There is so much to do in Itacaré that many people refuse to leave! This is so true that some of the population got there because of the beaches it stayed. I have already framed myself in this statistic. I ended up living there for 10 months and now I will tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip to Itacaré, including all the beaches, attractions and trails of the city!
See also: Where to stay in Itacaré: tips for beaches, hostels and hotels
The village, which has about 30,000 inhabitants, was once a lost paradise in the south of Bahia. A few years ago this paradise was found by tourism, which changed some things, but kept the local charm. So much so that the name of the city has become synonymous with surf peaks and adventure sports, which are available in the mountains there.
But don’t worry, whatever your style, there is an Itacaré for you. Even those who prefer days in a quiet rhythm and without many adventures find their place there. So let’s start exploring this Bahian paradise?
What to do in Itacaré: beaches, attractions and adventure
What makes Itaarré so special? First of all, the type of beach, which is not common in that region of Bahia. The cliffs, like those in Trancoso, enter the beaches where the Atlantic Forest practically invades the sand.
Second, the perfect waves that attract surfers and sea lovers. And, of course, the young, quiet and cool atmosphere of the city, which, although small, is vibrant and always has a novelty to tell.
Attention: although beautiful, the beaches of Itacaré are dangerous because there are many currents there. All beaches have a lifeguard team. Remember to check the position of flags that indicate the safe areas for bathing according to the tide and respect the instructions of the professionals.
1. Urban beaches of Itacaré-BA
See now what are the beaches in the center of Itacaré or that are accessible with only a short walk (or trail) of the city.
Praia da Coroa and Concha: the beaches of the center of Itacaré
Itacaré is a meeting point for surfers, who guarantee that the waves there are the best ones in Bahia. The city is the scene of surfing championships and attracts many people who have a lifestyle in the sport. It is not uncommon to see the tanned bodies circling the city with the board on the cleap.
I, who do not understand wave, only know that the beaches are beautiful and it is even possible to find some of the way my way: a swimming pool practically without waves. Praia da Concha, the closest to the city center and close to a lighthouse, is like this. Next to it is an unsuitable beach for bathing and full of boats, known as Praia da Coroa.
These beaches are the most frequented by locals and have bars in their extension.
Pontal and Yemanjá
On the other side of the Crown Beach is the Pontal, a strip of sand meeting the river with the sea. On the Atlantic side, the beach is completely wild and quite violent, so it is not advisable for bathers.
On the river side there is a cool kiosk called Iemanjá, which offers parties with DJs and bonfires, beds, hammocks and colorful drinks in an MTV-De-Holida-com-o-Ex aesthetic.
To get there, just address one of the boatmen on the beach of Coroa, who make the journey for R $ 5 each leg.Iemanjá: the trendy kiosk at the Pontal de Itacaré
The other urban beaches of Itacaré are about a 10-minute walk from the center and five minutes from each other, by a route that can be traversed by the road or by the stones that divide the strip of sand.
the Beach of Resende
The first is Praia do Resende, a small beach with some simple kiosks and many coconut trees. At the entrance, there is the offer of yoga classes on specific days and times (check the poster if you are interested).
Despite some good waves for surfing, this is one of the quietest in Itacaré, especially at low tide, when the natural pools form in the right corner.
The Beach of Tiririca
The Tiririca Beach comes next and has strong waves and that arrive very often, to the point of hosting some surfing competitions.
It also has a more robust structure of restaurants and inns in its surroundings and is one of the most targeted beaches in the region.
Beach of the Coast
The following is Praia da Costa, responsible for the largest number of drownings in Itacaré. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t have any kiosk structure, but she has a life team always ready.
For all these reasons a less frequented beach, but it can be a good request if what you want is to read a book in the sand, for example. If you decide to cool off there, stay right on the edge and respect the signage.
the Beach of Ribeira
The last of the urban beaches of Itacaré is Praia da Ribeira, a wider beach, considered one of the most beautiful among the urban, in which I empties a small stream that forms a natural freshwater pool.
