Once a tropical playground for well-to-do Argentines, Arraial d'Ajuda has become a favourite of backpackers and hippies in recent years, who flock in droves to this far-flung, unspoilt and beautiful corner of Brazil. Nestling on a majestic stretch of glittering golden coastline, it makes for the ideal beach holiday: with three beaches, a gorgeous heritage-protected village and one of the oldest churches in Brazil, Arraial d'Ajuda is quite simply enchanting. Our recommendation of the best place to stay in Arraial d'Ajuda makes for a very relaxing holiday.
Arraial is a peaceful, if touristy, village. Lined with dusty lanes and paved roads, all in the shadow of old and solid brightly painted houses, tall trees stand scattered about the village, providing generous shade to visitors, while the air is perfumed with the scent of tropical flowers. Atop the highest point of the village stands the church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, one of the oldest churches in Brazil, built in the mid 16th century.
Founded by Portuguese Jesuits in 1549, the name alludes to a popular Portuguese saint, Our Lady of Help, the name of one of the first ships that beached on its beautiful shoreline. The church, Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, was once the spiritual heartland of the Brazilian Catholic church: simple and beautiful, it is surrounded by quaint little local shops and is a renowned pilgrimage site.
People come to the village for the beaches. The wide and golden stretch of coastline has a pure and unspoilt charm to it. The Praia de Pitanga is absolutely divine: ideal for families, it isn't too thronged by tourists or locals like its more unkempt cousin, Praia do Mucuge, whose one attraction is the mass of food stalls that line the beach-head. If you're looking for seclusion, go no further than Praia de Taipe, a deserted beach 20 minutes out-of-town by car.
This is the perfect destination for a beach break.
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Arraial d'Ajuda
A sublime hotel hugging the stunning coast of Bahia. Elegantly designed and beautifully thought-out, the hotel offers charming rooms, an excellent restaurant and imperious views over the Atlantic. Made for a romantic getaway.
