Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together – perfect for a 7-day city and coast itinerary in Salvador and its surroundings.
With its colourful historic centre, Pelourinho, baroque churches, lively markets and vibrant waterfront, the city offers unique urban and coastal experiences.
This one week itinerary includes tours of the Historic Centre, visits to museums and lighthouses, days on the beach and trips to nearby islands, ensuring cultural immersion, contact with nature and time to relax.
The proposal starts from the Centre/Pelourinho and offers flexible options to suit your pace and preferences.
7 day itinerary in Salvador and surroundings
5 Atrações Incríveis do Pelourinho em Salvador03:37
Fundação Jorge Amado em Salvador
Catedral Basílica de Salvador
Museu Carlos Costa Pinto em Salvador BA01:32
Museu Afro Brasileiro em Salvador
Forte de São Marcelo em Salvador BA
Farol da Barra (Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra)
Praia do Porto da Barra em Salvador
Forte de Santa Maria em Salvador00:39
Vista de cima do Solar Unhão em Salvador01:41
Dique do Tororó em Salvador00:47
Ilha dos Frades - Guia Turístico07:13
Ilha de Itaparica - Drone02:55
Praia do Forte na Bahia11:18
Day 1 – Main attractions of Pelourinho
- Church and Convent of São Francisco: Richly gilded interior with impressive Baroque woodcarvings.
- Casa do Carnaval (Carnival Museum): Exhibitions on the history and costumes of the Bahian Carnival.
- Jorge Amado Foundation: Cultural centre and museum dedicated to the life and work of the writer, with exhibitions, library, research and cultural programmes.
- Museum of Santa Casa da Misericórdia: Historical collection related to the social and religious activities of Santa Casa, with documents and religious and hospital objects.
- Lacerda Lift: An urban icon that connects the upper and lower towns, offering privileged views of the bay and access to local shops.
Day 2 – Attractions in the historic centre of Salvador
- Cathedral Basilica (Sé) and Terreiro de Jesus Square: The city’s main church, with a neoclassical façade and historic interior; the square is a cultural centre with cafes and events.
- Church of the Third Order of Carmelites: A remarkable example of Bahian Baroque architecture, with rich wood carvings, tiles and an ornate 18th-century façade.
- Carlos Costa Pinto Museum (Solar dos Costa Pinto): Colonial mansion with furniture, porcelain and objects from the Brazilian aristocracy of the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Afro-Brazilian Museum: Collection of Afro-Brazilian religions, culture and history.
- Mercado Modelo: A centre for handicrafts and popular cuisine, with souvenir shops, food stalls and cultural performances.
- Fort of São Marcelo: Circular fortification in the bay, of historical importance, open to visitors on a coastal walk.
Day 3 – Attractions in the Barra area
- Barra Lighthouse (Santo Antônio da Barra Fort) – historic lighthouse with nautical museum and viewpoint for watching the sunset.
- Porto da Barra Beach – an urban beach with calm waters, ideal for bathing and swimming.
- Barra-Ondina Waterfront and Promenade – coastal promenade with cycle path, bars and restaurants; carnival route.
- Fort de Santa Maria – historic fortress near the lighthouse.
- Sunset viewpoints – along the coast between Farol and Ondina, ideal for photography.
- Craft markets – souvenirs and local products, especially in the late afternoon.
Day 4 – Solar do Unhão and Tororó dam
- Solar do Unhão (Museum of Modern Art – MAM-BA): Architectural complex on the edge of Todos-os-Santos Bay with art exhibitions, studios and panoramic views.
- Tororó Dam: Tororó Dam is an artificial lake and recreational area in Salvador, known for its large bronze sculptures of orixás (African deities) over the water.
Day 5 – Friars Island
- Early departure: Travel to pier specified by operator.
- Crossing: Speedboat ~40-60 min (confirm with operator).
- Day: Beaches, swimming, lunch at local restaurant and walk through the village.
- Return: To Salvador in the late afternoon.
Day 6 – Itaparica Island or Schooner Trip
- Itaparica Island: Take the ferry/speedboat (~40-60 min), explore the beaches and have lunch on the island, return in the afternoon.
- Schooner: Tour with stops for diving and lunch on board.
- Evening: Return to Salvador for dinner.
Day 7 – Praia do Forte and return
- Early departure: Route via Estrada do Coco (~1-1.5 hours).
- Morning: Tamar Project and beaches.
- Lunch: Praia do Forte village.
- Afternoon: Relax on the beach or visit Garcia d’Ávila Castle.
- Return: To Salvador in the late afternoon/evening.
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