State of Bahia trip planner

State of Bahia Holiday Planning Guide

In the early 16th century, Portuguese explorers landed on the coastline of today's State of Bahia, a northeastern region where South America meets Africa. The mix of these two disparate cultures remains one of the main reasons to take a trip to State of Bahia, though a growing number of tourists also come for a chance to see protected sea turtle nesting grounds, hike to dramatic waterfalls, and spot whales along the coastline. National parks top most State of Bahia itineraries, serving as quiet and largely unspoiled wilderness areas that offer a peek into what most of Brazil looked like when the first Europeans arrived. Start your State of Bahia tour in state capital Salvador, a colonial-era city known for its attractive churches and cobblestoned streets.

Places to Visit in State of Bahia

Cities in State of Bahia

Salvador: Founded in 1534, Salvador offers a unique mix of colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and urban beaches, making it a good starting point on your tour of State of Bahia.

Porto Seguro: Hang out on pristine beaches and take advantage of vibrant nightlife in Porto Seguro--when you get tired of urban activities, explore the nearby national parks.

Popular State of Bahia Tourist Attractions

Pelourinho: Tour this historic neighborhood during your vacation in State of Bahia to see impressive Renaissance architecture with exquisite stucco work.

Passarela do Descobrimento: Walk along this walkway to observe street musicians and purchase interesting arts and crafts from local sellers.

Nosso Senhor do Bonfim church: Salvador's oldest church boasts a long history of granting miracles to worshippers--people donate various objects in gratitude, which the church stores in a room at the back of the church.

Projeto Tamar: Hang out with several types of sea turtles and see a few sharks in a wildlife sanctuary set up on a golden-sand beach, a must-visit for ecotourism lovers on vacation in State of Bahia.

Sao Francisco Church and Convent: Marvel at extravagant interior decoration with gilded wood carvings and elaborate paintings at this 18th-century Franciscan repository of colonial Baroque art.

Forte Beach: Escape the city and visit a beach paradise with wide golden sands, plenty of water sports options, rent-a-bike operators, and a turtle conservation project.

Farol da Barra Beach: Get away from the city bustle and stroll along a long urban beach with a wide promenade and a historic fort with a lighthouse.

Elevator Lacerda: Get an amazing view of Salvador and its coastline from the 72 m (236 ft) tall tower of one of the world's oldest public elevators.

Mucuge Street: Dine and shop on your tour of Bahia at this street, featuring charming traditional architecture and plenty of eateries open through the night.

Centro Historico: Tour an early colonial neighborhood perched on a hilltop with three charming churches and a score of colorful buildings overlooking the Atlantic.

Planning a State of Bahia Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in State of Bahia with Kids

Tourism in State of Bahia revolves around great beaches, nature resorts, and rich cultural heritage of its early colonial cities, most of which are family friendly.

In addition to beach activities, Salvador offers a great deal of street entertainment which kids find charming. While there, they can also explore nooks and crannies of old colonial forts.

Things to Do in State of Bahia with Kids

With its long coastline and family-oriented hospitality industry, State of Bahia has many kid-friendly beaches offering a relaxing holiday for families on a State of Bahia vacation.

In addition to playing on idyllic beaches with calm waters, kids can hang out with turtles at Projeto Tamar.

For kids interested in model ships and maritime history, Nautico da Bahia Museum offers a suitable alternative.

If you're looking for outdoorsy activities that offer you kids a chance to learn something valuable about the natural world, keep in mind that whale watching tours are organized in Abrolhos National Marine Park, in the extreme southern part of Bahia.

Tips for a Family Vacation in State of Bahia

Given the size of State of Bahia, transport can be a challenge and domestic flights expensive.

In general, however, Brazil is a family-friendly country and Brazilians go out of their way to accommodate kids.

If you are planning on renting a car, it is advisable to bring your own child or baby seat--few rental agency offer them, and those that do, charge a pretty penny.

