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North-East Region, State of Bahia

Porto Seguro Travel Guide

The gateway to the beaches of Southern Bahia, Porto Seguro has cheap sunset markets and some beautiful beaches of it's own.

Pink, blue and yellow houses line the street in Porto Seguro

Porto Seguro, in southern Bahia, is historically significant as the landing site of Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500, marking the beginning of Brazil’s colonization. Today, the city is known for its lively sunset market, beautiful beaches, including Taperapuã and Mutá, and its historical attractions like the Cidade Histórica. Porto Seguro also serves as the gateway to popular beach towns such as Arraial d'Ajuda, Trancoso, and Caraiva.

Top 5 Things to See & Do in Porto Seguro

  • Go shopping at the sunset night market

  • Explore Passarela do Álcool

  • Relax at Praia de Taperapuã

  • Go to the Memorial da Epopéia do Descobrimento

  • Tour the Coroa Vermelha Indigenous Reserve

Where to stay

 

Find cheap accommodation for your trip.

Where is Porto Seguro, Brazil

Closest airport

Aeroporto Internacional de Porto Seguro (BPS)

Main bus terminal

Terminal Rodoviário de Porto Seguro

N/A

Main ports

How to get to Porto Seguro

How to get to Porto Seguro by bus or plane

Porto Seguro is easily accessible by plane or bus. It has an international airport with direct flights to Buenos Aires, and domestic flights to several cities including Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, and others.


How to get to Porto Seguro from Arraial D'Ajuda

There is a ferry connecting Porto Seguro with Arraial D'Ajuda. The ferry departs from Balsa Arraial D'ajuda and transports both cars and pedestrians. The ferry towards Arraial D'Ajuda costs R$5, however the return journey to Porto Seguro is free.


How to get to Porto Seguro from Itacare

There is a direct bus to Porto Seguro from Itacare, taking around 8 hours (tickets & timetable).


How to get to Porto Seguro from Trancoso and Caraiva

To get to Porto Seguro from the southern beaches, first travel by bus to Arraial D'Ajuda, then take the ferry to Porto Seguro. There are several busses and minivans connecting Arraial D'Ajuda with Trancoso and Caraíva.


From Trancoso, the public bus to Arraial D'Ajuda departs from the Terminal Rodoviário de Trancoso, while more frequent minivans depart from the small park in front of Padaria Filadelfia.


From Caraiva, both the minivans and public bus depart from carpark by the canoes.


How to get to Trancoso and Caraiva from Porto Seguro

The minivan to Trancoso and Caraiva departs from Arraial D'Ajuda. First take the ferry from Porto Seguro to Arraial D'Ajuda. When you get off the ferry, you will see several minivans in the carpark. The drivers will be happy to point you towards the van for Trancoso or Caraiva. Bring cash to pay the driver, and note that there is a different price for tourists and locals.


How to get around Porto Seguro

Uber and public busses are available in Porto Seguro. Avoid walking at night when possible.

Things to know before you go

  • Sunset Markets: Every evening at sunset, the markets come alive for a few hours. This is an excellent time to explore for unique souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, and experience local street bars. The markets are also known for whipping up an exceptional caipirinhas.

  • Historical Significance: Porto Seguro is known for its historical importance as the site where Pedro Álvares Cabral first landed in Brazil in 1500. Visit the Porto Seguro Historical Center and the Discovery Museum to learn more about the region's history.

  • Beaches: Known for being the gateway to some of Southern Bahia's best beaches, the city has some stunning beaches of its own. Praia de Curuipe is one of the popular beaches close to the city.


Colored houses line the street in Porto Seguro Centro Historico

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