Trancoso is a little piece of paradise, discovered by hippies in the 1970s, that still retains its idyllic essence.
Founded by the Jesuits in the 17th century, this charming village is situated on a plateau overlooking the beautiful sea. Local life revolves around the Quadrado, a large grassy area where the Church of St John (1656) stands out.
Located 26 kilometres south of Arraial d’Ajuda, the town of Trancoso has its origins in the Jesuit mission of São João Batista dos Índios, founded in 1586.
The village grew up around the church, among mango, almond and jackfruit trees, preserving its original structure, known as Quadrado or “Corner of the World”.
Located on the Costa do Descobrimento, on the south coast of Bahia, Trancoso retains a peaceful and unspoilt atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world. Originally a rustic and isolated village, in recent years it has become one of Brazil’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Quadrado, the heart of the village, enchants with its colourful houses against the backdrop of the Church of São João Batista.
There, under the shade of centuries-old trees, you’ll find charming restaurants and shops. But Trancoso isn’t just about history and architecture – its paradisiacal beaches with warm, crystal clear waters are framed by cliffs, coconut groves, mangroves and rivers, creating an unforgettable setting.
In the 1970s, the village gained fame as a stronghold of the peace and love generation. The hippies were joined by artists and alternative travellers from all over the world.
Despite the tourist boom on the Costa do Descobrimento, Trancoso still retains its atmosphere of peace and exclusivity, with private beaches ideal for naturism.
As well as relaxation, the region offers opportunities for the more adventurous such as mountain biking, surfing, kite surfing, paragliding and capoeira.
Video of Trancoso in Bahia
Trancoso na Bahia01:04
Trancoso - Praias e Quadrado13:54
Trancoso - Drone02:47
Praias de Trancoso - Praia do Espelho06:28
Praia do Espelho em Trancoso - Bahia03:56
History of Trancoso
Trancoso originated as a Jesuit village called São João Batista dos Índios, founded in 1586. Initially, the village was a small, isolated community dedicated to fishing, farming and preserving its cultural traditions.
The village was promoted to town in 1759 and renamed Villa Nova Trancoso.
However, the area remained virtually unknown until the late 1970s, when it was rediscovered by hippie groups seeking an alternative lifestyle.
At that time, Trancoso was just a collection of simple houses arranged around a large lawn, the Quadrado, with the Church of St John the Baptist in the background, offering a panoramic view of the sea.
This place, the Quadrado, is now the Praça São João, located in the historic centre of Trancoso. The place still preserves the colonial architecture and rustic essence that has become a symbol of the region, attracting tourists from all over the world.
There is some debate about the arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral in the region. Although some versions mention landing at the mouth of the Rio dos Frades in 1500, this information is not universally accepted by historians and should be taken with reservations.
Over time, Trancoso has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bahia, balancing the preservation of its history and natural beauty with the development of luxury tourism.
Beaches of Trancoso
- Praia do Espelho: Located about 25 kilometres south of Trancoso, this is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Its crystal clear waters and cliffs create a stunning scenery, with natural pools formed at low tide.
- Praia dos Nativos: Situated to the north of Quadrado, it is known for its calm waters and the presence of the Trancoso River, which flows into the sea, forming a beautiful setting for bathing and leisure activities.
Praia dos Nativos – Trancoso - Praia dos Coqueiros: Considered the main beach of Trancoso, it is close to the Quadrado and has several hotels that offer infrastructure to visitors. Its waters are calm and ideal for families.
- Rio da Barra Beach: Quiet and excellent for swimming and fishing. The mouth of the river offers a beautiful view of coconut palms and a mangrove swamp, making it the perfect setting for those seeking peace and nature.
- Rio Verde Beach: Located south of Coqueiros Beach, it is known for its tranquillity and natural beauty, with clear waters and native vegetation. It is an ideal place for those seeking direct contact with nature.
- Itapororoca Beach: Practically deserted, it has crystal clear waters and is surrounded by native vegetation, making it ideal for those seeking privacy and isolation in a peaceful setting.
- Praia das Tartarugas (Turtle Beach): Known for its quiet, it can be reached via a path from the Quadrado. Its calm waters and peaceful atmosphere make it a great option for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.
- Taipe Beach: Surrounded by vegetation and with beautiful landscapes, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Trancoso, offering a calm and quiet environment, ideal for those seeking relaxation and peace.
- Praia dos Amores: Located next to Praia do Espelho, it is known for its calm waters and is accessible by a short walk. Its quiet and unspoilt surroundings make it the perfect place for those who want to get in touch with nature.
- Praia or Ponta de Itaquena: Located in Trancoso, Bahia, this is a secluded and quiet beach south of Praia do Espelho. With its crystal clear waters, cliffs and unspoilt vegetation, it offers the perfect setting for those seeking privacy and an escape from the busier beaches.
With all these options, Trancoso has established itself as one of the most popular destinations for those seeking natural beauty and relaxation, balancing tourism and conservation.
Trancoso offers a unique combination of history, culture and natural beauty, making it an unmissable destination for those visiting the southern coast of Bahia.
Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Salvador, Bahia and the Northeast.
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