Tourist Guide to Bahia and Salvador

Bahia — Tourism Guide, Beaches, Culture and Itineraries

Bahia is one of Brazil’s richest destinations: it combines idyllic beaches, historic centres, unique cuisine and unique cultural festivals.

In this category, you will find practical guides by region — Salvador, Chapada Diamantina, north and south coast — as well as itineraries, tour suggestions, accommodation tips, safety and transport information.

What to see and do

  • Salvador: Pelourinho, Farol da Barra, popular festivals and gastronomy.
  • Chapada Diamantina: trails, waterfalls and ecotourism.
  • North coast: beaches and islands, such as Praia do Forte and Itacaré.
  • South coast: Trancoso, Arraial d’Ajuda and historic centres.
  • Cultural experiences: music, religious festivals, handicrafts and Bahian cuisine.

Practical tips

  • Best time to visit: check the region; the coast is ideal in the dry season; festivals such as Carnival and São João require advance bookings.
  • Transport: flights to the main centres and travel by bus, car and ferry; plan your travel between regions.
  • Safety and health: ask for local information, avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas and take sunscreen and hydration for outings in the sun.
  • Gastronomy: try acarajé, moqueca, bobó and regional sweets in traditional establishments.

Explore the articles in this category to put together itineraries based on your available time and interests.

Chapada Diamantina

Tourist Information about Chapada Diamantina

Discover the Chapada Diamantina: a paradise of biodiversity and adventure in Bahia The landscape of the Chapada Diamantina, world famous for its rich biodiversity, is made up of mountainous landscapes, free falls, underground lakes, as well as a large number of springs, waterfalls, rapids, canyons and caves. These characteristics make […]

Chapada Diamantina

Trekking – Popular trails in Chapada Diamantina

Many of the Brazilians and foreigners who visit the caves, waterfalls, rivers, valleys and mountains of Chapada Diamantina do so to practise sports such as trekking, mountain biking, canoeing and abseiling. The former quilombo settlements attract tourists interested in typical dishes and popular festivals. Visual artists, esotericists and people seeking […]

Chapada Diamantina

Trail to Buracão Waterfall in Chapada Diamantina

Discover the Buracão Waterfall Trail: An unforgettable adventure in the Chapada Diamantina The Trail to the Buracão Waterfall is one of the most fascinating in the region and offers an unforgettable experience. Located in the municipality of Ibicoara, the trail combines adventure and natural beauty, passing through impressive canyons, rivers […]

All Saints Bay

Bahia Pantanal: A Hidden Ecological Gem

Bahia Pantanal Ecological Reserve: A natural paradise of rivers, beaches and biodiversity The Pantanal Baiano Ecological Sanctuary is a fascinating place formed by the mouth of several rivers, including the Jaguaripe River, as well as beaches and the Atlantic Forest. Access to the Pantanal Access to the reserve is via […]

All Saints Bay

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 […]

All Saints Bay

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 […]

Salvador de Bahia

Interesting places to visit in Salvador

Discover interesting places in Salvador: A complete guide to the capital of Bahia History and culture Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty, making it a tourist destination full of interesting places to visit. Stunning beaches Beautiful beaches? Of course Salvador has […]

All Saints Bay

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 […]

Principais pontos turísticos de Salvador da Bahia
Salvador de Bahia

Tourist Attractions and Architectural Heritage of Salvador, Bahia

Salvador, Brazil’s first capital, is a city marked by its rich history, vibrant culture and impressive architecture. Salvador’s tourist attractions and architectural heritage reflect the diversity of influences that have shaped the city over the centuries, from Portuguese colonisation to its Afro-Brazilian heritage. Salvador has countless tourist attractions, architectural heritage, […]

Culture, history and religion of the Brazilian Northeast

Candomblé: A Blend of African and Catholic Traditions

Candomblé: An Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religion that developed in the 19th century, particularly in Brazil, from a mixture of African religious traditions brought by slaves, mainly from the region of modern-day Benin and Nigeria, with elements of Catholicism and indigenous traditions. Origins and cultural resistance Its origins […]

Culture, history and religion of the Brazilian Northeast

The Origins of Umbanda: Brazilian History, Beliefs and Practices

Umbanda, by virtue of its origins, is a genuinely Brazilian religion Umbanda is a Brazilian religion, which emerged in the early 20th century, characterised by syncretism between elements of spiritualism, Afro-Brazilian cults, indigenous traditions and influences from popular Catholicism. Its core purpose is charity, peace and harmony, emphasising the connection […]

Culture, history and religion of the Brazilian Northeast, Tourist Guide to Bahia and Salvador

The dress of the Baianas is influenced by African culture

The Baiana costume: A cultural expression The costume worn by baianas, often called baiano, reflects the influence of African culture in Brazil, combined with the swaying hips and swaying gait characteristic of samba. Traditional Baiana costume The traditional costume of the baiana is a set of traditional clothes and is […]