When the Portuguese landed on this gorgeous stretch of coastline with its year round warmth, white sandy beaches, coconut palms and bright blue water, they were mightily impressed. They chose a spectacular peninsula located between what they called 'All Saints Bay' and the Atlantic to be their main port, and built the city of Salvador de Bahia.
Salvador was Brazil's first capital, and the ancient mix of cultures which gathered here - coming from Europe, Africa and the Americas - still shows. Indeed, many of the best places to stay in Bahia can be found in and around Salvador, and often reflect this cultural melée.
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What To Expect
Salvador da Bahia is Brazil's most African influenced city - you taste it in the food, see it in the traditions and hear it in the music. The city is often in festive spirit, with music and parties celebrating one thing or another spreading out onto the colonial streets with its wonderful 17th and 18th Century architecture.
Capoeira circles spring up in the main plazas, and you may catch glimpses of mystical Candomble ceremonies - all reminders that this was the site of the New World's first slave market. It still remains one of the strongest cultural centres of African heritage outside of Africa. Try the food, visit the markets, and go out on the water to experience the beauty of All Saints Bay.
Exploring south
Immediately south of Salvador you come to the Dende Coast, an area of verdant vegetation, clear waters, islands, bays, and coral reefs. There are a number of resorts and hotels dotted along its beaches and waterways. Continuing further south you arrive at Porto Seguro, where the Portuguese first landed and it is the colourful history of this town, along with its reputation for fun, that draws many visitors here. The area has been heavily commercialised, with large package tour beach resorts, but in the small historic centre of the old town you can still find the former colonial houses, some of which have been turned into stylish places to stay.
If you're looking for a quieter stretch of the coastline, Arraial d'Ajuda is probably more your style. This beautiful little village was once a holiday spot for the wealthy. It has tropical greenery, large colourful plazas with open air restaurants and gorgeous views of the lovely coastline. There are some great beachfront hotels to choose from here.
Trancoso, located below Arraial d'Ajuda, is a yet smaller and slightly hipper version and contains many of the best places to stay in Bahia, from boutique luxury to chic guesthouses. The views are just as magnificent, the open-air restaurants and bars are just as appealing, the churches just as picturesque - but it all feels a bit more rustic. Further south you'll find some remoter beach hideaways, fringed by lagoons and rainforest and on long, empty stretches of sand.
Exploring north
Heading north from Salvador you enter the famous 120 mile stretch of coastline called the Coconut Coast, famous not just for its coconuts, but also its sand dunes, mangroves and fresh water lagoons. The area covers the resort towns of Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauipe, and here you'll find numerous beach resorts and hotels. This area is one of the best in Brazil for whale watching and turtle spotting, at the right times of year.
Exploring west
In addition to these beachlife charms, it's also worth venturing inland in Bahia if you have the time - for example into the Chapada Diamantina National Park, 375,000 acres of tropical forest covering mountains and concealing waterfalls, natural swimming pools and caves. You can camp in the park but there are also plenty of more luxurious accommodation options.
Our pick of the best places to stay in Bahia, listed below, are an eclectic mix of rustic chic guesthouses, townhouse hotels, beachside glamour resorts and all out luxury. As with all our recommendations, if you're planning to visit during peak season then book well ahead to ensure a room in one of the best places to stay in Bahia.
