Madre de Deus: a paradise in the Recôncavo Baiano

The municipality of Madre de Deus is located 63 kilometres from Salvador. A district of the Bahian capital until 1989, the region boasts natural riches that impress visitors at first sight, when the first stretch of sea is revealed.

Part of the Baía de Todos-os-Santos (Bay of All Saints), it is made up of the islands of Maria Guarda and Vacas. Its beautiful waters mark the region as a hidden paradise in the Recôncavo Baiano (Bahia Reconcave).

Madre de Deus na Bahia
Mother of God in Bahia

According to the local council, the city’s coastline has 3.5 kilometres of beaches, with a promenade, cycle path and standard beach huts. bike paths and standard beach huts.

Along its entire length, Praia da Costa is considered by locals to be the area with the calmest sea.

Ponta do Suape is known for its rough waters. Praia de Cação’s main attraction is the mangrove forest that surrounds it.

Madre de Deus consists of the islands of Maria Guarda, Vacas and Coroa do Capeta.

Outside the city limits, residents and tourists wishing to visit the islands of Maria Guarda and Vacas can do so via the municipal ferry terminal, which has hourly departures.

The Ilha das Vacas is private property, according to the council.

In addition to the beaches and islands that make up the municipality, the local terminal is very popular with tourists who want to visit the beaches of Paramana, on Ilha dos Frades, and the island of Bom Jesus dos Passos, which is close to the region.

Madre de Deus enchants tourists with its diversity of natural beauty, including ecosystems rich in Atlantic Forest, mangroves and restingas.

See the map of Todos os Santos Bay

In Madre de Deus there are old churches, 19th century houses and the springs of Jauá, Ouricuri, Dendê and Quitéria.

Video of Madre de Deus, Bahia

Madre Deus BA
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Attractions in Madre de Deus, Bahia

The area of great natural beauty includes a stretch of Atlantic Forest, mangroves and sandbanks.

The town has accommodation and restaurants. Honeymooners beware: a local delicacy is caldo de sururu, believed by many to be an aphrodisiac.

Hire boats from Porto Mirim for tours around Madre de Deus Island and crossings to other islands.

Take a look at local handicrafts, including intricate lace, tapestries, miniature boats and woodwork. Tapestries, Miniature boats and Woodwork and Shellwork.

1. Mother Church of Our Lady of Madre de Deus

Situated on a hill, this small church with baroque details was built by the Jesuits in 1670.

Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora de Madre de Deus
Church of the Mother of God

From the lookout point, opposite the church, there is a panoramic view of the Recôncavo.

2. Church of the Holy Family

Dating back to 1661, this church belongs to the Order of Friars Minor, which is responsible for social work in the area. It has a community centre and a nursery.

Igreja Sagrada Família em Madre de Deus BA
Church of the Holy Family in Madre de Deus, Bahia

Anyone wishing to help can drop a few coins in the temple box: the local poor will be very grateful.

3. Costa Beach

There are several beautiful beaches in Madre de Deus and its surroundings.

Close to the chapel of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, this beach is urbanised, with a promenade, cycle paths and calm waters.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide for Bahia, Salvador and the Brazilian Northeast.

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