Embark on an unforgettable road trip through Bahia, one of Brazil's most beautiful states. This road trip will take you from Porto Seguro to the state's capital city of Salvador, with stops at some of Bahia's most picturesque coastal towns and beaches. Along the way, you'll discover the natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality that Bahia is renowned for, and eat some top cuisine along the way.
Bahia Road Trip Itinerary
Porto Seguro and Arraial d'Ajuda
Your adventure begins in Porto Seguro, a town steeped in history as the landing place of the Portuguese in 1500. Spend a day exploring the historic centre, with its well-preserved colonial buildings and charming streets. Don't miss the stunning beaches like Taperapuã, known for its lively atmosphere, and Mutá, perfect for a more relaxed vibe. You can also visit the Passarela do Álcool, a vibrant nightlife area with bars, restaurants, and shops.
A short ferry ride from Porto Seguro takes you to Arraial d'Ajuda, known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and charming streets. Enjoy the relaxed vibe at Praia do Mucugê and explore the eco-park for a fun day out with water slides and pools.
Porto Seguro is a logical starting point as it has an international airport, good bus connections, and car rental options.
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Trancoso
Driving Time from Arraial D'Ajuda to Trancoso: 1 hour
From Porto Seguro, head south to Trancoso. Trancoso is a bohemian paradise famous for its Quadrado—a historic square surrounded by colourful houses and topped with a picturesque church overlooking the ocean. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, pristine beaches, and chic boutiques. Don't miss Praia dos Coqueiros and Praia do Espelho, two of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
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Caraíva
Driving Time from Trancoso to Caraíva: 1.5 hours
Continue further south to Caraíva, a remote and rustic village accessible only by boat or foot. With no cars allowed, Caraíva offers a unique experience of tranquillity and natural beauty. There is a carpark by the river where you can park the car and take a canoe across to Caraiva. Spend your days kayaking on the river, relaxing on the beach, and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. Explore the local culture by visiting the nearby indigenous Pataxó village.
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Ilhéus
Driving Time to from Caraiva to Ilhéus: 5.5 hours
Driving north, your next stop is Ilhéus, a city famous for its cocoa production and rich literary history, being the setting of many novels by Jorge Amado. Visit the historic centre, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and don't miss the Bataclan, a restored cabaret from the early 20th century. Other notable sites include the São Jorge dos Ilhéus Church and the Vesúvio Bar, a favourite spot of Jorge Amado.
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Itacaré
Driving Time from Ilheus to Itacaré: 1.5 hours
A short drive from Ilhéus, Itacaré is a must-visit for surfers. Known for its stunning beaches and excellent surf spots, Itacaré also offers hiking trails through lush Atlantic Forest, leading to hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches. Enjoy activities like surfing at Tiririca Beach, kayaking on the Contas River, and taking a yoga class. The beaches of Havaizinho, Engenhoca, and Prainha are also worth exploring.
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Barra Grande
Driving Time to from Itacare to Barra Grande: 3 hours
Continuing north, make a stop at Barra Grande on the Maraú Peninsula. This hidden gem offers stunning beaches, natural pools, and vibrant marine life. Barra Grande is perfect for a relaxing beach day or a snorkeling trip to explore the local marine life, including sea turtles. Don't miss Taipus de Fora, a beach known for its natural pools at low tide, and Cassange Lagoon, ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding.
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Note that part of the drive to Barra Grande is on dirt road. If you prefer to avoid the dirt road, you can drive to Camamu and from there, take a ferry to Barra Grande.
Morro de São Paulo
Driving Time to Valença: 4 hours (drive + ferry)
Head further north to Valença, where you can leave the car and catch a boat to Morro de São Paulo, making sure to leave the car in a secure carpark. This island destination is perfect for a couple of days of relaxation and exploration. With no cars and plenty of stunning beaches, Morro de São Paulo offers a mix of lively beach bars, serene spots, and adventurous activities like zip-lining and snorkeling. Explore the island's beautiful beaches, named numerically the First Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach, and Forth Beach, and take a sunset walk to the lighthouse for panoramic views.
From Morro de São Paulo, take a day trip to Boipeba, another idyllic island known for its unspoiled beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy fresh seafood, snorkeling, and exploring the island's natural beauty. Visit Moreré and Castelhanos for some of the best snorkeling spots.
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Praia do Forte
Driving Time from Valenca to Praia do Forte: 5 hours
As you near the end of your journey, visit Praia do Forte, a charming beach town just north of Salvador known for its sea turtle conservation project, Projeto Tamar. Explore the town's quaint streets, enjoy the pristine beaches, and visit the nearby Sapiranga Reserve for hiking and wildlife spotting. Other activities include visiting the Garcia D'Ávila Castle ruins and relaxing at Praia do Lord and Praia do Papa-Gente.
While in Praia do Forte, take a short trip to Praia de Guarajuba, known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. It's an excellent spot for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying the local seafood at beachfront restaurants.
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Salvador
Driving Time from Praia do Forte to Salvador: 1.5 hours
Conclude your road trip in Salvador, Bahia's vibrant capital. Known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, historic Pelourinho district, and lively music scene, Salvador offers a perfect mix of cultural experiences and coastal beauty. Spend a few days exploring the city's rich history, enjoying its beaches, and savouring the local cuisine. Don't miss the Mercado Modelo for shopping and the Elevador Lacerda for stunning views of the city.
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Additional Stops
The benefit of having a car on this road trip is the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way. In addition to the main stops, consider stopping along the way at lesser-known beach towns like:
Corumbau Beach: A secluded and stunning beach perfect for those who don't mind backtracking a little more. Known for its long stretch of white sand and clear blue waters.
Praia do Espelho: Near Trancoso, famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning cliffs, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil.
Santo André: A small, tranquil village north of Porto Seguro, known for its serene beaches and the João de Tiba River.
Imbassaí: Just north of Praia do Forte, known for its beautiful beaches and the Imbassaí River, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Arembepe: North of Salvador, famous for its hippie village and beautiful beach, offering a unique cultural experience.
Each of these places offers its own unique charm and beauty, making your journey through Bahia truly unforgettable. Enjoy the flexibility and adventure that a road trip provides, and create your own unique Bahia road trip.
Have to been on a road trip in Bahia? Tell me where you stopped in the comments below!
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