São Francisco do Conde, a municipality in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador (BA), combines historical heritage, natural beauty and the traditions of the Recôncavo Baiano.
With its islands, mangroves, stretches of Atlantic Forest and coastline, the city is the ideal destination for those seeking ecotourism, colonial history and traditional cuisine.
See the map of Todos os Santos Bay
Why visit
- Type: boat trips from the jetty and the village of Santo Estevão (32 km from the town centre) to explore the islands, river mouths and scenery of the Bay of Todos os Santos.
- History and architecture: townhouses, Baroque churches, convents and the ruins of sugar mills that tell the story of colonial Brazil.
- Culture and cuisine: local folk traditions and traditional dishes, such as fish baked in banana leaves and corn and tapioca porridge.
Videos about San Francisco
História de São Francisco do Conde05:26
História de São Francisco do Conde na Bahia04:39
Guia de São Francisco do Conde na Bahia
Imagens aéreas e história de São Francisco do Conde BA,
Main attractions
- Town Hall and Jail (town hall) — view of Cajaíba Island and the bay.
- Convent of St Anthony — listed complex, cloister and sacred art collection.
- São Bento das Lajes School — a historic neoclassical building overlooking the mangroves.
- São Gonçalo Parish Church — a fine example of Baroque architecture in the Recôncavo region; the patron saint’s feast day is on 28 January.
- Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte — the highest point, with views over the bay.
- Cajaíba Island — beaches, the history of the sugar mill and unspoilt scenery.
- São Miguel das Almas Sugar Mill — listed 18th-century ruins.
A brief history
Founded on the site of a 17th-century convent, the town grew up around the sugar mills and still preserves important vestiges of Portuguese rule. Its architectural heritage and local traditions reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Recôncavo region.
Recommended activities
- Boat trips around the islands (Cajaíba, Fontes, Pati) and along the mouths of the River Sergi and the River Subaé.
- Walks through the historic centre to see the townhouses, churches and the pier.
- Sample the local cuisine and watch folk performances.
Practical tips
- It’s best to travel from Salvador; check the timetables for boats leaving from the local pier or from Santo Estevão.
- Bring insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes for the trails and visits to the ruins.
- Please respect mangrove areas and environmental conservation zones.
São Francisco do Conde offers an experience that combines colonial history, protected natural landscapes and the vibrant culture of the Recôncavo Baiano — ideal for travellers interested in historical tours, ecotourism and regional cuisine.
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