North-East Region, State of Bahia
Ilheus Travel Guide
Learn about Ilhéus' chocolate heritage at the Cocoa Museum, explore the colonial downtown, and savor local seafood.
Ilheus, a coastal city in Bahia, is famous for its cacao production. The city’s colonial-era architecture, such as the Cathedral of São Sebastião and the Bar Vesúvio reflects its rich history, immortalized in the works of Brazilian writer Jorge Amado. Ilhéus is also a gateway to the stunning beaches of the Cocoa Coast and nearby eco-tourism destinations like the Serra do Conduru State Park.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Ilhéus
Visit Casa de Cultura Jorge Amado
Relax at Praia dos Milionários
Have a drink at Bar Vesúvio
Tour the Catedral de São Sebastião
Visit Fazenda Yrere, a cocoa plantation, to learn about chocolate
Closest airport
Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Ilhéus
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Main ports
How to get to Ilheus
How to get to Ilheus by bus and plane
Ilheus is connected with flights and busses to other cities. Ilheus has a domestic airport with direct flights to Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, and Salvador. The closest international airport is in Salvador.
Ilheus can be easily reached by bus from other destinations in Bahia, such as Itacare (1.5-2 hours) and Porto Seguro (6 hours).
How to get to Ilheus from Salvador
There is no direct bus to Ilheus. To reach Ilheus from Salvador, the fastest route is to take a ferry, followed by a bus.
Take a ferry from Terminal Marítimo de São Joaquim
to Bom Despacho (30 minutes)
From Dom Despacho, take a bus to Ilheus (7-9 hours)
How to get to Ilheus from Chapada Diamantina
If travelling to Ilheus from else where in Bahia, such as Lencois (Chapada Diamantina), it is not necessary to transit through Salvador. Save time and money by changing busses in Feira de Santana.
How to get around Ilheus
The city has a reliable bus network that services most areas, making it an affordable way to get around. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available for more comfortable and direct transportation, while renting a car can be a good option for those looking to explore the surrounding beaches and countryside at their own pace.
Things to know before you go
Ilheus is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and connection to the famous Brazilian author Jorge Amado, whose works were set in the region. Visitors should be prepared for a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity, especially in the summer months. While the city is generally safe, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and follow common travel safety tips, such as not displaying valuables openly and avoiding deserted areas after dark.