The waves there are relatively quiet, suitable for those who are starting to surf. The place has many kiosks and restaurants and a zipline that is part of a circuit of tree climbing.
The Trail of Prainha
From Ribeira Beach begins the trail to Prainha, which is about 40 minutes walk from there. This is not exactly an urban beach, but it is still accessible on foot.
And the effort of the walk is worth it: it is considered the postcard of the city and has appeared a few times in the list of the most beautiful in Brazil.
There is only a very rustic tent, but that serves drinks and some snacks. There are also showers and bathrooms on site.
The trail that leads there is of moderate difficulty. Many people choose to do it on their own, but the local recommendation is to hire a guide if you don’t know the region.
If you opt for this, do it with one of the local agencies available in the city center. Avoid hiring people who are offering service at the entrance of the trail, as there are reports of problems involving these guides.
In the past, there were also many reports of assaults on this trail, but at least this problem seems to have resolved.
Still, the trail is not demarcated and almost everyone I know ended up getting lost and walking a lot more than I should have to find the way. To avoid this, use a trail app, such as Wikiloc.
2. Country houses in Itacaré
There are four rural beaches that are a little far from the urban area of the city, but are considered the best in the region. To get there you have to get a car. You can combine a guided tour with the city agencies, which already includes a guide and the visit to all of them.
You can also take a taxi in Praça dos Cachorros, at the end of Pituba, and combine the lap time: it is between R $ 30 and R $ 50 each leg.
If you decide to rent a car, we suggest you search and book a pre-locating locator of rental companies in order to ensure the best/cost/benefit ratio. For this, we indicate Rentcars, a blog partner that offers discounts and advantages in the rental.
The beaches Engenhoca and Havaizinho are accessible through a trail that leaves Km 12 of BR-101, which connects Itacaré to Ilhéus. There is parking on site.
Beach Engenhoca
The first of these is Engenhoca, a beautiful beach with an extensive strip of sand and surrounded by Atlantic Forest. The place is one of the favorites of surfers, but the sea is good for bathing, since respecting the guidelines of the lifeguards.
There is also a freshwater pool at the mouth of a small river that flows south of the beach. There is a small structure of rustic kiosks serving local drinks and food.
Hawaii and Camboinha Beaches
Havaizinho and Camboinha come next. They are two small beaches, very beautiful, formed by a cove and separated by reefs. As in Engenhoca, the structure there is simple, but quite satisfactory.
Be sure to try the roasted fish on the banana leaf sold in the tent in the middle of Hawaii.
Itacarezinho
The last of the rural beaches is Itacarezinho, which inho has nothing. The beach is 3.5 km long and is an extension of Camboinhas, but has an entrance with own parking, paid, it is a specific sign for it on the road.
It is possible to get there by the beaches, but the path is more exhausting. Going down the parking there is a beautiful viewpoint with a spectacular view of the region.
In Itacarezinho there is only one restaurant and the prices there are quite overpriced.
3. Jeribucaçu and the Cachoeira da plant
The large postcard of the city, Jeribucaçu Beach is the favorite of many people who visit the region. It is accessible through a 30-minute trail through the Atlantic Forest and bypassing the Jeribucaçu River, which empties into the beach creating a pleasant freshwater pool.
The difference is that here the trail is super quiet, just follow the continuation of the road down to find the white sands of the beach. The return is hill above, so prepare the shin.
Those who prefer can hire a tour with an agency in the city center. The taxi until the beginning of the trail costs R$ 50 each leg. There is no phone signal on the beach, so it is good to combine the lap time.
On the beach there are some very rustic tents, since there is no electricity supply. Families working in the tents fall and climb with the Styrofoam boxes, utensils and garbage every day. But they serve a delicious fish roasted in the shoyo caught right there.
If you want to taste the delight, ask them to show you what is available and combine a price on time. You can choose in the morning and also combine the time you will want to eat.
To reach the Waterfall of the Plant you must follow a trail that crosses a mangrove and lasts about 15 minutes. The waterfall forms a nice natural pool in case you are tired of sea water.
