Overview: beaches, adventure and ecotourism

With around 100 km of coastline, Ilhéus caters to a variety of visitors: families, surfers and travellers seeking unspoilt stretches of coastline. As well as the beaches, there are walking trails, rivers, waterfalls and activities such as abseiling, sport fishing and surfing.

• Praia dos Milionários — well-developed facilities and ideal for families.
• Cururupe Beach — where the river meets the sea; stunning scenery.
• Olivença Beach — local life and good waves; a tourist district.

Historical heritage and literary legacy

The historic centre evokes the settings of Jorge Amado’s books. Dom Eduardo Square and the surrounding streets are home to the main cultural attractions.

• Bar Vesúvio — a literary landmark featured in *Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon*.
• Bataclan — a restored former cabaret and cultural centre.
• Municipal Theatre, St Sebastian’s Cathedral and St George’s Parish Church (17th century).

The cocoa era: heyday, decline and revival

In the 20th century, Ilhéus experienced the heyday of the cocoa industry, characterised by stately homes and prosperity. From the 1980s onwards, the disease known as witch’s broom and price fluctuations led to a crisis. Today, there are recovery projects involving resistant seedlings, sustainable management and economic diversification (tourism, technology and artisanal chocolate).

Events and infrastructure

Ilhéus hosts cruise ships, fishing tournaments, fairs and sporting competitions throughout the year. Olivença serves as a hub for tourism, supporting the beaches and hiking trails.

Main attractions

1. Cultural and historical treasures
2. Nature walks
3. Cocoa farms
4. Villages and districts
5. Beaches

1. Cultural and historical treasures

• St Sebastian’s Cathedral — eclectic architecture, imposing vaulted ceiling.
• Bar Vesúvio — an icon since 1919.
• Praça do Cacau — a themed garden featuring various varieties of cacao trees.
• Regional Cacao Museum — a collection showcasing the cacao cycle.
• Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade — Neo-Gothic style and stained-glass windows.
• Parish Church of São Jorge — 17th century and Museum of Sacred Art.
• Bataclan, Municipal Theatre, Jorge Amado Cultural Centre and Paranaguá Palace.
• Chocolate factories offering tours and tastings.

2. Nature walks

• Ilhéus–Itacaré Scenic Route — viewpoints, beaches and walking trails along a 72 km route.
• Lagoa Encantada — a nature reserve with natural pools.
• Sloth Rehabilitation Centre — an educational attraction.

3. Cocoa farms

Guided tours showcase the cocoa-making process, the history of the farms, walking trails and tastings.

• Yrerê Farm — walking trails and regional events.
• Primavera Farm — historical collection and shows.
• Renascer Farm — waterfalls and nature.
• Rio do Braço District — ruins and the Jorge Amado theme park.

4. Villages and districts

• Olivença — surfing, local events and access to beautiful beaches.
• Rio do Engenho — traditional cuisine and rural heritage.

5. Quick guide to beaches

Selvagens

• Praia do Norte — a long stretch of beach, good for fishing and surfing.
• Pé de Serra and Ponta do Ramo — unspoilt stretches.

Urban / developed

• Praia dos Milionários — kiosks and accommodation.
• Praia da Concha — natural pools amongst the rocks.
• Praia do Marciano, Praia do Cristo — water sports and leisure activities.

Surfing

• Back Door, Batuba — favourites with surfers.

Practical tips

• Best time to visit: September to March (beaches); May to November (surf competitions).
• Transport: hire a car to explore the beaches and farms; guided tours are available.
• Safety: follow local signage regarding areas unsuitable for swimming.
• Cuisine: try moqueca, crab stew and sweets/products made with cocoa.