Pelourinho
Salvador's historic center, with its colorful colonial facades and baroque churches.
Bahia
Between the colorful facades of the Pelourinho, the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of Salvador and beaches lining the Atlantic for hundreds of kilometers, Bahia offers a rich blend of history, culture and coastline among the finest in Brazil.
Why visit Bahia?
Bahia holds an exceptional colonial heritage around Salvador, Brazil's first capital, along with an Afro-Brazilian cultural legacy visible in its music, cuisine and religious festivals. Its coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometers of beaches, complemented inland by the highlands of the Chapada Diamantina.
What to discover in Bahia?
Salvador is the natural starting point for a trip to Bahia. The historic Pelourinho district, recognized for its colorful colonial architecture, is packed with baroque churches, street music and craft workshops. The upper and lower towns, connected by the Lacerda Elevator, offer different perspectives over the Bay of All Saints.
Beyond the capital, the Costa do Sauípe and the bay's islands offer quiet beaches, while the Chapada Diamantina inland draws hikers with its canyons, waterfalls and caves. Further south, the Maraú Peninsula rounds out the coastal offering with less crowded beaches.
Cities to visit in Bahia
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Bahia in pictures
Highlights of Bahia
A few essentials to help plan your discovery of the region.
Afro-Brazilian culture
Music, capoeira and cuisine reflect a cultural heritage unique in Brazil.
Chapada Diamantina
An inland highland region of canyons, waterfalls and caves, popular among hikers.
Bay of All Saints
A large bay dotted with islands, reachable by boat from Salvador.
Costa do Sauípe beaches
A coastline of calm waters lined with palm trees, north of Salvador.
Maraú Peninsula
More secluded beaches, prized for their quiet atmosphere and turquoise waters.
Practical information
- Capital
- Salvador
- Area
- About 565,000 km²
- Population
- About 14.8 million inhabitants
- Language
- Portuguese
- Currency
- Brazilian Real (BRL)
- Time zone
- UTC-3
- Climate
- Tropical along the coast, drier inland
- Best season
- September to March, the driest period along the coast
Frequently asked questions about Bahia
How many days should I plan for Bahia?
Allow at least 4 to 5 days for Salvador and its surroundings, and up to 10 days to include the Chapada Diamantina or the Maraú Peninsula.
What is the best time to visit Bahia?
The September to March period offers drier weather along the coast, ideal for beaches, despite heavier crowds during carnival.
Do you need a visa to visit Bahia?
Entry requirements depend on the traveler's nationality; it is recommended to check applicable requirements before departure.
How do you get around Bahia?
Flying efficiently connects Salvador to distant towns such as those in the Chapada Diamantina, while car or bus travel suits the coastline.
Is Salvador a safe destination?
Safety varies by neighborhood; it is recommended to check which areas are commonly visited and follow the usual precautions found in cities.
What language is spoken in Bahia?
Portuguese is the official language. English remains limited outside the main tourist areas.
Plan your trip to Bahia
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
