Salvador and Bahia
Why You Should Visit Salvador
-
Experience the unique African-influenced culture of Salvador, ever-present in the religion, music, dance and food
-
Wander along the cobbled streets of Salvador’s beautiful colonial heart, the Pelourinho
-
Salvador’s cuisine is delicious, particularly moqueuca, a coconut based seafood stew
-
Don’t miss Salvador Carnival. The thronging parade of music and dance flows through the city’s streets rather than in a stadium as in Rio de Janeiro
Our Specialists 'Must Do'
Have a go at one of the local forms of dance and music such as the Afro-Brazilian drumming or for the more nimble try the acrobatic capoiera, an impressive blend of martial art and dance. Or leave it to the professionals and watch one of their live evening shows!
A little more about Salvador and Bahia
Salvador is the vibrant and historically rich capital of Bahia, overlooking the magnificent Bahia de Todos los Santos (All Saints Bay) on the north-eastern shores of Brazil. One of Brazil’s oldest cities, it was also incredibly wealthy thanks to the cultivation of sugarcane and tobacco which relied heavily on the slave trade. The vast majority of slaves came from Africa and brought their unique culture with them.
African culture dominates every niche of Salvador’s colourful lifestyle from the pulsating rhythm of drums to the spicy aroma of its cuisine, the martial art dance of capoeira, and the incessant need to party! Salvador’s crowning glory is the historical downtown area, the Pelourinho; a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautifully coloured colonial houses and dotted with some of the prettiest churches in the country.
The state of Bahia has the longest coastline and some fabulous beaches as well as a great climate. It is a perfect place to combine a vibrant city, colonial culture and relaxing time on the beach. Consider nearby beaches at Praia do Forte, Kiaroa Eco Luxury Resort on the Marau Peninsula, the tropical islands of Boipeba and Morro do Sao Paolo. Further afield there is Itacare and hip Trancoso, a fabulous destination with chic hotels, great bars and restaurants and beautiful beaches. We can offer a selection of wonderful private villas along the coast of Bahia. Travellers may also like to consider the Chapada Diamantina with its table top mountains, waterfalls, superb hiking and pretty colonial Lençois.
When to go
Salvador and Bahia state is a year round destination with fairly consistent warm temperatures, however August to March is the driest season.
For more information on Salvador and Bahia, or for advice on your holiday to Brazil, please contact Oliver, our Brazil specialist on 01285 885 333.