South Coast of Bahia: Discover Stunning Beaches

Discover the best beaches of Bahia’s south coast

The beaches of the South Coast of Bahia are famous for the beauty of their landscapes, but they also offer a variety of leisure activities, including visits to museums and historical sites in Brazil.

Porto Seguro is the ideal starting point for exploring the region, from where you can access neighbouring districts renowned for their beaches, such as Santa Cruz Cabrália, Arraial d’Ajuda, Trancoso and Caraíva.

Praia do Espelho no litoral sul da Bahia
Praia do Espelho on Bahia’s south coast

Best time to visit the beaches of Bahia’s south coast

The best time to visit the beaches of the South Coast of Bahia is between April and October, when the climate is drier and temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 25°C to 30°C.

During this period, rainfall is less frequent, allowing visitors to make the most of the natural beauty and outdoor activities on the beaches of the South Coast of Bahia.

Melhores praias do litoral sul da Bahia
The best beaches of Bahia’s south coast

The months of June to September are particularly favourable for surfers, as the waves tend to be more consistent.

In addition, the full moon and the new moon are ideal times to enjoy the natural pools, especially at beaches like Taipu de Fora, where the low tide reveals the coral formations.

It’s important to note that summer (December to March) brings a significant increase in tourists, especially during the end of year celebrations and carnival.

Although the beaches on the south coast of Bahia get busier, this season is also marked by high temperatures and there can be sporadic rain. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your visit for the quieter months of April and May.

Video of 10 Best Beaches of the South Coast of Bahia

10 melhores praias do sul da Bahia
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10 best beaches of the south coast of Bahia

  1. Taipu de Fora beach – Barra Grande – Maraú Peninsula
  2. Ponta do Mutá beach – Barra Grande – Maraú Peninsula
  3. Ponta dos Castelhanos – Boipeba Island
  4. Prainha Beach – Itacaré
  5. Itacarezinho Beach – Itacaré
  6. Coqueiros beach – Trancoso
  7. Espelho beach – Trancoso
  8. Satu beach – Caraíva
  9. Ponta de Corumbau beach – Prado
  10. Barra do Cahy – Cumuruxatiba

1. Taipu de Fora Beach – Barra Grande – Maraú Peninsula

Taipu de Fora Beach, one of the most famous beaches on the south coast of Bahia, is more than 7 kilometres long, with majestic coconut trees, coral reefs and clear sand.

It is the most popular beach on the Maraú Peninsula and was voted the sixth most beautiful beach in Brazil by the Viagem e Turismo magazine and the Quatro Rodas guide.

Praia de Taipu de Fora - Barra Grande - Península de Maraú
Taipu de Fora Beach – Barra Grande – Maraú Peninsula

In recent years, the local infrastructure has expanded with the installation of inns, holiday homes, bars, restaurants and other services.

The main attraction are the huge natural pools that form between the coral reefs at low tide.

Mapa da Peninsula de Maraú
Map of the Maraú Peninsula

With crystal clear waters teeming with fish, they are ideal for snorkelling and underwater observation.

To make the most of the natural pools, we recommend visiting them during the full moon and new moon periods, when the tide dries out more and exposes the corals.


2. Ponta do Mutá Beach – Barra Grande – Maraú Peninsula

Ponta do Mutá Beach, another gem among the beaches on the south coast of Bahia, is characterised by its calm sea and clear sand, making it a great place to spend the day.

Praia da Ponta do Mutá - Barra Grande - Península de Maraú
Ponta do Mutá Beach – Barra Grande – Maraú Peninsula

At sunset it becomes one of the main attractions of the Maraú Peninsula, famous for its stunning sunsets. The beach has good bars with different styles of music and comfortable chairs for relaxing.

The Sol do Mutá bar is the most traditional, while Oh Bar and Café de La Musique are options for those looking for a lively atmosphere after sunset.


3. Ponta dos Castelhanos – Boipeba Island

Ponta dos Castelhanos is accessible both by sea and by a path from Moreré beach.

