Discover the 18 best beaches in Bahia. In this state, the beaches are true natural jewels and choosing the most impressive is a difficult task, given the exuberant beauty of the coastline.

Bahia’s coastline

The coast of Bahia refers to the state’s coastal strip, which is more than 1,100 kilometres long, making it the largest in Brazil. This vast expanse is home to a variety of landscapes, ranging from tranquil bays to long stretches of sand.

Attractions and Experiences

The favourable climate, lush nature, rich gastronomy and welcoming people make Bahia a unique destination. The beaches offer unique experiences, from water activities to moments of relaxation in the sun.

Wherever you are in the state, one thing is guaranteed: get ready to find memorable landscapes on the beaches of Bahia.

The best beaches of Bahia – Tourist Guide

1. Pitinga beach – Arraial d’Ajuda
2. Baixio beach – Parish of Esplanada
3. Cueira beach – Boipeba Island
4. Praia do Espelho – Porto Seguro parish
5. Praia do Forte – Parish of Mata de São João
6. Guarajuba beach – Parish of Camaçari
7. Beach of Havaizinho – Parish of Itacaré
8. Imbassaí beach – parish of Mata de São João
9. Jeribucaçu beach – near Itacaré
10. Mangue Seco beach – Parish of Jandaíra
11. Moreré beach – Boipeba Island
12. Praia dos Nativos – Trancoso
13. Piracanga beach – parish of Una
14. Taípe beach – Parish of Trancoso
15. Taipu de Fora – Maraú Peninsula
16. Stella Maris beach – Salvador
17. Porto da Barra beach – Salvador
18. Itapuã beach – Salvador

1. Pitinga Beach

Pitinga Beach is one of the most impressive and popular beaches in Arraial d’Ajuda, known for its natural beauty and breathtaking scenery.

1. Details of this beautiful beach

• Location: Praia da Pitinga is located about 4km south of the centre of Arraial d’Ajuda and is easily accessible by car, bicycle or, for the more adventurous, on foot.
• Description: Praia da Pitinga is famous for its colourful cliffs, which range from shades of red to white, creating a spectacular backdrop along the coast. The beach has a long stretch of golden sand and crystal clear waters, perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Natural attractions: The cliffs are the main attraction, offering incredible views from above and great photo opportunities. At low tide, natural pools form, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
• Infrastructure: Despite its natural beauty and relatively quiet atmosphere, Praia da Pitinga has a good tourist infrastructure. There are several beach huts offering everything from typical Bahian dishes to refreshing drinks.
• Activities: As well as swimming and sunbathing, Praia da Pitinga is an excellent place for hiking and exploring the cliffs. For the more adventurous, you can go paragliding and enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the region.
• Environment: The beach has a relaxed atmosphere and is popular with families, couples and groups of friends. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature in tranquil surroundings.

2. How to get there

• By car: From the centre of Arraial d’Ajuda, take the Estrada da Balsa and then the BA-986 to Praia da Pitinga. Parking is available near the beach.
• By bike or on foot: For the more adventurous, you can walk or cycle to the beach, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.

Praia da Pitinga is an unmissable destination in Arraial d’Ajuda, offering a perfect combination of natural beauty, tranquillity and outdoor activities. It’s the ideal place to relax, explore and enjoy the best that Bahia has to offer.

See also the Complete guide to visiting Arraial d’Ajuda in Bahia.

2. Baixio beach

Praia de Baixio is a beautiful beach located in the state of Bahia, Brazil.

Here are some key points about this destination:

1. location and accessibility

• Region: Located in northeastern Brazil, in the municipality of Esplanada, approximately 124 kilometres north of Salvador, the capital of Bahia.
• Accessibility: Accessible by car from Salvador, a journey of about 2 hours. The area is relatively remote, which contributes to its quiet and unspoilt nature.

2. Natural Beauty

• Landscape: Known for its fine white sand, crystal clear waters and lush vegetation. The beach is surrounded by dunes, coconut palms and lagoons, creating a picturesque and peaceful setting.
• Dunes and lagoons: One of the highlights of Praia de Baixio is its impressive dunes and freshwater lagoons, offering unique landscapes and opportunities for activities such as sandboarding and kayaking.

3. Activities and Attractions

• Outdoor Activities: Popular for activities such as hiking, fishing and boating. The natural surroundings make it an excellent place for hiking and wildlife watching.
• Ecotourism: The area is focused on ecotourism, with various sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity.
• Relaxation: Ideal for those looking to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment, with less commercial development compared to more famous Brazilian beaches.

