Mucuri, Bahia: beaches, Costa Dourada, map and things to do

Published on November 28, 2012 · Updated on October 28, 2026

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Mucuri lies in the far south of Bahia, on the border with Espírito Santo, and it is the last Bahian municipality on the Costa das Baleias (Whale Coast). It has about 45 km of coastline with more than 15 beaches, and many of them are almost untouched. In addition, the Costa Dourada (Golden Coast) area combines reddish cliffs, mangroves, restinga scrubland and stretches of Atlantic Forest.

Quick summary – Mucuri (BA)

Location: far south of Bahia, on the border with Espírito Santo and next to Nova Viçosa.
Access: via the BR-101 to Itabatã and then 38 km on the BA-698 to the town centre.
Population: 37,975 inhabitants (IBGE 2022 Census).
Coastline: about 45 km, with urban beaches, calm coves and deserted stretches.
Highlights: Costa Dourada, Passarela Ecológica do Gigica and Praia do Riacho Doce.
Protection: part of the coastline lies within the municipal APA (Environmental Protection Area) of Costa Dourada.

Where Mucuri is and map

In short, the municipality occupies the southern tip of the Bahian coast. To the south, then, it borders Conceição da Barra, in Espírito Santo; to the north, it borders Nova Viçosa. The town centre sits at the mouth of the Mucuri river, while Costa Dourada lies further south, close to the border. For this reason, it is worth checking the map before choosing where to stay.

Video about Mucuri and Costa Dourada

Guia de Turismo de Mucuri (BA)06:00

Costa Dourada - Mucuri na Bahia

Mucuri - Costa Dourada02:09

Mucuri - Costa Dourada - Guia Turístico

Praia de Mucuri na Bahia03:56

Passarela Ecológica do Gigica em Mucuri02:39

Beaches of Mucuri

The coastline of Mucuri, in Bahia, mixes urban beaches, calm coves, stretches with strong waves and deserted beaches. In general, facilities are basic; therefore, bring water and sunscreen.

Praia de Mucuri: an urban beach next to the river; as a result, you can alternate between swimming in the sea and in fresh water.
Praia da Barra: a stretch at the river mouth, with waves and currents; therefore, it requires caution.
Pôr do Sol and Malvinas: beaches with calmer water, good for the late afternoon.
Jacutinga, Lagoa Grande and Lobisomem: wild beaches with hardly any facilities.
Sossego and Coqueiros: clear, calm water, with a few holiday homes.
Lençóis: white sand, pale cliffs and a wide, flat strip of beach; moreover, it is good for kayaking and windsurfing.

Costa Dourada

Costa Dourada is the municipality’s postcard image. In practice, it is a small fishing village surrounded by reddish cliffs more than 15 metres high and golden sand. In addition, sunrise and sunset there are especially beautiful. To get there, you have two options: a dirt road of about 40 km from the village of 31 de Março, on the BR-101, or a boat crossing at the mouth of the Mucuri river.

Cliffs of Costa Dourada beach in Mucuri, Bahia

Praia do Riacho Doce

Right on the border with Espírito Santo, Praia do Riacho Doce is crossed by the stream that separates the two states. On the other side, incidentally, lies the Parque Estadual de Itaúnas. From Costa Dourada, the walk along the beach takes about 3 hours; so set off early and check the tide.

Sights and things to do in Mucuri

Passarela Ecológica do Gigica

In the town centre, this boardwalk of about 300 metres crosses the mangrove. At first, it was a fishermen’s path to the beach; today, however, it is the main local ecotourism attraction. Along the way, you can also watch crabs and birds. Finally, the circuit reaches the open-sea beach, the river mouth and the river beach.

Parque Ecológico Rio Mucurizinho

Near the border with Espírito Santo, the park protects an area of Atlantic Forest. There you will find trails and, for example, a river with dark water. Access is via the BA-698: before the Mucurizinho bridge, turn right and then follow a dirt road for about 3 km.

APA da Costa Dourada

Part of the coastline lies within the municipal APA of Costa Dourada. Consequently, the cliffs, restinga, mangroves and beaches are subject to rules on use and occupation. Furthermore, sea turtles nest on some beaches; therefore, do not shine lights on nests or disturb the markers.

Other outings

Cacimba do Padre: a beach you can reach on foot, linked to a legend about the Jesuits.
Walks: the stretch between Costa Dourada and Riacho Doce is one of the most beautiful.
Sports: kayaking, windsurfing and buggy rides on Praia dos Lençóis.

How to get to Mucuri

First, take the BR-101 to Itabatã, a district of the municipality. Next, it is 38 km on the BA-698 to the town centre. For Costa Dourada, access is via the dirt road that leaves from the village of 31 de Março, also on the BR-101.

From Espírito Santo: the village of Itaúnas, in Conceição da Barra, is about 50 km away.
Dirt roads: in the rainy season, ask local residents about the conditions.
Combine with: Caravelas and the Abrolhos archipelago, further north.

History and economy

According to the city hall and the Câmara Municipal, the region belonged to the Capitania de Porto Seguro. Later, a royal order of 10 October 1769 created the village of São José de Porto Alegre, which was established in 1779. The name Mucuri, in turn, comes from the river, from a local wood and from the region’s Indigenous peoples. However, only in 1931 did the municipality officially take the name Mucuri. Subsequently, in 1962, Nova Viçosa became independent from its territory.

Today, the economy combines the pulp industry, fishing, farming and the cultivation of fruit such as papaya and coconut. In addition, tourism is growing thanks to holidaymakers from Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo.

Practical tips

Check the tide table before walking beneath the cliffs.
At the river mouth, find out about the currents before going into the sea.
Also hire local guides for trails and boat trips.
Bring cash and take all your rubbish with you.

Frequently asked questions about Mucuri

Where is Mucuri?

It lies in the far south of Bahia, that is, on the border with Espírito Santo.

Thus, it is the last municipality on the Bahian coast.

What is Costa Dourada?

It is a fishing village south of the town centre, with reddish cliffs and almost deserted beaches.

In addition, it lies within a municipal APA.

What is the best beach in Mucuri?

In general, Costa Dourada is the most famous. Sossego and Coqueiros, on the other hand, have calmer water.

If you want seclusion, for example, Riacho Doce is worth a visit.

How many inhabitants does Mucuri have?

According to the IBGE 2022 Census, it has 37,975 inhabitants.

In summer, however, the city welcomes many holidaymakers.

When is the best time to visit Mucuri?

From September to March, when there are more sunny days.

Even so, check the forecast before taking the dirt roads.

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 →