Caravelas: A charming destination in the south of Bahia

Caravelas is located in the extreme south of Bahia, 870 kilometres from Salvador and 36 kilometres south of Prado, on the BA-001, on the banks of the Caravelas River, which flows into the sea in this region.

Natural beauties

Along the coast near the city are the beautiful Kitongo, Grauçá and Iemanjá beaches, located in Barra de Caravelas. Known as part of the Costa das Baleias, the town offers a reasonable hotel structure and is famous for its traditional religious festivals, which attract thousands of people.

Activities in the region

Among the best ways to explore the region are horse riding along unspoilt beaches and canoeing on the Caravelas River. These activities are ideal for those seeking contact with nature and relaxation.

History of Caravelas

Founded in 1581, Caravelas became a municipality in 1700. A key event in its history was the battle fought on 11 May 1823 between the Portuguese navy and Brazilian forces during the War of Independence. In 1855 Caravelas was promoted to city status.

Origin of the name “Caravelas

The origin of the name “Caravelas” is related to the caravels, which were ships used during the time of the great voyages.

The term may derive from the Spanish “carabela”, which refers to these light and fast vessels. Another theory is that the name may be related to the species of jellyfish known as “caravelas” that are common in the region.

Thus, the name “Caravelas” reflects both the historical link with navigation and the rich marine biodiversity of the place.

Gateway to Abrolhos National Marine Park

This charming and historic town in Bahia is the main gateway to the Abrolhos National Marine Park, one of Brazil’s most popular destinations for ecological tourism.

From the town’s pier, framed by art nouveau mansions decorated with Portuguese tiles, boats depart for the Abrolhos Archipelago, one of the best diving spots in the world.

Underwater riches

It’s no wonder the place is so famous: its crystal-clear waters, with visibility down to 20 metres, are home to a unique wealth of marine life, historic shipwrecks and an impressive variety of corals.

Among the most notable formations are the chapeirões, structures that resemble giant mushrooms and connect at the top, forming veritable submerged labyrinths. This uniqueness makes Abrolhos an unmissable destination for lovers of nature and the sea.

 

Video about Caravelas, Bahia

Caravelas Tourist Attractions

1. Ponta da Baleia beach

Praia da Ponta da Baleia, next to Praia de Iemanjá, is a deserted and environmentally protected area. It can be reached by a dirt track from Barra de Caravelas.

With a wild landscape of native vegetation, dry branches and cattle ranches, the beach has creamy sands and offers views of the Marinha lighthouse. Its brown waters have few waves, but at high tide the waves are ideal for surfing and snorkelling. Low tide is more suitable for swimming.

2. Iemanjá Beach

It is 4 kilometres long and has soft, golden sand. The water is dark due to the muddy bottom influenced by the Caravelas River. It’s a good option for prawn fishing. There’s a bar with a Statue of Iemanjá at the entrance.

3. Grauçá Beach

One of the busiest spots, with bars, hotels, restaurants and restaurants. It is next to a fishing village where you can see whale bones used as decoration. It has dark, beaten sand.

4. Barra de Caravelas (or Aracaré) beach

The most popular in the region, with hotels, bars and restaurants. It is only suitable for swimming at high tide, when the sea comes in over the dark sand. It has good shade, a mangrove swamp and abundant fishing such as seabass, hake and crayfish.

5. Pontal do Sul Beach

Sandy and deserted, it can be reached by an easy 10 minute boat ride. Its clear waters and white sands make it an ideal refuge. It is separated from Grauçá by a narrow arm of the sea.

6. Quitongo Beach

Situated on the arm of the sea where the Caravelas River flows, it has no waves and a narrow strip of golden sand. Here you’ll find Ibama’s Abrolhos Research and Management Centre. Nearby is the village of Ponta de Areia, immortalised in the song by Milton Nascimento.

7. Barra Nova Beach

Deserted, with fine, clear sand, coconut palms, warm water and weak waves. It’s 1 hour and 15 minutes by boat from the port of Caravelas.

8. Ponta do Catueiro beach

With fine, clear sand and transparent waters, the beach is surrounded by coconut palms, mangaba and pitanga trees. It can be reached in 1.5 hours by boat from the port of Caravelas.

9. Church of St Anthony

Built in 1725 by the Jesuit priest Antônio do Espírito Santo, the church was completed in 1750 and remodelled between 1858 and 1863. Its architecture includes

• Nave, Chancel and two Sacristies.
• Tower with polyhedral dome covered with white tiles.
• The pediment is decorated with Corinthian pilasters and a cornice.

The interior has rococo altarpieces, originally gilded and now painted white, with images from the 17th and 18th centuries.

In 1962 Caravelas was elevated to diocese status by Pope John XXIII. Today, St Peter’s Cathedral in Teixeira de Freitas is the seat of the diocese, while St Anthony’s Church has become a co-cathedral. It is located in Praça Santo Antônio.

10. Church of St Iphigenia

Built by slaves in honour of Saint Iphigenia, of Ethiopian origin, the church was begun in 1755 using brick and whale oil. It was partially completed in 1767 and rebuilt in 1928.

Its façade has decorative features from the first half of the 20th century. It is located in the Praça Teófilo Otoni and is an important symbol of black Catholicism in the region.

11. Historic Centre of Caravelas

The historic centre is full of colonial houses from the 19th century, with colourful facades and well-preserved architectural features. Walking through the narrow streets, you can immerse yourself in the history of the city, which was an important commercial centre during the colonial period.

12. Port of Caravelas

The port is an important point for the local economy and also for tourism, as it is the main gateway for trips to the Abrolhos National Marine Park. Here you can watch the boats go by and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

13. Abrolhos National Marine Park

One of the main attractions of Caravelas is its access to the Abrolhos Archipelago, located about 70 kilometres from the coast. It is possible to take boat trips to the park, which is known for its coral reefs, marine biodiversity and the famous humpback whales (visible between July and November).

14. Dr José Bastos Square

Located in the heart of the city, the square is a meeting point for locals and tourists. With well-tended gardens, it is a pleasant place to stroll and relax, surrounded by some of the city’s historic buildings.

15. Cassumba Island

Located in the estuary of the Caravelas River, the island is surrounded by mangroves and is ideal for those seeking contact with nature. Boat trips take you to the island, where you can appreciate the flora and fauna of the region.

16. Caravelas Mangroves

The city is surrounded by vast mangrove swamps, which play an important role in the local ecosystem. Guided trails and boat trips offer the opportunity to explore this habitat, which is home to many species of birds, crustaceans and fish.

17. Village of Ponta de Areia

Ponta de Areia is a district in the municipality of Caravelas.

This charming seaside village is famous for its tranquillity and references to the song “Ponta de Areia” by Milton Nascimento. It’s a great place to enjoy the simplicity of local life and taste fresh seafood.

18. Caravelas Train Station

Although no longer in use, the old railway station is a historical landmark from the time when Caravelas was connected by train to other cities in the region. The building bears witness to the city’s economic and social development in the past.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia and Salvador.

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