Enjoy Salvador’s parks and squares. Discover the rich variety of green spaces and enjoy moments of leisure, culture and relaxation. Green areas and open spaces are a good alternative to exploring the city’s parks to enjoy the surroundings and make the most of your leisure time, as well as enjoying […]
Bahia Travel Guide
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.
A History of the Forts and Lighthouses of Salvador (Bahia)
1. History of the Forts of Salvador, Bahia The city of Salvador was founded with defence in mind: the Portuguese colonisers’ aim was to secure sovereignty over the territory. For this reason, the forts became the central elements of the colonial capital’s defensive system. Trenches, bastions and towers, positioned at […]
Places of interest in Salvador — A comprehensive guide
Discover the Must-See Places in Salvador: A Complete Guide to the Capital of Bahia History and culture Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is rich in history, culture and natural beauty, making it a destination brimming with interesting places to visit. Stunning beaches Salvador boasts stunning beaches, such as Praia do […]
Tourist attractions for children in Salvador: Fun and learning
Salvador combines history, culture and nature in activities that are perfect for families. We have selected attractions that combine fun and learning, with practical information to help you plan outings with children and teenagers. Tourist attractions for children and families 1. Monteiro Lobato Children’s Library — reading and workshops A […]
Main islands of Todos os Santos Bay | Visitor’s Guide
Todos os Santos Bay is the largest bay in Brazil. It was first recorded by Europeans on 1 November 1501 — it was given this name because it coincided with All Saints’ Day. Located in the state of Bahia, it is of great historical, ecological and economic importance. The bay […]
Find out how to celebrate Carnival in Salvador, Bahia
Salvador Carnival: Brazil’s largest popular festival Celebrating Carnival in Salvador is a unique experience. The Salvador Carnival is one of the biggest popular festivals in Brazil, very well organised and attracting more than 2.5 million revellers to the streets of Salvador. The joy of Bahia “Ah! Imagine, what a crazy […]
Prostitution, sex, massage parlours and nightclubs in Salvador
Salvador, one of Brazil’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities, offers a wide range of experiences and practices related to prostitution, sex, massage parlours, bars and nightclubs. This landscape is shaped by the city’s diversity and the interaction between its different urban, cultural and social environments. General context Prostitution in […]
History of the Church and Convent of São Francisco in Salvador
Church and Convent of São Francisco — History, features and the beauty of the Baroque style in Salvador The Church and Convent of São Francisco, begun in the 17th century and completed in the 18th, are one of the finest examples of Portuguese Baroque architecture in Brazil and the most […]
Pelourinho (Salvador) — Historical Guide, Architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Pelourinho is a traditional neighbourhood in Salvador, the capital of Bahia, located in the heart of the Historic Centre of Salvador. Renowned worldwide for its colonial architecture in the Portuguese Baroque style, Pelourinho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in […]
History of the Founding of Salvador, Bahia – History of Brazil
The history of the founding of Salvador, Bahia, began as a fortified city, or at least that was the intention of King João III of Portugal. As the capital or “head” of Brazil, its defence was a constant concern. The prominence of the fortifications in the landscape of the city […]
Salvador’s Historic Centre, Pelourinho, Baroque churches and museum
Founded in 1549 by Tomé de Souza, the Historic Centre of Salvador is home to monuments dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, offering tourism in Salvador centred on history, Baroque churches and must-see museums. The difference between Salvador, the Historic Centre and Pelourinho Salvador is the city as […]
The Secret History of Salvador, Bahia: Caramuru and the City’s Early Day
Diogo Álvares Correia, better known as Caramuru, is a central figure in the secret history of Salvador, Bahia. Hidden fragments of history remain in the city’s streets, squares and monuments — stories that we will reveal here. The first encounters in Todos os Santos Bay In 1501, Amerigo Vespucci discovered […]
Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos — History, architecture and religious art
The Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos, situated in the historic centre of Salvador, is one of the finest examples of Brazilian colonial Baroque architecture. The Brotherhood dates back to the 16th century (c. 1580) and, from the early 18th century onwards, began work on its own headquarters in Terreiro […]
Tourist attractions and architectural heritage of Salvador (BA
Salvador, Brazil’s first capital, is a city with a rich history, a vibrant culture and impressive architecture. Its tourist attractions and architectural heritage reflect a blend of influences — from Portuguese colonisation to Afro-Brazilian heritage — and attract visitors from all over the world. Overview Salvador boasts beaches, historic sites, […]
History of the Senhor do Bonfim Ribbons — Origin, Meaning and Traditions
Lord of Bonfim ribbons: History and Meaning The ribbons of Senhor do Bonfim are amulets of faith and tradition that have a long and rich history, especially associated with the city of Salvador, in Bahia, and the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. Video about the history of Senhor do […]
History of the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim in Salvador
Introduction The Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim isn’t the prettiest, but it is certainly the most famous in Salvador due to the traditional “Lavagem do Bonfim”, a celebration marked by Baianas throwing water on the steps of the church during a festival that lasts all day, enlivened by afoxé […]
Tourist Regions of Bahia: Discover the diversity of the state
Bahia is one of Brazil’s most diverse states in terms of tourism, with its 13 tourist regions offering visitors a wide variety of experiences. Tourist regions of Bahia Salvador – The state capital, famous for its colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture, carnival and beaches. Baía de Todos os Santos – The […]
Tourist Areas in Bahia – Tourist Guide
Tourism in Bahia is characterised by the fact that the state is one of the most important tourist centres in Brazil. Bahia has an immense variety of landscapes, cultural traditions and attractions, allowing it to be divided into tourist areas, each with a name characteristic of its main physical and […]
Origin and History of Capoeira in Brazil Explained
Capoeira: an Afro-Brazilian cultural expression Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian cultural expression that combines elements of martial arts, dance, music and acrobatics. Origin of Capoeira The origins of Capoeira are closely linked to the history of the African slaves brought to Brazil. From the 16th century, thousands of Africans were forced […]
The War of Canudos: Rescuing historical memory
War of Canudos: Bahia revives the village of Canudos Bahia will build its first scenographic city in honour of Canudos. The State Secretary for Tourism, Domingos Leonelli, announced that the project to build the city will represent the village of Canudos, in the hinterland, and also aims to revive the […]








