Santa Cruz Cabrália in Bahia — beaches, history and things to do

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Santa Cruz Cabrália, located on the Discovery Coast in southern Bahia, is a more peaceful destination than Porto Seguro. It is renowned for its picturesque beaches, such as Coroa Vermelha, Mutá and Guaiú, its well-preserved historic centre, and the vibrant culture of the Pataxó people.

This guide provides information on what to see and do, how to get there, where to stay, and other useful information.

Monumento Portal de Santa Cruz Cabrália — Porta Monumental de Santa Cruz Cabrália

Vídeos sobre Santa Cruz de Cabrália

Santa Cruz de Cabralia - Drone03:33

Santa Cruz de Cabrália - Guia Turístico03:24

Santa Cruz de Cabrália - Parte 1

Santa Cruz de Cabrália - Parte 2

Santa Cruz de Cabrália - Drone03:33

Praia de Itacimirim em Santa Cruz de Cabralia05:24

Praia de Arakakai em Santa Cruz de Cabrália03:42

Praia dos Lençóis em Santa Cruz de Cabrália01:38

Praia de Coroa Vermelha em Santa Cruz de Cabrália02:04

Praia da Ponta do Mutá em Santa Cruz de Cabrália

The main attractions in Santa Cruz Cabrália

Historic Centre

It is located in Cidade Alta and is home to the 18th-century Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the Town Hall and Jail, and the Mirante da Coroa viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the João de Tiba River estuary and Coroa Vermelha.

Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição em Santa Cruz Cabrália — The Mother Church of Our Lady of the Conception is located in Santa Cruz Cabrália.

Interior da Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição em Santa Cruz Cabrália — The interior of the Mother Church of Our Lady of the Conception in Santa Cruz Cabrália.

Casa de Câmara e Cadeia em Santa Cruz Cabrália — The town hall and prison in Santa Cruz Cabrália.

Coroa Vermelha

This is the site where the first mass was celebrated on Brazilian soil. It is home to a commemorative cross, an indigenous art centre, and a Pataxó craft market.

The Red Crown Cross is a commemorative landmark in Red Crown Cove, erected to mark the arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral’s fleet in April 1500, as well as the traditional celebration of the first Mass on Brazilian soil.

Coroa Alta Marine Park

There are sandbanks and reefs that emerge at low tide, which are excellent for snorkelling and observing marine life. They are accessible by boat from the town.

Mapa das praias de Porto Seguro — Map of the beaches in Porto Seguro

Main beaches

Coroa Vermelha — a shallow cove with reefs and kiosks.
Mutá: natural pools and calm waters.
Guaiú is peaceful and practically untouched.
Santo André — accessible by ferry, this is a village with guesthouses.
Arakakaí — reefs and natural pools.
Lençóis — great for hiking, but watch out for the currents.
Mogiquiçaba: mangroves and ecotourism.
Itacimirim: reefs, fishing and scenery from the Atlantic Forest.
Ponta do Mutá — natural pools and pleasure boats.

praia de Coroa Vermelha em Santa Cruz Cabrália — Praia da Coroa Vermelha, em Santa Cruz Cabrália.

Banco de areia que adentra o mar na Praia de Coroa Vermelha — A sandbank extends into the sea at Coroa Vermelha Beach.

praia de Mutá em Santa Cruz Cabrália — Praia de Mutá, em Santa Cruz Cabrália.

praia do Guaiú em Santa Cruz Cabrália — Guaiú Beach

Praia de Santo André e a foz do rio João de Tiba — Santo André Beach and the mouth of the River João de Tiba

praia de Arakakaí em Santa Cruz Cabrália — Arakakaí Beach

praia de Lençóis em Santa Cruz Cabrália — Lençóis Beach

praia de Mogiquiçaba em Santa Cruz Cabrália — Mogiquiçaba Beach

Praia de Itacimirim na Bahia — Itacimirim Beach, Bahia.

Praia da Ponta do Mutá em Santa Cruz Cabrália — Ponta do Mutá Beach

Brief history

Pedro Álvares Cabral’s fleet visited the region in April 1500. Records indicate that Monte Pascoal was sighted and Cabrália Bay was reached between the 21st and 22nd of April. The first mass in Coroa Vermelha is traditionally dated 26 April 1500. The settlement originated during the captaincy period of the 16^(th) century, and the municipality became independent from Porto Seguro in 1938.

How to get there

Nearest airport: Porto Seguro Airport (about 20–30 minutes’ drive away; approximately 23 km).

By car: access via the BR-101 and local motorways. Check the latest routes on Google Maps or Waze.

Local transport options include taxis, app-based services, vans and boat trips to the islands and reefs. Check timetables and prices before travelling.

Where to stay and eat?

Recommended neighbourhoods: Cidade Alta (near the historic centre) and the Coroa Vermelha/Mutá waterfront.

Accommodation: guesthouses and holiday apartments in Porto Seguro and the surrounding area.

Gastronomy: seafood and Bahian dishes, as well as regional food served in beach huts; the Pataxó market in Coroa Vermelha.

practical tips

The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from September to March. The peak season is in December and January, as well as during the school holidays.
Safety: Respect the signs and avoid swimming in areas with strong currents, such as some parts of Lençóis.
Show cultural respect by asking permission before taking photographs in villages, and by choosing handicrafts with a provenance.
Health: Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, and check the location of medical facilities.

FAQ

Como ir de Porto Seguro a Santa Cruz Cabrália?

It takes approximately 20–40 minutes by car or taxi via the BR-101/local roads, depending on traffic. Transfers and public transport are also available.

Which city saw the first Mass celebrated in Brazil?

According to tradition, it was Ilhéu/Coroa Vermelha in Santa Cruz Cabrália in April 1500.

Which beach is best for snorkelling?

The Coroa Alta Marine Park, the Coroa Vermelha area and the Arakakaí region are good options because they all have reefs and natural pools.

Should I book accommodation for the high season?

Yes, book in advance for December, New Year’s Eve and the school holidays.

Mapa da Costa do Descobrimento na Bahia — Map of the Discovery Coast in Bahia.

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 31/12/2012 · Updated on 04/05/2026