Itacaré, in the south of Bahia on the Cocoa Coast, stands out for its small beaches and charming coves, surrounded by hills covered in coconut trees and the lush Atlantic Forest.

With its rivers, waterfalls, mangroves and vast virgin forest, the area is perfect for hiking and adventure sports such as rafting, abseiling, hang-gliding, zip-lining and tree climbing.

The history of Itacaré dates back to when the Jesuit Luis Grã built a chapel dedicated to St Michael at the mouth of the Rio de Contas, in an old indigenous village that gave rise to the town. Due to its strategic position, the settlement prospered and, in 1731, it was elevated to the category of town, receiving the name of São Miguel da Barra do Rio de Contas.

Legend has it that the Rio de Contas served as a hiding place for pirate ships, some of which were laden with treasure and shipwrecked nearby.

Renamed Itacaré in 1932, the town grew up around its harbour, which sold local agricultural produce. However, with the opening up of roads, the town fell into decline, aggravated by the crisis of the cocoa farms devastated by the ‘witches’ broom” plague.

Today, the strong waves of many beaches attract surfers from all over the world. In addition, the rivers, waterfalls and trails are an invitation to practise extreme sports, while boat trips along the Rio de Contas offer a quieter alternative for those who prefer to avoid the adrenaline rush.

From the colonial era, Itacaré preserves the Mother Church, dating from 1732, and the Jesuit House. An underground tunnel connecting them was used as an escape route during Indian attacks.

Videos about Itacaré on the Cocoa Coast

Learn more about The History of Itacaré in Bahia

Tourist attractions around Itacaré

Each of these attractions offers a unique way to experience the natural wealth of the Itacaré region. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, these spots are a must-see

1. Tijuipe Waterfall
2. Véu da Noiva Waterfall
3. Taboquinhas
4. Noré Waterfall
5. Cleandro Waterfall
6. Rio de Contas

Itacaré is surrounded by several natural attractions that enchant visitors. Here are the highlights:

1. Tijuipe Waterfall

Although it’s not high, it enchants with its many waterfalls that form a setting of rare beauty.

• Access: Easy access via the BA-001 road, ideal for a relaxing walk.

2. Véu da Noiva Waterfall

One of the largest waterfalls in the region, an impressive 40 metres high.

• Adventure: Excellent for photos and for those seeking direct contact with nature.

3. Taboquinhas

A charming village on the banks of the Rio de Contas, perfect for extreme sports.

Activities

• Rafting and Canoeing: The rapids of the Coiudo River, near the village, challenge even the most experienced.
• Zipline: A 180 metre high zip line offers an adrenaline rush and breathtaking views.

4. Noré Waterfall

Located on the Rio de Contas, this waterfall is ideal for abseiling.

• Aventura Extra: An unmissable experience for lovers of outdoor sports.

5. Cleandro Waterfall

Cleandro Waterfall can be reached by boat or canoe from the Rio de Contas.

Located inside a farm, the area has a cocoa plantation, cloves and guaiamum breeding, providing an authentic experience of rural life.

• After a 10-minute walk, you’ll find the three beautiful waterfalls, accompanied by a natural pool above them, perfect for a refreshing swim

6. Contas River

The Rio das Contas rises in the Chapada Diamantina and runs for more than 400 kilometres until it flows into the sea at Itacaré.

Navigating it, whether by boat, motorboat or canoe, you can find beautiful waterfalls deep in the forest, mangroves and cocoa farms.

Itacaré’s beaches

1. Itacaré’s beaches are divided into two main regions: urban and rural beaches
2. Urban beaches
3. Rural beaches
4. Itacaré’s Best Beaches
5. Surfing in Itacaré: The Surfers’ Paradise

2. Itacaré’s urban beaches

Itacaré’s urban beaches are easily accessible from the city centre and can be visited by car, on foot, by taxi or with tours organised by tourist agencies.

Despite being called ‘urban’, many of these beaches have peaceful surroundings, surrounded by nature and a marvellous sea.

Main urban beaches

1. Coroa Beach (Coroinha)
2. Concha Beach
3. Sequence of quiet urban beaches: Praia do Resende, Praia da Tiririca, Praia do Costa and Praia da Ribeira

2.1. Coroa Beach (Coroinha)

Located in the city centre, it is busy and has a waterfront with lots of boats and sportsmen. Although it is unsuitable for swimming, the sunsets are spectacular.

