The history of Itaparica Island, located in the Bay of All Saints, is marked by a rich intertwining of cultures and significant events, from pre-colonial times to the present day.

The first inhabitants

Initially inhabited by the Tupinambás, the island became a strategic point for the Portuguese at the beginning of the 16th century with the arrival of Diogo Álvares Correia, known as Caramuru.

Historical events

Throughout the centuries, Itaparica has been the scene of important events, such as the Dutch invasions and the fight for Bahia’s independence.

Cultural heritage

With its natural beauty and historical heritage, the island not only attracts tourists but also has a cultural heritage that reflects the diversity and resilience of its people.

Beaches and nature

The beaches of Itaparica Island, in the Bay of All Saints, are bathed by the calm, warm waters of the blue sea.

Itaparica Island is the largest island in the Bay of All Saints, in Bahia, and is a sure destination for those seeking tranquillity amidst lush nature for long days of rest.

Tourist experience

With blue skies and bright sunshine, the days pass slowly and tourists have plenty of time to explore beautiful beaches, sample local cuisine and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

Destinations and attractions

With more than 40 kilometres of beaches, the island of Itaparica is divided into two municipalities: Itaparica and Vera Cruz, whose commercial centre is better known as Mar Grande.

Surrounded by an extensive barrier of reefs, the island – whose name derives from the Tupi word Itaparica, meaning ‘stone fence’ – has calm waters and natural pools formed largely by the beaches, especially at low tide.

Along its length, it is also possible to find practically deserted coves, among which Berlinque, at the tip of Vera Cruz, stands out.

Activity and infrastructure

For those looking for a little more activity and infrastructure, the beaches of Ponta de Areia and Itaparica (in Itaparica) have beach kiosks serving local delicacies such as traditional acarajé and fish dishes such as filé de agulinha and pititinga.

See the map of Itaparica Island

See the map of Todos os Santos Bay

Located in the heart of the bay and only 13 km from Salvador, the island offers stunning and varied landscapes.

The beaches facing east (i.e. north), such as Duro and Gamboa (in Vera Cruz), enchant visitors with their beautiful views of the skyline of Salvador.

Videos about the beaches and history of Itaparica Island

History of Itaparica Island

Returning to the history of Itaparica Island is like going back to the beginning of our civilisation.

Brazil was discovered in Bahia, where Porto Seguro is today.

One year later, on 1 November 1501, Amerigo Vespucci sighted the island of Itaparica, 720 km from the place of discovery. At that time, the island was inhabited by the Tupinambás.

The history of Itaparica is unique, although many documents and ancient accounts have been lost, making it necessary to preserve what remains.

The island’s past history includes the occupation by the Tupinambás, who dominated the area with their cannibalistic customs.

Then came the Portuguese occupation, which began with the arrival in 1509 of Diogo Álvares Correia, the Caramuru, who married the Indian Paraguassu, later baptised Catarina, daughter of Tubixá (Morubixaba), the most powerful chief in the area called Taparica.

Ten years later, in 1510, Diogo Álvaro Correia recorded his visit to the island and, after marrying the Tupinambá princess Paraguaçu, formed the first truly Brazilian family.

The Dutch and French invasions were part of this dispute over the new territory, and the introduction of whaling in 1603 marked the beginning of conflicts over the use of environmental resources.

With the occupation of Brazil by Portugal in 1534/1536, the island of Itaparica was granted to Dom António de Ataíde, second Count of Castanheira, under the regime of hereditary captainships. In 1552, the first governor-general of Brazil, Tomé de Souza, granted the islands of Itaparica and Matarandiba to António de Ataíde, 1st Count of Castanheira.

Later, in 1556, the island was made a hereditary captaincy by King João III of Portugal and became part of the estate founded in 1526 by Dona Violante de Távora, mother of the Count of Castanheira.

The Jesuits were responsible for the colonisation of Itaparica in 1560, settling on the opposite coast, where Baiacu, a rustic fishing village, is today.

From an economic point of view, the island survived mainly on fishing. Between one hundred and two hundred whales were caught annually off the coast of Itaparica, as the island was a breeding and feeding ground for their young.

Whaling brought changes in the behaviour of the fishermen and the local community, as well as cultural influences.

The name of Itaparica’s patron saint, Saint Lawrence, is associated with whales, and the impact of whaling in the bay led to the extinction of these animals. The rise of the tanning industry also contributed to the almost total destruction of the mangroves.

Before whaling, which was the island’s main industry until the end of the 19th century, sugar cane plantations and cattle ranching dominated the island for over a century.

From 1600, the English and Dutch tried to occupy the island several times, but were finally driven out by the Portuguese in 1647.

Even today, in the municipality of Itaparica, it is possible to see monuments from that period, such as the Fort of São Lourenço, which houses the only ship demagnetisation area in the country, and the Solar do Rei, which hosted D. João VI, D. Pedro I, and D. Pedro II.

Until 1833, the island of Itaparica was part of Salvador, but with the growth of the city and the increase in tourism, it was divided and the municipality of Vera Cruz was created in 1962.

Among the oldest buildings in the area is the Church of São Lourenço (1610), built in the Baroque style and named after Saint Lawrence, protector of rain and wind and patron saint of the island.

Other important buildings include the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy (1622) and the São Lourenço Fortress (1711), where the flag of independent Brazil was hoisted in 1823 and which is being prepared to become the first monument to the Brazilian War of Independence in Bahia.

