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Municipality of Camaçari

Camaçari is a Brazilian municipality located in the state of Bahia, belonging to the Metropolitan Region of Salvador. Its municipal seat is the city of Camaçari, located about 42 kilometres from Salvador.

Known nationally for its industrial and petrochemical complex, the municipality also surprises with the natural beauty of its 42 kilometres of coastline, the second longest in the state.

Easily accessible via the Estrada do Coco (BA-099) and Linha Verde motorways, the city combines urban infrastructure, natural wealth and cultural diversity, making it an ideal destination for both those seeking tranquillity and those who like to party.

History and development

Camaçari began as a Jesuit village, which was transformed into a town by Father João Gonçalves and named Aldeia do Divino Espírito Santo. In 1758, the Marquis of Pombal elevated it to the status of town and named it Vila de Nova Abrantes do Espírito Santo. It was not until 1938 that the name Camaçari was officially adopted.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the city was discovered by hippie and adventurer groups in search of new places to live. Since then it has grown into a large, prosperous and ideal city in which to live or visit.

With the creation of Brazil’s first planned industrial estate in 1978, Camaçari has established itself as one of the country’s largest industrial centres, with around 60 companies.

The municipality has one of the highest per capita incomes in the Northeast and is home to important factories linked to the automotive and chemical industries. Some of these stand out:

• Ford, which had its largest Brazilian plant in the city until 2021, when it closed its operations in Brazil.
• The area has been purchased by the Government of Bahia and is being restructured by the Chinese group BYD, which will build three factories, due to be operational in 2025.
• Continental Tyres and Bridgestone Firestone will also set up in the hub.

Camaçari’s chemical and petrochemical production supplies around half of the country’s needs in these sectors.

Videos about Camaçari’s Attractions

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Camaçari - Guia de Turismo02:16

Praias imperdíveis em Camaçari BA25:49

Arembepe o paraíso é aqui!03:40

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

See the map of Costa dos Coqueiros

Tourism and structure

Tourism in Camaçari began to develop around the old fishing colony, where there are natural pools. The municipality offers options for those in search:

• Entertainment
• Water Sports
• Tranquillity

Accommodation options include hotels and rental properties, especially luxury condominiums, which are spreading throughout the region and boosting local tourism.

Hippie Village of Arembepe

The region’s main tourist attraction is the Hippie Village of Arembepe, famous for the alternative spirit it retains from the 1960s and 70s.

The surrounding beaches have strong waves, but at high tide you can cool off in the river and lakes. The Tamar Project Base, built in the 1980s, operated in the region for decades, but was decommissioned by ICMBio in 2020.

The Craft Centre is busy and offers

• Unique handicrafts
• Accommodation Information
• Alternative Restaurants and Bars

Famous artists have passed through Arembepe, such as

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

The villagers are welcoming and friendly, often promoting live music and cultural experiences.

Be sure to take home a souvenir and support the local economy, which relies on tourism as one of its main sources of income.

Camaçari’s beaches

Camaçari’s beaches are located in environmental protection areas, with sand dunes. At high tide, the waves create a foam known as the bridal veil.

The seafront promenade is one of the main nightlife spots. In summer there are parties, capoeira and trios elétricos.

1. Arembepe Beach

• Preserves the original hippie vibe
• Caratingui Village stands out with its strong craft industry
• It is 7 kilometres long.
• Natural pools at Arembepe and Piruí beaches
• Praia das Ondas attracts surfers
• Praia do Porto is ideal for those who like cold beer and snacks

2. Barra do Jacuípe

• Unspoilt nature, surrounded by dunes and coconut trees
• The mouth of the Jacuípe River is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
• Rough sea, dangerous for swimmers, but great for surfing and water sports.
• Canoeing and Fishing on the river
• Tourist infrastructure, shops and craft market

3. Guarajuba Beach

• Lush nature with coconut groves and beautiful stretches of sand
• Awarded the Blue Flag, an international seal of environmental quality
• Structured town with tree-lined streets, cycle paths, shopping centres, bars and restaurants

4. Itacimirim Beach

• Easy access and high demand, similar to Guarajuba.
• Presence of condominiums and an increase in inns
• A 1 kilometre long beach with natural pools and large waves.

5. Jauá Beach

• Very popular with young people in summer, especially at sunset.
• Many bars and restaurants along the promenade
• Calm sea with clear waters and reefs
• Good choice for families with children.

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 19/04/2025

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