Praia de Baixio is the perfect destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the more crowded tourist spots and immerse themselves in nature. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a mixture of the two, this beach offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

3. Cueira Beach

11. Moreré Beach

Moreré Beach is a tropical paradise located on Boipeba Island, Bahia, known for its calm, crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

1. Details of this beautiful beach

• Location: Moreré is located on the island of Boipeba, in the municipality of Cairu, Bahia, south of Salvador.
• Natural features: The beach is famous for its calm, crystal-clear waters, protected by coral reefs that form natural pools at low tide. The sand is clear and fine, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Atlantic Forest.
• Activities: Moreré is ideal for relaxing by the sea, walking along the beach and exploring the nearby coral reefs. It is an excellent place for snorkelling due to the rich marine life that can be observed in the shallow waters of the natural pools.
• Environment: The beach offers a quiet and unspoilt atmosphere, with little tourist infrastructure, which contributes to a more natural and unspoilt environment.
• Vila de Moreré: Next to the beach is the small village of Moreré, where visitors can find some accommodation, restaurants and basic services.

2. How to get there

• By boat: Take a boat from Valença or Salvador to the island of Boipeba. From there, take a boat or walk to the village of Moreré and enjoy the beauty of the beach.

With its crystal clear waters, coral reefs and unspoilt natural environment, Moreré is the perfect destination for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful, paradisiacal retreat on the coast of Bahia.

12. Nativos Beach

Praia dos Nativos is one of the most famous and busiest beaches in Trancoso, Bahia, known for its natural beauty and lively atmosphere.

1. Details of this beautiful beach

• Location: Praia dos Nativos is located in Trancoso, in the municipality of Porto Seguro, Bahia, in the northeast of Brazil.
• Natural features: The beach is wide, with golden sand and blue sea, surrounded by cliffs covered with native vegetation. It is one of the postcards of the region and offers visitors a breathtaking scenery.
• Environment and infrastructure: Praia dos Nativos is known for its lively atmosphere and complete infrastructure. Along the shore you’ll find beach huts offering food, drink and services such as beach chair and parasol hire.
• Activities: As well as relaxing in the sun and swimming in the clear waters, visitors can enjoy water sports such as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. The beach is also ideal for coastal walks.
• Culture and Gastronomy: Close to the beach there is a village with shops, restaurants and charming inns where you can try the delicious Bahian cuisine and explore the local culture.

2. How to get there

• By Car: Take the BR-367 to Porto Seguro and then take the ferry to Arraial d’Ajuda. From there, take the Arraial d’Ajuda-Trancoso road to Praia dos Nativos.
• Public transport: There are buses between Porto Seguro and Trancoso, as well as vans and taxis in the area.

Praia dos Nativos, in Trancoso, is an essential destination for visitors to Bahia, offering a perfect combination of natural beauty, varied activities and complete infrastructure to guarantee a pleasant stay by the sea.

13. Piracanga Beach

14. Taípe Beach

Praia de Taípe is one of the most beautiful beaches in the municipality of Trancoso, in Bahia.

1. Details of this beautiful beach

• Location: Taípe Beach is located south of Trancoso, in the municipality of Porto Seguro, Bahia, in north-eastern Brazil.
• Natural features: Taípe is known for its long stretches of golden sand and crystal clear waters. The beach is characterised by colourful cliffs and native vegetation, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting.
• Environment: Taípe beach offers a quieter, more unspoilt environment compared to the busier beaches of Trancoso. It is an ideal place to relax, walk along the beach and enjoy the unspoilt nature.
• Infrastructure: Although less developed in terms of tourist infrastructure, Taípe has a few beach huts offering drinks and snacks. It is advisable to bring your own basic items such as water and sunscreen.
• Activities: As well as relaxing in the sun and swimming in the tranquil waters, visitors can explore the cliffs and local vegetation, hike or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the surroundings. 1.

2. How to get there

• By car: Take the BR-367 motorway to Porto Seguro and then the Arraial d’Ajuda-Trancoso road to Taípe beach. The last stretch may involve dirt roads, so be prepared for this.
• Public transport: There are buses from Porto Seguro to Trancoso. From there you can take taxis or local vans to get to Taípe Beach.

Praia de Taípe is a peaceful, natural refuge on Bahia’s Discovery Coast, offering visitors a relaxing experience amidst the natural beauty and tranquillity of its crystal clear waters and golden sands.

15. Taipu de Fora

Taipu de Fora Beach is one of the most beautiful destinations on the Maraú Peninsula in Bahia.

1. Details of this beautiful beach

• Location: Taipu de Fora is located on the Maraú Peninsula, in the municipality of Maraú, Bahia, in north-eastern Brazil.
• Natural features: The beach is famous for its extensive natural pools of crystal clear, warm water formed at low tide. The pools are ideal for snorkelling and visitors can see colourful fish and coral reefs.
• Environment and Beauty: Taipu de Fora has an impressive landscape, with clear, fine sand and coconut groves all around. The sunsets on the beach are a spectacle in themselves, making it a popular destination for holidaymakers.
• Infrastructure: Despite being a quieter and more unspoilt area, Taipu de Fora offers a few restaurants, bars and accommodation options, including inns and holiday homes.
• Activities: As well as relaxing in the natural pools and walking along the beach, visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving and other water activities at low tide.

