A Guide to Morro de São Paulo, Brazil: Best Beaches, How to Get There & Where to Stay

The Epitome of the Bahian Lifestyle

The town of Morro de São Paulo, on the northeastern tip of Ilha de Tinharé, is a perfect representation of what makes the Bahian lifestyle so revered throughout Brazil. This car-free village is a paradise of sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation, where time seems to stop and the outside world disappears. Popular with tourists but not overrun, this is a perfect place to spend a magical few days away from any cares and concerns.

Getting There

Part of what makes Morro de São Paulo so enchanting is its relatively isolated location. The town is located 34 nautical miles (64 km) southwest of Salvador, but there are three different options to get there: by sea, by land, or the so-called ‘semi-terrestrial’ option. The sea journey is a two-and-a-half-hour ride on a catamaran ferry, but the sea can be very rough—even if you don’t get seasick, some fellow passengers certainly will, and it won’t be a pleasant experience to be sitting close to them in tight quarters. The overland journey involves a four-hour bus ride to Valença, followed by a half-hour speedboat to the island.

I recommend opting for the semi-terrestrial option for the best combination of time and comfort. This route will save you a couple of hours by taking you across the bay on a ferry to Ilha de Itaparica, where you will take the bus for an hour and a half to Valença and then the speedboat to Morro de São Paulo. The ferry ride takes a little under an hour, and the waters of the bay are calmer than the open ocean; however, if you often suffer from seasickness, I probably would recommend going for the overland option. There are plenty of tour companies that will book the journey for you and make for a very smooth experience—I recommend using Transfer Morro de São Paulo.

No matter how you go, the destination is well worth the journey.

Primeira Praia

Morro de São Paulo’s beaches are numbered going clockwise from the town, so they are easy to keep straight. The first beach is located at the base of the namesake hill (morro) with an excellent view of the lighthouse. This small beach is one of the few in the area with waves, so it is a popular place for surfing as well as wakeboarding and kayaking. There is also a zipline from the top of the hill down to the water.

Segunda Praia

This is the most popular beach and is the center of the town’s very active nightlife scene. Full of umbrellas, bars, and restaurants, head here if you’re looking for a beach filled with activity. The water is a natural pool with no waves, so it’s a great place to swim for families with children. If you need some refreshment close by, try Açaí Pareaki.

Terceira Praia

A bit past the main area of town, this beach offers more tranquility while still close to restaurants and other amenities. With calm, crystal-clear waters, this is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Quarta Praia

Keep walking past the first three beaches and you will be rewarded with the best of all. Away from the hubbub of town, this beach is pure beauty, surrounded by nature and the deep colors of blue water, green palm trees, and white sand. It is arguably one of the best beaches in Brazil and is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.

Food

When it comes to dinner, look no further than Papoula Culinária Artesanal. Simply an incredible restaurant with a wide-ranging menu catering to all tastes; you will be happy to eat here every night of your trip. If you are there on a Sunday when they are closed, try Restaurante Toca do Sabor for some local Bahian cuisine.

Accommodation

I highly recommend Pousada Aquarela for a relaxing stay with jungle views and cozy comfort. Run by a very friendly Argentinian family that serves a delicious breakfast, this place is all you could ask for.

Looking for more places to explore in the region? Visit our Bahia page here.