Camaçari, Bahia: Beaches, Arembepe and Things to Do

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Camaçari (BA): beaches, history and things to do

Camaçari is a municipality in the Região Metropolitana de Salvador (Salvador Metropolitan Region), in Bahia, and its town center lies about 42 km from the state capital. Although it is known across the country for its Polo Industrial (Industrial Hub), the municipality also surprises visitors with 42 km of coastline, featuring beaches such as Arembepe, Guarajuba, Itacimirim, Barra do Jacuípe and Jauá.

In general, the beaches lie along the Estrada do Coco (BA-099), which connects the region to Salvador and Praia do Forte. As a result, the municipality combines urban infrastructure, nature and culture, so it appeals both to those looking for peace and quiet and to those who enjoy a lively scene.

Quick summary – Camaçari (BA)

Location: Região Metropolitana de Salvador, with its town center about 42 km from the capital.
Population: 300,372 inhabitants (IBGE Census 2022).
Coastline: 42 km, reached via the Estrada do Coco (BA-099).
Beaches: Arembepe, Guarajuba, Itacimirim, Barra do Jacuípe and Jauá.
Highlights: Aldeia Hippie de Arembepe and the natural pools of Guarajuba.
Economy: Polo Industrial, with petrochemicals, tires and the BYD car factory.

History and development

First of all, the city was founded in 1558 as a Jesuit mission village, the Aldeia do Divino Espírito Santo, created to catechize the Tupinambá Indigenous people. Then, in 1758, a decree by the Marquis of Pombal raised the settlement to the status of a town, under the name Nova Abrantes do Espírito Santo. Finally, in 1938, the municipality was renamed Camaçari, after a tree native to the region.

Later, in the 1960s and 1970s, Arembepe beach attracted hippies and artists from Brazil and abroad. At the same time, the city began to change its profile with the arrival of industry.

The Polo Industrial de Camaçari

In 1978, the Polo Petroquímico de Camaçari (Camaçari Petrochemical Complex) began operating as the first planned petrochemical complex in Brazil. Today, the Polo Industrial brings together more than 80 companies and therefore makes the municipality one of the largest industrial centers in the country.

Ford had its largest factory in Brazil there from 2001 until 2021, when it ended production in the country.
Afterwards, the complex was taken over by the Chinese company BYD, which opened its electric and hybrid car factory in October 2025.
In addition, tire factories such as Continental and Bridgestone are also located in the municipality.

Videos about the tourist attractions of Camaçari

Camaçari - Guia de Turismo02:16

Praias imperdíveis em Camaçari BA25:49

Arembepe o paraíso é aqui!03:40

Barra do Jacuípe em Camaçari02:15

Barra do Jacuípe - Guia de Turismo14:44

Praia de Guarajuba em Camaçari04:07

Praia de Jauá em Camaçari01:58

ALDEIA HIPPIE de Arembepe BA25:49

Praia de Itacimirim na Bahia05:24

map of the municipality of Camaçari in Bahia

See the map of the Costa dos Coqueiros

Tourism and infrastructure

For its part, tourism developed from the old fishing villages along the coast, many of which have natural pools. Today, the municipality offers options for those looking for:

Nightlife and fun, in the bars and during summer on the busiest beaches;
Water sports, such as surfing, canoeing and fishing;
Peace and quiet, on the beaches with natural pools.

Moreover, accommodation includes guesthouses, resorts and vacation rentals, many of them in beachfront gated communities.

Aldeia Hippie de Arembepe

The municipality’s main tourist landmark is the Aldeia Hippie de Arembepe (Arembepe Hippie Village), which still preserves the alternative spirit of the 1960s and 1970s. Find out more in the Arembepe guide.

The beaches around the village have strong waves. On the other hand, during the rainy season you can cool off in the river and the lagoons. Meanwhile, the Projeto Tamar base (Tamar Project), created in the 1980s, operated in Arembepe for decades, but ICMBio closed it in 2020.

Likewise, the handicraft center is lively and offers:

unique handicraft pieces;
information about accommodation;
alternative restaurants and bars.

Over the decades, many artists have passed through Arembepe, such as:

the Novos Baianos (Baby Consuelo, Pepeu Gomes, Moraes Moreira and Paulinho Boca de Cantor);
Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil;
Janis Joplin and Mick Jagger.

In fact, the village residents are welcoming and often host live music and cultural experiences.

Take home a souvenir and support the local economy, because it depends heavily on tourism.

Beaches of Camaçari

In general, much of the coastline has dunes, lagoons and environmentally protected areas. At high tide, moreover, the waves breaking on the reefs form a white foam known as “véu de noiva” (bridal veil).

1. Praia de Arembepe

Above all, it preserves its original hippie atmosphere and its handicraft trade.
In total, it is about 7 km long.
There are natural pools along the Arembepe waterfront and at Praia de Piruí.
In addition, some stretches of open sea attract surfers.

2. Barra do Jacuípe

First and foremost, it is surrounded by dunes and coconut groves, with unspoiled nature.
At the mouth of the rio Jacuípe, the atmosphere is calm.
However, the sea is rough and dangerous for swimming, although it is great for surfing.
On the river, on the other hand, you can go canoeing and fishing.
Finally, it also has guesthouses, shops and a handicraft fair.

3. Praia de Guarajuba

It has coconut groves, white sand and natural pools at low tide.
In 2019, it received the international Bandeira Azul (Blue Flag) certification.
Besides that, the village has tree-lined streets, a bike path, bars and restaurants.
See the complete guide to Praia de Guarajuba.

4. Praia de Itacimirim

It is easy to reach and, just like Guarajuba, it is very popular.
Today, it has gated communities and a growing number of guesthouses.
In addition, it has natural pools and stretches with bigger waves.

5. Praia de Jauá

It is the closest to Salvador and, for this reason, very popular with young people in summer, especially at sunset.
It also has several bars and restaurants along the waterfront.
Furthermore, the sea is calm, with clear waters and reefs.
Therefore, it is a good option for families with children.

Lastly, to discover other beaches in the region, also see the beaches near Salvador and the guide to Praia do Forte, just to the north.

Frequently asked questions about Camaçari

Where is Camaçari?

The municipality is located in the Região Metropolitana de Salvador, in Bahia, and its town center lies about 42 km from the capital.

The beaches lie along the Estrada do Coco (BA-099), between Lauro de Freitas and Praia do Forte.

How many inhabitants does Camaçari have?

The municipality has 300,372 inhabitants, according to the 2022 IBGE Census.

Thus, it is one of the most populous cities in Bahia.

What are the beaches of Camaçari?

The main ones are Jauá, Arembepe, Barra do Jacuípe, Guarajuba and Itacimirim.

For children, the best ones are Guarajuba and Jauá, because they have calm seas.

Does Camaçari have beaches?

Yes. The municipality has 42 km of coastline, but its town center is located inland.

That is why many people know Camaçari only for its industry and are unaware of its beaches.

What is there to do in Camaçari?

First of all, visit the Aldeia Hippie de Arembepe, swim in the natural pools of Guarajuba and enjoy the beaches of Jauá and Itacimirim.

In addition, you can also visit Praia do Forte, just to the north.

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 29/11/2012 · Updated on 21/10/2026