2.2. Concha Beach

It’s the most popular among holidaymakers, with calm seas, ample infrastructure and a wide choice of inns, restaurants and kiosks. Ideal for families and those looking for comfort by the sea.

You can also find guys who organise boat trips to a waterfall on the Rio das Contas. These trips are an excellent opportunity to appreciate the beautiful nature and explore the mangroves, which make the scenery even more enchanting.

The Passarela da Vila is a charming, elegant and well-trafficked promenade in Itacaré, with tasteful landscaping and a distinctive audience.

The area is full of restaurants and well known bars, while being surrounded by banks, supermarkets, pharmacies, health centres and police, guaranteeing comfort and safety for visitors.

Passarela da Vila is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Praia da Concha and less than 200 metres from Itacaré’s main nightspots. It is widely considered to be the best location in town and a real highlight of Itacaré‘s nightlife.

Lighthouse at Praia da Concha

A lighthouse on Praia da Concha, its purpose was to guide cocoa boats.

After its restoration, the old fishermen say it is the only square lighthouse in the world.

2.3. Sequence of quiet urban beaches

After Praia da Concha, the more unspoilt beaches begin:

• Praia do Resende: Quiet environment, ideal for relaxing.
• Praia da Tiririca: A meeting point for surfers, with good waves and a young crowd.
• Praia do Costa: More deserted, with no kiosks and a rough sea.
• Praia da Ribeira: Combines calm seas, a freshwater river and a kiosk structure for spending the day.
• Praia do Pontal: This beach is on the opposite bank of the Rio de Contas, opposite the centre of Itacaré. It is mainly accessed by boat and has a landscape of coconut trees and calm waters. It is a wide stretch of beach and is very popular with visitors to Itacaré.

Tip: These beaches are linked by short, easy paths, making it a perfect day trip!

3. Itacaré’s rural beaches

Itacaré’s rural beaches are surrounded by unspoilt Atlantic Rainforest and are accessed via the BA-001 road. Some require short hiking trails to reach.

Highlights of the rural beaches

1. Itacarezinho Beach
2. Four Beaches Trail: Engenhoca Beach, Havaizinho Beach, Camboinha Beach and Itacarezinho Beach.
3. Jeribucaçu Beach
4. Prainha and São José Beach

3.1. Itacarezinho Beach

• Itacaré’s longest beach, with 3 kilometres of sand.
• It offers options for those seeking both seclusion and comfort, with an on-site resort and restaurant.
• Access via the Itacarezinho Restaurant (car park paid) or the Quatro Praias Trail.

3.2. Four Beaches Trail

The Four Beaches Trail is considered to be of moderate difficulty and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes in total, 40 minutes on the outward journey and 40 minutes on the return journey.

And although it is still little known, this trail enchants ecotourism lovers, who enjoy four of Itacaré’s beautiful beaches: Praia da Engenhoca, Praia do Havaizinho, Praia de Camboinha and Praia de Itacarezinho.

A 4-kilometre route that passes the beaches:

• Engenhoca: Surfers’ favourite.
• Havaizinho: Ideal for those looking for calm seas and kiosks.
• Camboinha: The smallest and most deserted.
• Itacarezinho: Last on the route and also accessible by car.

Travelling time:

• Entrance to Engenhoca beach: 15 minutes
• Engenhoca to Havaizinho beach: 15 minutes
• Havaizinho to Camboinha beach: 10 minutes
• Camboinha to Itacarezinho beach: 20 minutes

3.3. Jeribucaçu Beach

• Complete scenery: clear sand, coconut palms, freshwater river and kiosks.
• Access via a 30-minute trail.

3.4. Prainha and Praia de São José

• Prainha can be reached via a 40-minute trail (from Praia da Ribeira) or via the Villa de São José Condominium (10-minute walk with a day use fee at the Grauçá restaurant).
• Both offer spectacular scenery and are well worth a visit.

4. Best beaches in Itacaré

Itacaré, on the Costa do Cacau, is a destination with incredible beaches that caters for lovers of adventure and nature as well as those looking for infrastructure and comfort. Here is a summary of the best beaches in Itacaré to help you plan your trip:

1. Jeribucaçu Beach
2. Itacarezinho Beach
3. Engenhoca Beach
4. Havaizinho Beach
5. Resende Beach
6. Ribeira Beach
7. Prainha Beach
8. Concha Beach
9. Siriaco Beach
10. Tiririca Beach
11. Praia da Coroa (Avenue or Centre) Beach

4.1. Jeribucaçu Beach

• Highlights: Strong waves for surfing, river flowing into the sea, waterfall nearby.
• Access: Half-hour trail through the forest (3 kilometres after the entrance to the Ilhéus road).
• Infrastructure: Few simple huts.

