelha Beach, where the first mass in Brazil was celebrated.
5. Belmonte
Belmonte is a quiet town with deserted beaches, mangroves and the beautiful Jequitinhonha River, ideal for those looking for ecotourism and contact with nature.
6. Culture and History
The Costa do Descobrimento is characterised by its rich historical heritage, the strong presence of the indigenous Pataxó culture, its folkloric manifestations and traditional festivals, as well as the delicious Bahian cuisine with indigenous and Portuguese influences.
Paragliding at Pitinga Beach in Arraial d’Ajuda
Praia da Pitinga is one of the most beautiful beaches in Arraial d’Ajuda, a district of Porto Seguro, Bahia. Located about 3 km from the centre, it is known for its stunning coloured cliffs, warm, transparent, waters and golden sands. The cliffs surrounding the beach were formed millions of years […]
Trancoso is a small paradise discovered by hippies
Trancoso is a little piece of paradise, discovered by hippies in the 1970s, that still retains its idyllic essence. Founded by the Jesuits in the 17th century, this charming village is situated on a plateau overlooking the beautiful sea. Local life revolves around the Quadrado, a large grassy area where […]
Porto Seguro: history, paradise beaches and fun all year round!
Porto Seguro in Bahia is one of Brazil’s main tourist destinations and is always in a festive mood. Porto Seguro is one of the most important tourist destinations in Brazil for several reasons: Historical importance – Porto Seguro is considered the place where Pedro Álvares Cabral landed in 1500, marking […]
Porto Seguro’s nightlife: Where to have fun
The nightlife in Porto Seguro is vibrant, with plenty of options to suit all tastes. The fun starts in the early evening at the Passarela do Descobrimento (formerly the Passarela do Álcool), located in the city’s centre. This street is characterised by its 17th century colonial buildings that house bars […]
Discovering Brazil – Porto Seguro is the beginning of Brazil
Its history is directly linked to the Discovery of Brazil, being one of the first points of the territory sighted and explored by the Portuguese in 1500. The region inhabited by the Tupiniquins was the scene of the first contact between Europeans and indigenous peoples, marking the beginning of Portuguese […]
Santa Cruz de Cabrália has lush beaches and history
Santa Cruz Cabrália is quieter than neighbouring Porto Seguro and has a lot to offer tourists. Located on the Discovery Coast, its main attractions include paradisiacal beaches, such as Praia da Coroa Vermelha, and a rich historic centre. Santa Cruz Cabrália is located 23 kilometres north of Porto Seguro. As […]
Vila de Santo André in Bahia: Complete Travel Guide
Vila de Santo André, in the municipality of Santa Cruz Cabrália, Bahia, is an oasis of peace and natural beauty. Located approximately 30 km north of Porto Seguro, it can be reached by ferry across the João de Tiba River, providing a smooth transition from the hectic pace of neighbouring […]
Caraíva: A rustic and unspoilt paradise in the south of Bahia
Caraíva enchants with its unspoilt beauty and rustic, authentic atmosphere. Located on the south coast of Bahia, 70 kilometres from Porto Seguro, the sandy village maintains a simple lifestyle in harmony with nature. Caraíva is an isolated and charming village With a population of around 2,000, Caraíva is a small […]
Belmonte’s Rich History and Cultural Heritage
Located in the south of Bahia, the municipality of Belmonte is one of the extremities of the Costa do Descobrimento, bordering Canavieiras to the north and Santa Cruz Cabrália to the south. The city is known for its natural beauty, historical heritage and rich culture. Video about Belmonte in Bahia […]
Complete Guide to Visiting Arraial d’Ajuda in Bahia
Arraial d’Ajuda is a charming village in the municipality of Porto Seguro in Bahia, known for its beautiful beaches, cosy atmosphere and rich culture. Details about Arraial d’Ajuda Location: Arraial d’Ajuda is located in the municipality of Porto Seguro, on the Discovery Coast, in the state of Bahia, in north-eastern […]
Tourist Attractions on the Discovery Coast in Bahia
The Discovery Coast, located in the south of Bahia, is a region of great historical importance and natural beauty. It was in this area that Pedro Álvares Cabral’s squadron sighted Mount Pascoal on 22 April 1500, marking the beginning of Brazil’s history. The region includes the municipalities of Santa Cruz […]
Cultura dos Índios Pataxós na Costa do Descobrimento
The Pataxós Indians are one of the most traditional indigenous peoples of Bahia and have occupied the Discovery Coast region, which stretches from Belmonte to Prado, for centuries. Despite the effects of colonisation and the expansion of tourism, the Pataxós have kept their traditions alive, resisting through cultural preservation, the […]
Monte Pascoal National Park: Pataxó culture and Brazilian history
The Monte Pascoal National Park is located in the extreme south of Bahia, between the cities of Porto Seguro and Prado, and covers an area of 22,383 hectares. Its natural area offers a great variety of landscapes and unique scenic beauties, such as the Beach of Aldeia de Barra Velha, […]
Discovery Route in Bahia: History, Culture and Tourism
The Rota do Descobrimento (Route of Discovery) includes the municipalities of Belmonte, Porto Seguro, Santa Cruz de Cabrália, Trancoso, Arraial d’Ajuda, among others, and is the second largest tourist destination in Bahia. The name “Rota do Descobrimento” refers to the historic milestone in 1500, when the Portuguese arrived in Brazil, led […]
Coast of Discovery: Bahia’s Historical Treasures
Considered the cradle of Brazilian history, the Coast of Discovery is a region in the south of Bahia that includes cities such as Porto Seguro, Santa Cruz Cabrália, Arraial d’Ajuda, Trancoso and the Island of Comandatuba. In 1999, the region was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO, highlighting […]
Descobrimento National Park in Bahia: A Natural Heritage Site
The Descobrimento National Park is located in the extreme south of Bahia, in one of the last remaining areas of Atlantic Forest in the state. The region, which has been heavily impacted by loggers and hunters, still retains a large area of intact forest, which is essential for the preservation […]