Renting a car to expand your State of Bahia itinerary can help you move about more efficiently, but you should be aware of carjacking risks and parking problems in the capital.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in State of Bahia

Cuisine of State of Bahia

Bahia has a cuisine heavily influenced by Africans brought there as slaves, who not only introduced their own cooking style, but also modified the existing Portuguese and Amerindian dishes.

Bahia's long coast boasts a variety of seafood dishes like moqueca baiana, a kind of fish and shrimp stew with palm oil, coconut milk, onions, cilantro, malagueta pepper, coriander, and garlic. This dish is usually served with farofa, a toasted couscous-like mixture.

A typical snack you'll encounter during a trip to State of Bahia is called acaraje, a palm oil-fried ball made of peeled beans and served with pepper sauce, dried shrimp, vatapa bread paste, chopped tomatoes, and green pepper.

Spice up your tour of State of Bahia with a sarapatel stew made of intestines or, in the countryside, dare to try delicious buchada de bode, or goat entrails.

Tapioca and rapadura, unrefined sugar cane, make popular desserts across the region. You can also try the national cocktail called caipirinha, laced with liquor made from fermented sugarcane called cachaca.

Shopping in State of Bahia

State of Bahia offers a variety of shopping experiences, ranging from small-size traditional artisan shops to huge super-modern malls.

Most tourist beaches like Forte Beach host a variety of local artists selling jewelry, ceramics, wood carvings, dream catchers, natural soaps, paintings, and antiques.

In Salvador, you can browse bustling marketplaces selling regional ceramics and folk art. Lovers of handicrafts will enjoy Mercado Modelo, where many sellers offer a range of items under one roof.

Shopping da Bahia, one of the largest shopping centers in the region, boasts over 500 international stores.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to State of Bahia

Interesting Facts About State of Bahia

● Bahia has by far the largest number of Brazilians of African descent

● Traditional Brazilian dances and martial arts, samba and capoeira, originated in Bahia

● Bahia has the longest coastline of all Brazilian states--1,103 km (685 mi) long

● The name Bahia comes from Bahia de Todos Santos (Bay of All Saints), named by Amerigo Vespucci, who stumbled upon this coast on All Saints Day in 1502

Holidays & Festivals in State of Bahia

The birthplace of samba and capoeira, Bahia runs a busy calendar of festivals and remains proud of its African heritage mixed with Portuguese Catholic traditions.

Your trip to State of Bahia will not be complete unless you soak in "the soul of Brazil" during one of these events.

The capital Salvador hosts one of the biggest street carnivals in the world, celebrated over a number of days in February and rivaling the world-famous event in Rio. The feast official lasts for six full days, but preparations leading up to it and the round-up events after the festival extend it to twelve days.

Paying tribute to St. John the Baptists throughout June, Festa Junina (June Festival) attracts visitors with art performances, typical dances like the quadrille, and a variety of games and food shows, making this one of the largest regional festivals in the country.

Useful State of Bahia Travel Tips

Climate of State of Bahia

State of Bahia has a tropical climate, with 68 percent of its territory located in the semi-arid zone.

Salvador has a tropical rainforest climate with constant temperatures throughout the year, and no discernible dry season.

The state has the longest coastline in the country, experiencing a mostly humid climate.

January is the hottest month, with highest average temperatures between 25 C and 31 C (77 F and 88 F). The lowest temperatures are in July, hovering between 22 C and 28 C (72 F and 82 F).

The temperature seldom drops below 19 C (66 F) in the winter period, and most of the rains fall in May. The driest months are January and February.

Transportation in State of Bahia

Public transport in Salvador is quite good, with an inexpensive bus network that runs frequently. Buses are entered through the back door, except for the more expensive executivos, which are entered from the front.

There is also the Salvador Metro, which is relatively new and swift.

Renting a car is an option, but parking can be a huge problem in the capital.

During your State of Bahia trip, you will have to rely solely on taxis, buses, and cars--the area offers no rail service.