Historical monuments on the island of Itaparica

1. Historic Centre and Home of the Writer João Ubaldo Ribeiro

The town of Itaparica has a historic centre that was first declared part of the Historic Centre of Salvador in 1980. The site preserves buildings constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries, with an emphasis on the old houses, most of which are in the neoclassical style.

Among the main elements of the historical complex, the following stand out

• Church of the Blessed Sacrament (also known as the Mother Church)
• Church of Saint Lawrence
• Tenente João das Botas Mansion (who was a fighter in the Itaparica War of Independence)
• Solar Del Rei Mansion
• Fortaleza de São Lourenço, built by the Portuguese and later taken over by the Dutch.

Here, opposite the fort, the whaling trade flourished in the 17th century and was the mainstay of the local economy at the time.

Also in the historic centre is the house of João Ubaldo Ribeiro, one of Brazil’s greatest writers. Praça da Quitanda, located 10 kilometres towards Nazaré das Farinhas, was one of the sources of inspiration for his books.

2. Fort of São Lourenço

The Fortress of São Lourenço, built in the 17th century, was erected to stop Dutch invasions. More than a century later, the fort played a crucial role during the Bahian Independence, serving as the scene of important battles.

Today, the fort houses the Memorial da Independência da Bahia (Memorial of Bahia’s Independence), which was inaugurated this year and is open to visitors free of charge, offering visitors the opportunity to see one of the region’s most important historical landmarks up close.

3. Bica Fountain

The Fountain is considered the first mineral spring in Brazil and was very popular in the 1940s, when it was widely used as a means of promoting tourism. Many believe that the water from the spring has health benefits, especially for the kidneys, and the locals firmly believe that the mineral substances in it help to restore health.

The water is known for its diuretic medicinal properties, and the natives also consider it to be rejuvenating. A popular saying in the region expresses this belief: “Fine water makes old women young again“.

In addition, the spring produces approximately 24,000 litres of water per day, and its name comes from the fact that the water flows down through a bamboo grove, which inspired its local name.

4. Oven and church of Penha

Located in the Penha region itself, on the island of Itaparica, the Oven was used for the cremation of bodies brought by boat, victims of diseases such as smallpox.

In addition to the kiln, the area is home to the Nossa Senhora da Penha Church, a mansion and a lime kiln. At low tide it is possible to approach the Kiln Ruins, but at high tide it is necessary to cross the field towards Penha.

5. Baiacu Church

This church, also known as the Church of Our Lord of Vera Cruz, is considered to be the third church built in Brazil. Although it is now in ruins, it remains one of the most important monuments in Vera Cruz.

What makes the place even more unusual is the presence of gameleiras, trees whose huge roots and trunks surround the walls of the church. In this process of symbiosis, the trees literally support the structure, so that it is impossible to tell where the tree begins and where the walls of the old building end.

Located on Baiacu Beach, about 10 kilometres from the ferry station, this combination of nature and architecture is one of the most fascinating places in local history.

6. Church of Our Lady of Mercy

This is the church of the city’s patron saint, built in 1854 and rebuilt in 1923. Although it is a small sanctuary, it stands out for its Gothic style, which gives it a unique beauty.

Despite its simplicity, the church is charming and is located in the Praça da Piedade, near the São Lourenço Fort.

7. Church of Saint Lawrence

Unlike the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, the Church of São Lourenço was built in the Baroque style, with a mixture of stone and brick.

It is considered one of the oldest churches in Brazil, having been opened for worship in 1610.

Its façade is characterised by a large tower with a pyramidal spire, giving the church an imposing and unique appearance.

Beaches of Itaparica Island

See the map of Itaparica Island

Surrounded by an extensive coral reef barrier, Itaparica Island has more than 40 km of beaches with blue, calm and warm waters.

Along its length, you can find lively bays with full infrastructure, such as Ponta de Areia, as well as virtually deserted beaches, such as Berlin.

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At low tide, natural pools form and tourists can enjoy a peaceful swim in complete safety. The Atlantic Forest vegetation provides a backdrop for those wishing to relax in the island’s natural surroundings.

1. Sandy Point

One of the most popular coves on the island, Ponta de Areia beach has a number of beach huts for those who like to snack between dips in the sea.

There are also kayak hire tents – prices vary depending on the season.

There are charming inns and small hotels in the area.

There are several restaurants and bars to choose from at night, especially in high season.

2. Itaparica Beach

This quiet cove in the north of the island of Itaparica has a full infrastructure of restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies and hotels.

It has the only ship demagnetisation facility in the country.

3. Cacha-Pregos Beach

At the other end of Itaparica Island, to the south, is the village that bears the name of this cove, which is peaceful for most of the year.

At the stalls along the cove closest to the mainland, you can find portions of fresh fish brought in by local fishermen.

4. Berlinque Beach

One of the most deserted beaches, far from the centres of Itaparica and Vera Cruz, Berlinque delights tourists with its preserved vegetation.

A good choice for those who want to relax and escape the crowded beaches.

5. Penha Beach

Surrounded by a luxury condominium, Penha Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the tranquil island of Itaparica.

The blue waters of the bay are set against the backdrop of the Barra lighthouse in Salvador.

6. Barra Grande beach

Because there are small corals close to the sand, it is easy to find warm water pools at Barra Grande beach.

At night, especially in high season, there are concerts by local bands playing mainly axé and pagode music.

7. Duro Beach

Next to the port of Vera Cruz, where the boats for the crossing from Salvador to Itaparica Island dock, is the lively and always crowded Praia do Duro.

This small cove has a few kiosks that are always crowded and play loud music.

Itaparica Island Travel and Tourism Guide

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