Morro de São Paulo: A car-free paradise with stunning beaches and historical riches

Morro de São Paulo is a car-free village, a island without banks, with a lively nightlife and paradisiacal beaches.

Located at the northern end of the island of Tinharé, it is the most popular and best place for holidaymakers.

The Tinharé Archipelago consists of three large islands – Tinharé, Boipeba and Cairu – and 23 islets.

The settlement of Morro de São Paulo began in 1535 with the arrival of the fleet of Francisco Romero. In 1624 the Dutch landed there before attacking Salvador.

After the invaders were expelled, Morro de São Paulo became an outpost for the defence of the capital.

The construction of the Forte Velho (or Forte da Conceição), built in 1630, dates from this period. It was later enlarged and renamed the Morro de São Paulo Fort.

The island played an important role in several episodes of Brazilian history, up to Independence.

In 1992, the entire Tinharé Archipelago was declared an Environmental Protection Area.

Throughout the year, Morro de São Paulo welcomes tourists from all over the world, attracted by the charm of its historic buildings, its beautiful beaches and its lively life.

Its beaches are numbered from the village:

• First Beach – Small and close to the centre, it is ideal for surfers and those looking for practicality.
• Second Beach – The busiest, with bars, parties and the famous nightlife.
• Third Beach – The starting point for excursions and ideal for snorkelling.
• Fourth Beach – Quiet and long, perfect for those who want to relax.

Other must-sees include the Morro Lighthouse, the Tapirandu Fortress and the Nossa Senhora da Luz Church, the island’s historic landmarks.

In addition, Ziplining, Scuba Diving, Boat Trips and the famous Island Tour are experiences that delight visitors.

In the shopping centre you’ll find everything from craft shops to designer boutiques and good restaurants. And when the full moon rises over the sea, there are luaus, invitations to poetry and romance.

Important tips:

• In summer, Morro de São Paulo gets crowded; book your accommodation well in advance.
• Take little luggage as there are no cars on the island.
• As the slopes are steep, you may wish to hire porters at the harbour to take your luggage to the guesthouses. The cost varies according to weight and volume, so agree on the price beforehand.
• Those arriving by plane can take advantage of the transfer services offered by local tourist agencies to take passengers to the Third and Fourth Beaches.

With its natural beauty, history, adventure and fun, Morro de São Paulo remains one of the most popular destinations in Brazil.

Map of access to Morro de São Paulo

See the map of the Dendê Coast

Videos of Morro de São Paulo

See Cairu Archipelago offers beautiful scenery and plenty of culture.

Points of interest in Morro de São Paulo

1. Beaches in Morro de São Paulo

In Morro de São Paulo, the main beaches are listed in numerical order, according to their proximity to the centre.

• First Beach – Ideal for surfing.
• Second Beach – Famous for its hustle and bustle and nightlife.
• Third Beach – Destination for the natural pools.
• Fourth Beach and Encanto Beach – Places of peace and tranquillity, with kilometres of virtually deserted sand.

1.1 First beach

First Beach is the surfers beach. With bigger and stronger waves, it’s a favourite with surfing enthusiasts.

Located just 300 metres from the city centre, it’s home to several food and drink stalls, as well as inns and houses for rent.

As well as surfing, there is diving at Laje do Forte, banana boat rides, water skiing and a zip line with panoramic views of the beach.

At the end of the day, the best place to watch the sunset is at the Forte, just around the corner.

1.2 Second beach

The Second Beach is the centre of excitement. This is where holidaymakers will find the trendiest bars, kiosks and parties in Morro de São Paulo.

Located a 10-minute walk from the centre, the beach attracts visitors with its stunning views, lively music and sports such as volleyball and frescobol.

At night there are parties and luaus, with electronic music and drinks served in tents. The infrastructure is the best on the island, making it the most popular with holidaymakers.

1.3 Third Beach

The Third Beach is known for its quiet. Quieter than the previous ones, it has rustic inns and restaurants.

It is almost 1 km long and its highlight is Caitá Island, full of coral reefs and colourful fish, making it one of the best diving spots in the region.

You can hire kayaks to paddle around the calm sea and explore the surrounding area. Various boat trips leave from there.

1.4 Fourth beach

Quarta Praia is the beach of nature. At 4 kilometres long, it is the largest and most secluded of the main beaches.

At low tide, natural pools form, protected by coral reefs, making them perfect for a relaxing swim.

The landscape is made up of coconut palms and an almost transparent sea, ideal for those who want to be in direct contact with nature.

2. Tapirandu Fortress (Morro de São Paulo Fort)

Built in 1630, the Morro de São Paulo Fort played a key role in the defence of the Bahian coast.

Situated in a strategic position, it protected the Tinharé Canal through which the region’s agricultural produce flowed. Today its ruins are listed by IPHAN.

Natural pools form on the surrounding beaches. It’s a popular place to watch the sunset and, if you’re lucky, spot dolphins.

3. Lighthouse

The Morro de São Paulo lighthouse, built in 1855, offers a viewpoint with panoramic views of all the surrounding beaches.

There’s a Zip Line where the brave can plunge straight into the sea.

4. Fonte Grande (Great Fountain)

Built in 1746, the Fonte Grande was used to supply the city. It is said that King Pedro II visited it during his stay in the region.

5. Church of Our Lady of Light

The Church of Our Lady of Light houses baroque altars and sacred images from the 17th and 18th centuries.

According to tradition, the patron saint saved the island from the Dutch, who spotted numerous troops and abandoned the invasion.

The main religious festival is held on 8 September in honour of the patron saint.

6. Village of Gamboa

The village of Gamboa is inhabited by fishermen and has beaches with calm waters and natural pools. It is an excellent refuge for those seeking peace and quiet.

Discover the beauty, gastronomy, leisure and history of Morro de São Paulo

Tourist guide of Morro de São Paulo in Bahia

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