The two municipalities of Itaparica Island

1. Itaparica – a historical focus

• Its historic center has colonial houses, churches and the Forte de São Lourenço, all listed by IPHAN (Brazil’s National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute).
• It also has cultural attractions, such as the Fonte da Bica, the Centro Artesanal and guided tours.
• In addition, it is home to the ferry-boat terminal in Bom Despacho.
• For this reason, it attracts tourists interested in culture as well as day-trippers.

2. Vera Cruz – a focus on beaches and summer holidays

• On the other hand, it is home to Mar Grande, Barra Grande, Cacha-Pregos and most of the island’s beaches.
• It also offers boat trips, ecotourism in the mangroves and water sports.
• Meanwhile, the most common access is by the speedboats that arrive at Mar Grande.
• As a result, it mainly welcomes families, summer vacationers and water sports enthusiasts.

In short, the municipality of Itaparica stands out for its historical heritage, whereas Vera Cruz concentrates the beaches, the holiday infrastructure and nautical tourism.

How to get to Itaparica Island

• Ferry-boat: it leaves from the São Joaquim terminal in Salvador and goes to Bom Despacho, on the island. In addition, the crossing takes about 1 hour and carries cars.
• Speedboats: they leave from the Terminal Náutico, near the Mercado Modelo, and go to Mar Grande. In general, the trip is faster, taking about 40 minutes.
• By land: the island is also connected to the mainland by the Ponte do Funil, in the south, which carries the BA-001 highway.

On public holidays and in summer, however, the ferry lines can last more than a few hours. So arrive early, or buy your ticket in advance when that option is available.

A brief history

Before the Portuguese arrived, the island was inhabited by Tupinambá peoples. Then, in 1556, it became the Captaincy of Itaparica and Tamarandiva. After that, it lived off sugarcane, cattle and whaling, and in 1823 it played a decisive role in the Independence of Bahia.

Therefore, to learn more, read our post about the history and heritage of Itaparica Island.

Videos about Itaparica Island and its history

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Centro Histórico da Ilha de Itaparica10:31

7 Melhores praias de Vera Cruz22:57

Praia da Penha na Ilha de Itaparica04:04

Guia de Turismo da ILHA DE ITAPARICA - Dicas13:18

O BRASIL COMEÇOU NA ILHA DE ITAPARICA11:40

História da Ilha de Itaparica

Ilha de Itaparica - Dicas de Viagem07:23

Ilha de Itaparica - Documentário26:02

Main attractions

Vila de Itaparica – Historic Center

The main town holds the island’s principal historic ensemble, listed by IPHAN in 1980, with churches, a fort and colonial mansions.

Churches and religious heritage

The highlights are the Igreja de São Lourenço, from the 17th century, and the Igreja Matriz do Santíssimo Sacramento. In addition, both preserve Baroque elements, panels and tiles typical of colonial sacred art.

Forte de São Lourenço

Near the historic center, the Forte de São Lourenço was built in 1711. Later, on January 7, 1823, it was the stage of the Battle of Itaparica. Today, it is a landmark of coastal defense and offers a beautiful view of the waterfront.

Centro Artesanal

Housed in a traditional manor house on the central square, the center brings together local artisans, lacework and wooden pieces. For this reason, it is ideal for buying souvenirs and getting to know the local culture.

Fonte da Bica

Built in 1842, the Fonte da Bica is traditionally regarded as a mineral water spring. Thus, over time, it became the symbol of the town and, since 2020, it has been part of the municipality’s cultural heritage. In addition, popular tradition attributes therapeutic properties to the water, as the local inscription says: “Água fina, faz véia virá menina” (“Fine water turns an old woman into a girl”).

Main beaches of Itaparica Island

The island has dozens of beaches, and many of them are protected by reefs that form natural pools. For this reason, they are ideal for swimming, stand up paddle, kayaking and diving.

Beaches in the municipality of Itaparica

• Praia do Forte – a calm cove with reef-protected waters, light sand and a view of the Forte de São Lourenço.
• Ponta de Areia – calm waters, beach kiosks and boat traffic. In addition, it is one of the most popular beaches on the island.
• Amoreiras – first of all, it has a waterfront shaded by tropical almond trees.
• Manguinhos – holiday homes and a calm sea.
• Porto dos Santos – surrounded by Atlantic Forest, it has trails leading to freshwater springs.
• Gameleira – finally, it is good for fishing and water sports.

Beaches in Vera Cruz

• Mar Grande – the main speedboat port, with the best tourist infrastructure on the island.
• Penha and Barra Grande – beaches with holiday homes and beach kiosks.
• Coroa, Barra do Pote and Conceição – by contrast, these are smaller beaches, good for those seeking peace and quiet.
• Tairu, Aratuba and Berlinque – holiday beaches that get busier in summer.
• Cacha-Pregos – lastly, it lies at the southern tip, near the Ponte do Funil, with mangroves and boat trips.

Recommended activities

• Boat trips to natural pools and to other islands in the Baía de Todos os Santos.
• There are also short trails and birdwatching in the mangroves.
• Then, visit the historical heritage sites and the town’s cultural spaces.
• In addition, it is worth trying the local cuisine based on fish and seafood.
• Finally, rent kayaks, bicycles and boards to explore the waterfront.

Where to stay

There are guesthouses, campsites and holiday homes on the most popular beaches, such as Mar Grande, Ponta de Areia and Cacha-Pregos. In high season, however, book in advance.

When to visit

The best time runs from September to March, when it rains less and the sea is calmer. By contrast, rain is more frequent from April to July.

In summer and on public holidays, however, the island gets more crowded and the ferry lines grow longer. Therefore, those seeking tranquility should prefer weekdays.

Practical tips

• Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and water, since some beaches have little infrastructure.
• Before you leave, check the ferry and speedboat schedules, especially on public holidays and weekends.
• In addition, for trails and boat trips, choose local guides, who know the region well.
• Finally, respect the environmental protection areas and the mangroves.