Juazeiro, Bahia: things to do, riverfront and carrancas

Published on January 1, 2013 · Updated on October 24, 2026

Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Juazeiro (BA): things to do, riverfront, carrancas and where it is

Juazeiro is a city in northern Bahia, on the banks of the São Francisco river, right across from Petrolina (PE). Known as the Terra das Carrancas (Land of the Carrancas), it has a lively riverfront, islands with river beaches and a strong musical tradition. In addition, it is the hometown of João Gilberto, the father of bossa nova, and of the singer Ivete Sangalo.

Quick summary – Juazeiro (BA)

Where it is: northern Bahia, on the right bank of the São Francisco river, on the border with Pernambuco.
Population: 237,821 inhabitants (2022 IBGE Census).
Age: it became a city on July 15, 1878; the settlement, however, appeared in the early 18th century.
Distances: about 500 km from Salvador; Petrolina, meanwhile, lies on the other side of the bridge.
Does it have a beach? There is no sea, but there are river beaches, such as the one on Ilha do Rodeadouro.
Highlights: the riverfront, carrancas, the São Francisco islands and the Museu Regional do São Francisco.

View of the Juazeiro riverfront in Bahia

Where Juazeiro is

The municipality lies in the Submédio São Francisco region, in the semi-arid interior of Bahia. Together with Petrolina, it forms the largest urban area in Brazil’s semi-arid region, an area with little rain. In addition, the two cities are linked by the Ponte Presidente Dutra, which spans the river.

For this reason, anyone who visits one ends up getting to know the other. By the way, don’t confuse it with Juazeiro do Norte, the city of Padre Cícero, which is in Ceará.

Juazeiro, the Terra das Carrancas

Carrancas are carved wooden figureheads with faces that are half human, half animal. In the past, they were placed on the bows of the boats that sailed the São Francisco. According to tradition, then, they warded off evil spirits and protected the boatmen on their journeys.

Today, however, carrancas are a symbol of popular culture and of the residents’ bond with the river. That is why they appear in local handicrafts and gave the city its nickname, Terra das Carrancas.

Things to do in Juazeiro

Contrary to what many people imagine, the city is modern, with new buildings, paved streets and good shops. Thus, besides the nature tours, there is good infrastructure for visitors.

Juazeiro riverfront

First of all, the riverfront, on the banks of the São Francisco, is the city’s main meeting point. It has a promenade, bars and restaurants and, above all, a beautiful sunset over the river.

Islands of the São Francisco river

Ilha do Rodeadouro: the most famous one, with white-sand beaches and facilities for visitors.
Ilha do Fogo: it sits in the middle of the river, under the Ponte Presidente Dutra, between Juazeiro and Petrolina, and has a large rock of about 20 m.
Ilha Culpe o Vento: good for wild camping.
Ilha de Nossa Senhora: with lots of vegetation and beautiful beaches.
Ilha do Massangano: on the Petrolina side, it is known for its luaus (moonlight parties) and for samba de véio (traditional samba of elderly local musicians).

Waterfalls and nature

In the countryside of the municipality, the Cachoeira do Salitre, about 2 m high, is great for children. The Cachoeira da Gameleira, on the other hand, set in beautiful scenery, is good for jumping. In addition, there are trails for those who enjoy hiking. To see caves, in turn, it is worth going to neighboring Campo Formoso, where the Gruta do Convento is located.

Museu Regional do São Francisco

Finally, the museum helps visitors understand the history and culture of the region. Therefore, it is a good stop to understand the city’s bond with the river.

Video about the sights of Juazeiro

Juazeiro na Bahia04:32

Juazeiro na Bahia - Drone05:26

See the map of the São Francisco Lakes

History of Juazeiro

According to the IBGE, around 1706 Franciscan friars settled in the area, a river crossing point used by travelers and mule drivers. Soon after, they gathered the índios rodelas (Rodela people) in a mission and, in 1710, built a convent and a church dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Grotas. The city’s name, in turn, comes from the juazeiro (Ziziphus joazeiro), a tree typical of the sertão.

Later, on May 9, 1833, the settlement became a town. Finally, Provincial Law No. 1,814 of July 15, 1878 raised Juazeiro to the status of city. For this reason, its anniversary is celebrated on July 15.

Subsequently, the city became an agro-industrial hub. Today, thanks to irrigated farming, it exports fruit such as mangoes and grapes.

Culture and music

The city has a strong cultural tradition, especially the Festa de São João, with forró, quadrilhas (traditional square dances) and typical food. Moreover, it is the birthplace of great names in music: João Gilberto, the father of bossa nova, and Ivete Sangalo, the queen of axé, were both born there.

How to get to Juazeiro

By car: it is about 500 km from Salvador.
By plane: the nearest airport is in Petrolina, about 15 km away.
Combine with: Petrolina, the wineries of the Vale do São Francisco and Paulo Afonso.

Frequently asked questions about Juazeiro

Where is Juazeiro in Bahia?

It is in northern Bahia, on the banks of the São Francisco river, across from Petrolina (PE).

In other words, on the border between Bahia and Pernambuco.

How many inhabitants does Juazeiro have?

According to the 2022 IBGE Census, it has 237,821 inhabitants.

Thus, it is one of the largest cities in the interior of Bahia.

How old is Juazeiro?

The city was created on July 15, 1878; in 2026, therefore, it turned 148.

However, the settlement appeared around 1706.

Does Juazeiro have a beach?

There is no sea, but there are river beaches on the São Francisco.

The most famous one, by the way, is on Ilha do Rodeadouro.

Are Juazeiro and Juazeiro do Norte the same city?

No. Juazeiro is in Bahia; Juazeiro do Norte, on the other hand, is in Ceará.

So check the state before planning your trip.

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 →