4. Peninsula from 4 to Maraú
The Maraú Peninsula is very close to Itacaré and is surrounded by beaches with crystal clear waters, natural pools formed by coral reefs, and a diversity of mangroves and lagoons. It is a perfect destination for those who want to dive, snorkel, or simply enjoy a sunny day in the sand.
The good news is that there are several 4-4 trips that leave Itacaré for the Maraú Peninsula, offered by local agencies. The starting point and return is Itacaré and the tour all lasts about 7:30 a.m.
The tour costs about R$ 280 per person.
5. By the sun in Ponta do Xaréu
In Itacaré, the sun sets behind the city, but has a great point to see this spectacle by the sea. It is Ponta do Xaréu, which is at the end of Praia da Concha.
You can sit at one of the tables of the Mirante, a bar with great drinks, good music and privileged location, but savory prices. If you want to save money, just climb the stones to the end. The place is full of people every afternoon, so there is not much to go wrong.
Once there, find a space on the stones and enjoy.
6. Adventure Sports in Itacaré
In addition to surfing, the adventure begins on the trails through the Atlantic Forest. In some of them you can find waterfalls.
The various tourism agencies that exist in the center of the city offer the most varied adventures: rafting, rappelling, canoeing, hiking, tree climbing, sidewalks… The list does not end here, and surely you will find an activity for your adrenaline level.
7. Community Tourism in Itacaré
A different way to get to know the city and escape the sameness of the beaches is with alternative walks led by community members.
Although it is still an unexplored alternative in the city, there are some community tourism initiatives, with itineraries idealized by local residents and that show differently the culture and history of the region, the gastronomy and, of course, the beaches and the trails that so delight visitors.
After living there for 10 months, one of the most remarkable experiences I had was to walk by boat through Rio das Contas, roast a fish in the coals, on a fire in the week of São João and see the full moon born giant of Pontal.
On the way, we still saw dolphins hunting dinner and we listened to the stories of the Port of Trás, a quilombola community of the city.
But if your trip does not coincide with the moon, you can still do night trails to the parainha, get to know the rich gastronomy (and learn to make a legitimate Bahian moqueca) in the cultural center of the community and go out to fish the fish of dinner near the mangroves of the region.
If you want to know more about this type of tours, I run there in the profile ?itacarehorizontes, with the guide Comprido, a native resident who promotes 10 alternative tours there. The indication is free and hearted 3.
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How to get to Itacaré
Depending on where you are, you can take the road. I have done this twice, leaving Minas and the Holy Spirit. The first time was by car, the second by bus, making a stop in Porto Seguro on the way, from where there are direct lines there. There are also buses from the main cities of Bahia, such as Salvador and Lençóis.
But the most practical, of course, is to take a flight to Ilhéus, which is only 70 kilometers from Itacaré. Most popular routes to Ilhéus fly in Salvador, Guarulhos or Galeão. To make the journey between cities, you can arrange a transfer in advance or risk a taxi at the door. Leaves for about $160, but if you cry with some butuca taxi driver on landing you can get cheaper.
The cheapest alternative is to go to the bus station or uber and from there take a bus that leaves hourly and costs R $ 20, but keep in mind that the bus is those dripping and the route arrives at two hours.
Where to stay in Itacaré: hotels and hostels
As the city is not great, it does not have much secret: either we stay near the beach, or it is in the animated center of Itacaré. Both of these choices are excellent, and below you find the pros and cons of each of them.
Part of the best inns of Itacaré is in the vicinity of Praia da Concha, a labyrinth of terra ondo terra de ruas facing the best bath in the city. From there, tourists have easy access to everything: from the trendy center to the beaches and restaurants and even to the evenings that roll until late.
Speaking of centrinho and ballad, it is in the Pituba region that everything is concentrated. To be more precise, along Pedro Longo street and in the adjacent streets, which ended up earning this nickname to designate the most touristic part of the city. There are also some cheaper options in Coroa Beach.
