Coast of Discovery: Bahia's Historical Treasures

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Considered the cradle of Brazilian history, the Coast of Discovery is a region in the south of Bahia that includes cities such as Porto Seguro, Santa Cruz Cabrália, Arraial d’Ajuda, Trancoso and the Island of Comandatuba.

In 1999, the region was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO, highlighting its historical importance and natural wealth.

Mapa da Costa do Descobrimento na Bahia — Map of Bahia’s Discovery Coast

Videos of The Discovery Coast

Porto Seguro, Cabrália, Arraial D’ajuda and Trancoso

Porto Seguro na Bahia09:54

Santa Cruz Cabrália14:58

Trancoso na Bahia02:47

Drone - Santa Cruz Cabrália03:50

Arraial D'ajuda na Bahia07:20

Main Tourist Attractions of the Discovery Coast

Porto Seguro: Living history and vibrant beaches
Santa Cruz Cabrália: Tradition and enchanting landscapes
Arraial d’Ajuda: Charm and fun by the sea
Trancoso: tradition and sophistication in harmony
Comandatuba Island: Isolated paradise
Discovery National Park: Biodiversity and Tradition
Coral reefs of Santa Cruz Cabrália: Diving and Nature

1. Porto Seguro: Living history and vibrant beaches

Porto Seguro is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches and colonial architecture. The city is crossed by the Buranhém River, and to the south is Monte Pascoal.

Centro Histórico de Porto Seguro — The historic centre of Porto Seguro

The historic centre of Porto Seguro, located in the Cidade Alta, is one of the most important sites in Brazilian history and was declared a Historical, Cultural and Landscape Heritage Site by IPHAN in 1981.

The city also offers a variety of leisure activities, from nautical activities to a vibrant nightlife, with the famous “Passarela do Álcool” and the lively “Reggae Night”.

Passarela do Álcool em Porto Seguro — Alcohol walkway in Porto Seguro

2. Santa Cruz Cabrália: Tradition and enchanting landscapes

About 23 kilometres from Porto Seguro, Santa Cruz Cabrália offers quiet beaches and crystal-clear waters protected by reefs. The town is marked by the first mass celebrated in Brazil, in 1500, on Coroa Vermelha beach, where a symbolic cross marks the spot.

The historic centre is home to 17th and 18th century buildings, and the Descobrimento National Park is one of the natural highlights, with trails that allow visitors to explore the rich local biodiversity, including rare species of Atlantic rainforest.

3. Arraial d’Ajuda: Charm and fun by the sea

Arraial d’Ajuda is a charming village with paradisiacal beaches and a unique atmosphere.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora d’Ajuda em Arraial d'Ajuda — Church of Our Lady of Help in Arraial d’Ajuda

Rua do Mucugê is the commercial centre of the village, full of bars, restaurants and craft shops. In the evenings, the nightlife is lively with several bars offering live music.

The destination is perfect for those who want to relax as well as those who are looking for a lively atmosphere at night.

4. Trancoso: tradition and sophistication in harmony

Trancoso is a quiet village known for its Quadrado, a central square surrounded by colourful houses and a historic church.

Founded by the Jesuits at the beginning of Portuguese colonisation as an indigenous settlement for catechesis, Trancoso retains its rustic charm with elegant inns, sophisticated restaurants and designer boutiques.

Praia do Espelho - Trancoso — Praia do Espelho – Trancoso

Praia do Espelho, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, is only 30 kilometres away and is a must for visitors.

5. Comandatuba Island: Isolated paradise

Comandatuba Island offers a secluded haven for those seeking tranquillity, with luxury resorts, beautiful beaches and lush nature.

Ilha de Comandatuba em Una BA — Comandatuba Island in Una BA

The island is ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy activities such as kitesurfing and fishing, all in a paradisiacal setting. In addition, the proximity of the Costa do Descobrimento and the transport facilities make it easy for visitors to get there, whether by boat or by plane.

6. Descobrimento National Park: Biodiversity and Tradition

The Descobrimento National Park, located in Porto Seguro and Santa Cruz Cabrália, is a protected area of great ecological and tourist importance.

The park has trails that allow visitors to explore the region’s rich biodiversity, including rare species of Atlantic rainforest.

It is also an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy ecotourism and want to learn more about the local fauna and flora.

Parque Nacional do Descobrimento — Descobrimento National Park

The park is one of the greatest natural attractions of the Costa do Descobrimento, offering a direct link with the environment and the history of the region.

7. Coral reefs of Santa Cruz Cabrália: Diving and Nature

Santa Cruz Cabrália is also an excellent destination for divers and snorkellers, with coral reefs such as those found in the Coroa Alta Marine Park.

Parque Marinho de Coroa Alta — Coroa Alta Marine Park

The crystal clear waters provide perfect visibility for exploring marine life, making it a popular destination for those seeking underwater activities.

Bottom line

The Discovery Coast combines natural beauty with a rich historical heritage, offering visitors a unique experience that combines culture, history and leisure in one of Brazil’s most enchanting destinations.

Whether exploring ecotourism in Discovery National Park, diving the reefs of Santa Cruz Cabrália, relaxing on the paradisiacal beaches of Trancoso or enjoying the sophistication of Arraial d’Ajuda, each city offers something special for every type of traveller.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide in Bahia and the Brazilian Northeast.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 30/12/2012 · Updated on 30/03/2025