So you’ve been in Salvador for a while and have seen all that you wanted to see?  Want to travel around a little bit?  There are some places that are worth visiting before you continue your way.

You can go inside of Bahian state to Lencois, travel to close by islands or visit some of the beaches on the north coast.  You can also take a look at the bus table below with some of the most-used destinations, schedules, and prices.  If you happen to know some more nice places around here that you want to recommend, don't  hesitate to contact us at contact@negamaluca.com.  

LENCOIS:  If you want to see something different of Bahia, and you like trekking, hiking, waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes, this is the right place to go.  Not a boring day in Lencois.    BUS INFO: Company: Real Express. Ticket price:  R33, and it takes around six hours. Buses leave at 7:00 a.m. and at 11:30 p.m. daily.  It is not possible to reserve tickets, and in high season it’s recommended to buy them in advance.  

ISLANDS 

MORRO DE SAO PAULO:  Island located 2 hours away from Salvador by boat.  Wonderful beaches and a Village with sandy streets full of Pousadas, restaurants and bars make this place a “must see”.   The Island has many beaches, starting from beach number one which is closest to the Village, and as such it’s more dirty and crowded, Beach number 2, the party beach full of huts, loud music and more crowded. Number three, less developed and number four, very quiet beach lined with palm trees and no huts around.

Boats leave daily from Salvador starting at R$45. Schedule varies according to season. The table bellow is for the low season. During high season there are more departures from Salvador & Morro. Tickets can be purchased at the Nega.

ILHA ITAPARICA: Very popular among bahianas, Itaparica is the largest island in Bahia de Todos os Santos.  Boats leave from Salvador every half an hour for R$2.50 on weekdays and R$3.50 on weekends.

Some popular beaches in Itaparica are:  Ponta de Areia, Barra do Gil, Barra do Pote and Coroa (with nice view to Salvador). On the other side of the Island lies Barra Grande, Itaparica’s finest open-to-the-public beach. 

There are other beautiful Islands in Bahia de Todos os Santos. The best way to see them is taking a tour in Terminal Maritimo (next to Mercado Modelo) and spend the whole day out.  Some Islands the tour visits are:  Ilha Bom Jesus dos Passos, with traditional fishing boats and artisans, Ilha dos Frades, named after two monks that were killed and cannibalized by local Indians, and has attractive water falls and palm trees.

The tour costs R$30, and includes fruits.  You can also book from the Nega. 

THE NORTH BEACHES:

Running north from the Farol (lighthouse) de Itapoan are many wonderful beaches. These beaches are accessible via the Linha Verde (Green Line) road running parallel to the coast, with access roads leading off to the coast itself.

Ipitanga: This beach just outside Salvador’s city limits, is perhaps one of the most beautiful on this part of the coast. It is good for surfing and has very good bars and restaurants right on the beach.

Buraquinho: Just north of Lauro de Freitas, which is just north of Salvador, Buraquinho is located where the river Joanes flows into the sea. A charming area of beach houses and well-built barracas. There is a seaside beach, and a surf-protected riverside beach (salt water) perfect for kids.

Arembepe: Nice town close to a Hippie Village with a fresh water lake and beautiful beaches.  You can visit a Turtle reservation close to the village.  Take the bus form Aquidaba bus station (5 minute walk form the Nega), which takes about one hour to get there, and comes every half an hour.  You can also take a tourist bus from the Rodoviaria, but it is more expensive and doesn’t run as often.

Vilas do Atlantico: This beach is inside an upscale, gated community of the same name.  Open to the public, it is very popular among local inhabitants, summer visitors and residents of Salvador.  Some stretches are perfect for surfing and others for swimming. Beach huts offer good service.

Busca Vida: One of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline on the Bahian coast, this gated community is a tropical paradise.  Only cars belonging to residents can enter, yet pedestrians and bikers have free access.

Jaua: Waters are calm, appropriate for swimming, diving or snorkeling, fishing, or even a boat trip.

Itacimirin: Natural port used by local fishermen, who sell an amazing variety of seafood.  Parts of the beach are protected by coral reefs that make them good for swimming or fishing.  Other areas face the open ocean and are good for surfing.

Praia do Forte: This fishing village has become an internationally famed destination thanks to its 12 kilometers of coconut limed beaches and tidal pools.  There are also many historic and ecological attractions such as the ruins of the 16th century Garci d’ Avila Castle and the Sapiranga Coastal Rainforest Reserve with rare and exotic species of flora and fauna. 

Imbassai: Located in the mouth of the Imbassai River.  This small village has adopted tourism as its main development strategy, with numerous hotels, inns, bars and restaurants.  Besides the 7km of beaches, there are waterfalls, rivers and other natural wonders. 

Porto Sauipe: Located on the left bank of the Sauipe River, it is a good place for swimming, boat trips, and kayaking.  Despite the beauty of the beach, the sea is rough and care should be taken when swimming in the open ocean. Fishing is also a good option.

Massarandupio: This small fishing village is very rustic.  At one end there is an officially sanctioned area for naturists where full nudity is compulsory.

Other beaches along the north coast are:  Subauma, Baixio, Barra do Itariri and  Sitio do Conde.

BUS  INFO

Here are some buses destinations that might become handy during your trip. Confirm the schedule before leaving.  Most of the companies (except Real Express and Bon Gonbejo) deliver tickets to the Nega for extra R$3 if we order one day in advance.  All buses leave from the Rodoviaria (Central Bus Station) unless specified differently.

NEGA MALUCA GUESTHOUSE
Rua Dos Marchantes 15, Santo Antonio/Pelourinho, Salvador - Bahia, CEP 40030-030
Tel/Fax: 55-71-3242-9249/99363200, E-mail: contact@negamaluca.com