Here are some options of hotels and recommended hotels in Itaré:
- Mar Ilha Pousada: Three stars with excellent breakfast.
- Pousada Abaré: With pool 250 meters from the beach. It offers parking and 24-hour reception.
- Pousada Burundanga: 180 meters from the beach. It has a swimming pool and a large garden and massage service. Not accepting children under 14 years
- Pousada Magia do Mar: One of the most cute hostels in Pituba, is 600 meters from the beach and is close to supermarkets and all kinds of shops. It serves breakfast, but also has a shared kitchen.
- Pousada Bicho Preguiça: It is 500 meters from Praia do Resende, in a much more quiet point of Pituba where there are not so many bars around, but close enough to enjoy the night and return walking. It has a pool and breakfast.
- Pousada Lawrence: Simple, comfortable but comfortable and with excellent location, on the street just behind Pedro Longo. It has a parking lot and a garden.
Where to eat in Itacaré
Most of the restaurants of Itacaré are concentrated along Rua Pedro Longo, affectionately known as Pituba, and in the Vila Walkway, an exclusive pedestrian street that also has gift shops and some bars.
After 10 months in the city and having made some visits after that, I chose my favorites:
- Pink Manga: Serves individual dishes prepared with fish and seafood with a regional touch. The atmosphere is very relaxed and beachno. One of my favorites in town. (Rua Pedro Longo, 249)
- Jiló Bar and Restaurant: One of the best-listed restaurants in the city, serves rereadings of local cuisine, such as the delicious fish moqueca risotto or shrimp. Also check out the drinks list. (Av. Antonio Athanásio dos Santos, 25)
- Aqua: It works on a little door and has an unusual decoration, reminiscent of an Asian restaurant. Aqua serves delicious international food and has a good price. Go Wednesdays for curry nights. (Rua Pedro Longo, 147)
- Tapiocaria da Sandra: The best tapioca in Itacaré, by far, with abundant filling and precious comrade. (Rua Pedro Longo, 68)
- Ola Bistro: Good option for breakfast, brunch or dinner. It serves coffees, juices, sandwiches, bruschettas, yogurts, fruits, cakes and other delicates. The night menu always changes. (Rua Pedro Longo, 256)
- Burgers in Brasa: The best artisanal burgers in the city. There are several flavors, but my favorite is that of dried meat, plantain and cheese curds.
- Nuuuuh! Coffee: It serves good menu options at lunch and works as an alternative to co-working: those who are refugees in the home office in the city are welcome to take the computer and have a cup of coffee. Desserts are unforgettable: try the chocolate foundant with parmesan ice cream or the delicious oven cocada.
- Eco Beach: With stylish decor and good items on the menu, Eco Beach is my favorite beach tent in the Concha. Last establishment of the sand strip, near Ponta do Xaréu, also has live music almost every day and serves good pizzas, cod dumpling and fish options for lunch. It goes until 9pm, being also a good option for dining on the beach.
- Mirante Lounge Bar: Located in Ponta do Xaréu, it is a great option for those who just left the beach with that hunger or just to have drinks while watching the sunset.
Bars & Nightlife in Itacaré
Like any good young city, in Itacaré the party goes far. You can find something to do almost every day, which start in the morning, on the beaches, and extend into the night, in the center.
By the sun at the tip of the Xaréu – Itacaré
- Bananas Hostel: Three times a week, the large backyard of the hostel turns into a live bar, with live music ranging from samba to open microphone events. There is a draw of gifts such as free drinks and flash tatoos. (R. Pedro Longo, 169)
- Almond Foot: On Sundays there is a samba from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. that is usually full and very lively. (Avenida Castro Alves, 100)
- Squash Bar: Probably the meeting point of the beginning of the night of Itacaré, offers live music from Wednesday. It usually gets full of people drinking standing and dancing in the street. (Rua Pedro Longo)
- Favela Coffee Shop: Those who want to stretch do not have much option but to follow Favela, where music rolls until the early hours of the morning, on the street. On Sundays, DJs give way to live music. (Rua Pedro Longo, 270)
