Southern Bahia

Ilheus, in Southern Bahia, is an interesting city with some beautiful coastline. 65km north of Ilheus is the popular town of Itacaré with its cobbled streets, interesting architecture, beautiful beaches, rivers, Atlantic rainforest and Cocoa plantations. The Peninsula de Maraú has wonderful, unspoilt beaches with natural swimming pools and coral reefs.

The vegetation is varied; beach scrub, Atlantic rain forest, mangroves, lakes and islands. It has a lovely relaxed, friendly atmosphere and many of the roads are sandy tracks where 4x4 vehicles are necessary. The peninsula can be accessed from either Itacaré or Salvador.

Our preferred accommodation

Burundanga Pousada

Inn/Posada - Itacaré, a short flight south of Salvador
A charming, small pousada 200m from Praia do Concha and a short walk from the centre of Itacaré. The pousada has a warm, friendly atmosphere with tasteful décor and nice touches. There is a breakfast area, small pool and tropical gardens.
Butterfly House

Beach hotel - Peninsula de Maraú
Owner Chloe Gibbs has created a secluded, boutique lodge in a national park on the Marau peninsula, overlooking the ocean on one side and a fresh water lake on the other and surrounded by rainforest.
Pousada Lagoa do Cassange

Inn/Posada - Peninsula de Marau
A small, friendly, privately owned pousada with 13 bungalows on a narrow stretch of land between Lagoa do Cassange and Praia Cassange, overlooking the beach. TV/reading room, thatched restaurant overlooking the beach, excellent food, quiet and personal. Transfers can be from either Ilheus (about 4 hours by road and boat) or Salvador (about 6-7 hours by road and boat).
Txai Resort

Beach hotel - Itacaré, a short flight south of Salvador
An immaculate resort set in 110 hectares of what was originally an old cocoa farm, overlooking a private 3km stretch of golden palm-fringed beach. There is a spa/natural health centre set on a hill behind the complex with fabulous views over the coast.