The Coconut Coast and its tourism heritage

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The Coconut Coast and the Green Line

The region known as the Costa dos Coqueiros (Coconut Coast) is one of the most emblematic coastal areas in the State of Bahia, characterised by its expressive natural beauty, biodiversity and consolidated tourist infrastructure.

Stretching along the Green Line, Brazil’s first ecological highway, this coastal strip represents an important front for socio-economic and environmentally sustainable development in the context of Brazilian tourism.

Costa dos Coqueiros na Bahia — Coconut Coast of Bahia

Geographical delimitation and municipalities covered

The Coconut Coast includes the following municipalities Lauro de Freitas, Camaçari, Mata de São João, Entre Rios, Conde, Esplanada and Jandaíra. These municipalities are located on the northern part of the Bahian coast, just above the Baía de Todos os Santos region, where the capital Salvador is located.

Tourist destinations in the region include Praia do Forte, Imbassaí, Port Sauípe, Costa do Sauípe and Parque das Dunas, located in the district of Mangue Seco (parish of Jandaíra).

Mapa da Costa dos Coqueiros — Map of Costa dos Coqueiros

Access and Road Infrastructure

mapa da Costa dos Coqueiros BA — Map of the Costa dos Coqueiros

The main access to the Costa dos Coqueiros is from the Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport in Salvador.

From there, take the BA-099, the state road known first as the Estrada do Coco and later as the Linha Verde. The Estrada do Coco, built in the late 1960s, is about 50 kilometres long and connects Salvador with the municipalities of Lauro de Freitas and Camaçari.

The extension of the motorway in 1993 added about 200 km to the original route, reaching the border between the states of Bahia and Sergipe.

This section was given the name Linha Verde (Green Line), in keeping with the concept of an ecological motorway. The BA-099 is currently managed by a private concessionaire, which guarantees the maintenance of the road and provides support services for tourists.

Natural potential and ecosystems

The Costa dos Coqueiros has a great ecological diversity.

The landscape is characterised by extensive coconut groves, beaches with warm, calm waters, mangroves, small waterfalls, lagoons and rivers such as the Jacuípe, Pojuca and Joanes. The latter is popular for water sports.

The region is also home to natural reefs that form swimming pools and protected bathing areas, as well as promoting the balance of marine fauna. The combination of coastal and marine ecosystems gives Costa dos Coqueiros an important role in environmental conservation and the promotion of ecotourism.

Coconut Coast Tourist Attractions

The Coconut Coast is one of the most enchanting regions of the Bahian coast, offering a rich variety of natural and cultural attractions, as well as a complete tourist infrastructure. Along its 200 kilometres of beaches, the region includes several municipalities such as Camaçari, Conde, Entre Rios, Esplanada, Jandaíra, Lauro de Freitas and Mata de São João.

1. Lauro de Freitas

Ipitanga Beach: One of the city’s most popular beaches, with calm waters and an infrastructure of stalls and restaurants.
Buraquinho Beach: Known for its clear, calm waters, it is ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
Vilas do Atlântico: A neighbourhood with beautiful beaches, surrounded by houses and with leisure and dining facilities, it is one of the most appreciated areas of Lauro de Freitas.

Praia de Ipitanga em Lauro Freitas — Ipitanga beach in Lauro Freitas

Vilas do Atlântico em Lauro Freitas — Vilas do Atlântico in Lauro Freitas

2. Camaçari

Barra de Jacuípe: With calm waters and a rustic atmosphere, this is a great option for those looking for a quieter, more relaxing destination.
Arembepe: Known for its fishing and hippie village, Arembepe is also home to the Tamar Project, dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles, as well as offering beautiful beaches.
Guarajuba: A beach famous for its warm, calm waters, ideal for families. The region also offers a wide range of accommodation and leisure facilities.
Praia de Itacimirim: A quiet beach with calm waters and a lush natural landscape. Ideal for those looking for a more secluded atmosphere, this beach is perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.

Praia de Guarajuba - Bahia — Guarajuba beach – Bahia

praia de itacimirim em Camaçari — Itacimirim beach in Camaçari

3. Mata de São João

Imbassaí: One of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches in the region, with calm waters and rich native vegetation, and an excellent option for ecotourism.
Praia do Forte: Known for its rustic charm and for being home to the Tamar Project. The beach is also famous for its high quality tourist infrastructure.
Costa do Sauípe: Recognised for concentrating the largest number of high-end resorts on the Brazilian coast, such as the Sauípe Grand Premium Brisa and the Land, Water and Sea wings of the Sauípe Resorts complex.
Castelo Garcia D’Ávila: This 16th-century castle is an important historical site and offers visitors a unique insight into Brazil’s colonial history.
Timeantube Lagoon: One of the region’s most impressive landscapes, with calm, crystal clear waters surrounded by coconut groves and dunes.

Vista de drone de banhistas na praia de Imbassaí junto a foz do rio Imbassaí - Costa dos Coqueiros — Drone view of bathers at Imbassaí beach near the mouth of the Imbassaí River – Costa dos Coqueiros

praia do Forte na Bahia — Praia do Forte in Bahia

Praia Costa do Sauípe na Bahia — Costa do Sauípe beach in Bahia

Vista aérea da Capela de São Pedro dos Rates, parte mais antiga do Castelo Garcia D'Ávila — Aerial view of the chapel of São Pedro dos Rates, the oldest part of the Garcia D’Ávila castle.

4. Conde

Barra do Itariri: A quiet beach with clean waters, ideal for those seeking relaxation and direct contact with nature.

Barra do Itariri em Conde BA — Barra do Itariri in Conde BA

5. Between Rios

Subaúma: One of the quietest beaches in the region, with clear waters perfect for swimming.
Massarandupió: Famous for its dunes and unspoilt nature, it is an excellent place for nature walks and for those who enjoy a rustic, secluded atmosphere.
Port do Sauípe: This tourist complex offers resorts and leisure activities for the whole family.

Praia de Subaúma em Entre Rios — Subaúma beach in Entre Rios

Porto do Sauípe em Entre Rios — Porto do Sauípe, Entre Rios

7. Jandaíra

Parque das Dunas: Located in the Mangue Seco, the park offers a unique ecosystem with shifting dunes, native vegetation and diverse fauna. It is an excellent place for ecological walks, buggy rides and contemplative tourism.
Mangue Seco: Famous for its white dunes and cinematic landscapes, it became one of the region’s most famous destinations after the soap opera Tieta.

A maior atração Jandaíra é o Distrito de Mangue Seco na Bahia — Jandaíra’s main attraction is the Mangue Seco district of Bahia

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia and Salvador.

Tourist guide to the Coconut 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 29/11/2012 · Updated on 21/04/2025