4.2. Itacarezinho Beach

• Highlights: Extensive (3.5 km), ideal for hiking, surfing, diving and turtle nesting (September to March).
• Access: Private road with viewpoint.
• Infrastructure: Restaurants and bars.

4.3. Engenhoca Beach

• Highlights: Isolated, small, ideal setting for longboarding.
• Access: 12 km trail on BA-001.
• Infrastructure: Small huts; resort under construction.

4.4. Havaizinho Beach

• Highlights: Quiet, wide strip of sand at low tide, reefs.
• Access: Detour on the Engenhoca trail.
• Infrastructure: Practically non-existent, ideal for contemplation.

4.5. Resende Beach

• Highlights: Close to the centre, natural pools and lawns for relaxing.
• Access: Short trail on the Camino das Praias.
• Infrastructure: A few kiosks; meeting point for capoeiristas.

4.6. Ribeira Beach

• Highlights: Rustic, good for snorkelling, waterfalls and zip-lining.
• Access: Caminho das Praias.
• Infrastructure: More frequented, with simple kiosks.

4.7. Prainha

• Highlights: One of the most exuberant in Brazil, surrounded by Atlantic Rainforest.
• Access: Half-hour trail from Ribeira (guide recommended).
• Infrastructure: Isolated; nearby accommodation in São José.

4.8. Concha Beach

• Highlights: Well-structured, ideal for families and water sports.
• Access: Easy, close to the centre.
• Infrastructure: Pousadas, restaurants and the Ponta do Xaréu viewpoint.

4.9. Siriaco Beach

• Highlights: Adventure and isolation, with a cave inhabited by bats.
• Access: 15-minute walk from Ribeira (guide recommended).
• Infrastructure: Noinfrastructure.

4.10. Tiririca Beach

• Highlights: Itacaré’s best surfing spot, stunning scenery.
• Access: Close to the centre.
• Infrastructure: Pousadas and services.

4.11. Coroa Beach (Avenida or Centre)

• Highlights: Urban, ideal for sports such as football and volleyball.
• Access: On the main seafront.
• Infrastructure: No focus on bathing, but with historic mansions all around.

5. Surfing in Itacaré: The Surfers’ Paradise

Itacaré is a perfect destination for surf lovers. With consistent waves all year round and a pleasant water temperature of between 23°C and 30°C, the town offers ideal conditions for surfing and enjoying nature.

Best Surfing Beaches in Itacaré

1. Havaizinho
2. Engenhoca Beach
3. Resende Beach
4. Itacarezinho Beach
5. Jeribucaçu Beach
6. Tiririca Beach
7. Prainha Beach

5.1. Havaizinho

• Characteristics: Set of three small beaches with strong waves and reefs. Great for experienced surfers.
• Access: Paid car park and 10-minute trail.
• Highlights: Stunning landscape with coconut trees and clear waters.

5.2. Engenhoca Beach

• Features: Ideal for longboarding, with waves from 0.5m to 3m and a horseshoe shape.
• Access: 15 km from the centre, followed by a 20-minute trail.
• Highlights: Natural pools and native forest all around.

5.3. Resende Beach

• Features: Close to the centre, with consistent waves, white sand and natural pools.
• Access: Only 1 km from the centre of Itacaré.
• Highlights: Quiet atmosphere, perfect for surfers and families.

5.4. Itacarezinho Beach

• Features: Waves from 0.5m to 2m, with a tent structure and a freshwater waterfall.
• Access: 30-minute trail through private property.
• Highlights: Extensive beach and paradisiacal views.

5.5. Jeribucaçu Beach

• Features: Strong waves of up to 3 metres, combined with the mouth of the Jeribucaçu River.
• Access: 9 km from the centre, followed by a 40-minute trail.
• Highlights: The river meets the sea in a unique landscape.

5.6. Tiririca Beach

• Features: The most popular for surfers, with constant waves of 0.5m to 3m.
• Access: Easy, close to the centre.
• Highlights: Host of surfing championships and simple structure at the top of the hill.

5.7. Prainha

• Features: Itacaré’s postcard, with tubular waves on the best days.
• Access: 40-minute trail, with waterfalls to cross. A guide is recommended.
• Highlights: Wild and paradisiacal beach, with only one support hut.

Tourist Guide to the Cocoa Coast

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