2. How to get there

• By Car: Take the BR-101 to Camamu and from there take the BA-001 to the entrance of Barra Grande. From Barra Grande follow the road to Taipu de Fora beach.
• Public transport: There are buses from Salvador to Camamu, and from there you can take local transport to the Maraú Peninsula and Taipu de Fora.

Taipu de Fora beach is a natural paradise in Bahia, ideal for those seeking tranquillity, clear waters and water activities amidst a stunning landscape of natural pools and coconut trees.

16. Stella Maris Beach

Stella Maris Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Salvador, Bahia.

1. Details of this beautiful beach

• Location: Stella Maris is located in the city of Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia, in north-eastern Brazil.
• Natural features: The beach is known for its calm, clear waters, fine white sand and coconut groves along the shore. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists who want to relax and enjoy the sea.
• Environment and infrastructure: Stella Maris has a good tourist infrastructure, with kiosks on the beach offering food and drink, as well as chairs and umbrellas for visitors. There is also some accommodation nearby.
• Activities: As well as swimming in the calm waters, visitors can enjoy sports such as frescobol, beach volleyball and walks along the long stretch of sand. The beach is also a good place to watch the sunset.
• Gastronomy: Close to the beach there are restaurants and bars serving typical Bahian cuisine, such as moquecas and acarajés, as well as fresh seafood.

2. How to get there

• By car: Take Avenida Dorival Caymmi, which leads directly to Stella Maris beach. The route is well signposted and easy to follow.
• Public transport: There are bus lines that connect the centre of Salvador to Stella Maris, making it easy to get there if you don’t have a car.

Stella Maris Beach is a popular destination in Salvador, offering a combination of beautiful natural scenery, adequate tourist infrastructure and diverse leisure activities for all types of visitors.

17. Porto da Barra beach

Praia do Porto da Barra is one of the most famous and historic beaches in Salvador, Bahia.

1. Details of this iconic beach

• Location: Porto da Barra is located in the city of Salvador, the capital of Bahia, in the north-east of Brazil.
• Natural features: The beach is known for its calm, crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming. It is sheltered by a bay, which provides calmer sea conditions than other beaches open to the sea.
• Environment and history: Porto da Barra is one of the oldest and most historic beaches in Salvador, being the site of the Portuguese arrival in 1500. Today it is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
• Facilities: The beach has good facilities, with kiosks selling food and drinks, as well as chairs and sunshades for visitors. There are also public toilets.
• Activities: As well as swimming in the calm waters, visitors can enjoy sports such as frescobol and beach volleyball. The beach is also an excellent place to watch the sunset.
• Culture and leisure: Near the beach, there are several historical sites, such as the Fort of Santo Antônio da Barra, built in the 16th century, and the Nautical Museum of Bahia, which tells the maritime history of the region.

2. How to get there

• By car: Drive to Porto da Barra and follow the signs around the town. Access is via Avenida Sete de Setembro, which leads directly to the beach.
• Public transport: There are several bus lines that connect the centre of Salvador to Porto da Barra, making it easily accessible for those not travelling by car.

Porto da Barra Beach is a true icon of Salvador, combining history, natural beauty and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy its calm waters and unique cultural environment.

18. Itapuã Beach

Itapuã Beach is one of the most famous and traditional beaches in Salvador, Bahia.

1. Details of this beautiful beach

• Location: Itapuã is located in the city of Salvador, capital of Bahia, in the north-east of Brazil.
• Natural features: The beach is famous for its calm, clear waters, golden sand and coconut trees along the shore. It is known as the inspirational setting for the song “Tarde em Itapuã” by Vinicius de Moraes and Toquinho.
• Environment and infrastructure: Itapuã has a good infrastructure for visitors, with kiosks selling drinks and snacks, and chairs and parasols for hire. There is also some accommodation and restaurants nearby.
• Activities: As well as swimming in the calm waters, visitors can enjoy sports such as frescobol and sand football. The beach is also ideal for walking along the coast and relaxing in the sun.
• Cultural attractions: Near the beach, visitors can visit Lagoa do Abaeté, a nature reserve with freshwater lagoons and dunes, and the Itapuã Lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of the region.

2. How to get there

• By car: Drive to Itapuã and follow the signs around the city. Access is via Avenida Dorival Caymmi, which leads directly to the beach.
• Public transport: There are several bus lines that connect the centre of Salvador to Itapuã, making it easily accessible for those who don’t have a car.

Itapuã Beach is a popular destination in Salvador, offering a combination of natural beauty, culture and leisure for all visitors who wish to enjoy its calm waters and tranquil seaside setting.

Best Beaches of Bahia – Tourist Guide

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