Ponta dos Castelhanos - Ilha de Boipeba
Ponta dos Castelhanos – Boipeba Island

The walk takes about 1.5 hours and passes through breathtaking scenery.

mapa da Ilha de Boipeba
Map of Boipeba Island

It’s important to check the tides before crossing on foot, and hiring a guide can be a good option for those who don’t know the route.

Although the influx of tourists increases in the summer, the beach remains quiet and offers an almost deserted stretch of sand to enjoy.


4. Prainha – Itacaré

Prainha is the postcard of Itacaré and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the south coast of Bahia.

Prainha - Itacaré
Prainha – Itacaré

Surrounded by forested hills, it has a large coconut grove and a wide sandy beach.

Mapa turistico de Itacaré na Bahia
Tourist map of Itacaré

Tucked away in a private reserve, Prainha is ideal for surfers and has only one hut.

To get there, it is advisable to hire a guide, as the trail forks and crosses waterfalls.


5. Itacarezinho Beach – Itacaré

Itacarezinho is a long, deserted beach surrounded by hills, coconut trees and reefs. It is a turtle nesting site and attracts surfers who find good local infrastructure.

Praia de Itacarezinho - Itacaré
Itacarezinho beach – Itacaré

The trail to the beach takes about half an hour and crosses a private property.


6. Coqueiros Beach – Trancoso

Located near the centre of Trancoso, Praia dos Coqueiros can be reached via exciting trails.

Praia dos Coqueiros - Trancoso
Coqueiros Beach – Trancoso

With a seafront lined with coconut palms and white sand, this beach has a rustic atmosphere.

Mapa das praias de Trancoso BA
Map of Trancoso BA beaches

It’s a popular destination for holidaymakers, especially in summer, with lively stalls offering live music and delicious seafood dishes such as fresh fish and moquecas.


7. Praia do Espelho – Trancoso

Recognised as one of the most desirable destinations in southern Bahia, Praia do Espelho is famous for its charming inns and romantic atmosphere at night.

Praia do Espelho - Trancoso
Praia do Espelho – Trancoso

The calm sea is greenish in the sunlight and silvery when the moon is full.

To save money, a round trip from Arraial d’Ajuda or Trancoso is recommended.


8. Beach of Satu – Caraíva

Praia do Satu, located 4 kilometres from the village of Caraíva, is ideal for those seeking blue sea and tranquillity. With beautiful natural pools and cliffs, the beach is virtually deserted, with only a few huts and a bar.

Praia do Satu - Caraíva
Satu Beach – Caraíva

Access is by boat and, at low tide, you can walk along the sand to other beaches such as Praia do Lontra and Praia do Camarão.


9. Ponta de Corumbau beach – Prado

Ponta de Corumbau is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the Bahia coast, with calm waters and a family atmosphere.

Praia da Ponta de Corumbau - Prado
Ponta de Corumbau beach – Prado

Access is usually by buggy or speedboat, and there are a number of restaurants on the seafront serving regional dishes such as seafood snacks.

Accommodation is limited but comfortable, making for a pleasant stay in this paradise.


10. Barra do Cahy – Cumuruxatiba

Barra do Cahy in Cumuruxatiba is a paradise where clear waters meet a river, surrounded by cliffs and coconut palms.

Barra do Cahy - Cumuruxatiba
Barra do Cahy – Cumuruxatiba

Situated 18 kilometres from Cumuruxatiba, from the beach you can see Monte Pascoal, a historic place seen by Pedro Álvares Cabral and his crew.

Mapa de Prado e Cumuruxatiba BA
Map of Prado and Cumuruxatiba BA

The beaches of Bahia’s south coast offer a perfect combination of natural beauty, tranquillity and leisure activities, making them a must for sun and sea lovers.

If you’re looking for a paradise getaway, the Beaches of Bahia’s South Coast will not disappoint!

Tourist guide to the beaches of Bahia

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