Located on Tinharé Island in Bahia, this car-free beach village has five numbered beaches connected by sandy paths. The calm waters and coral reefs make it ideal for snorkeling.
Morro de São Paulo sits on Tinharé Island in Brazil's Bahia state. You'll find porters moving luggage in wheelbarrows along sandy streets where no cars are allowed. Walk along five distinct beaches, swim in natural pools at Primeira Praia, or watch sunset from the 1855 lighthouse. Stop at beachfront restaurants for fresh seafood moqueca, or take a boat to spot whales between July and October.
Getting to Morro de São Paulo
Two main routes connect Salvador to Morro de São Paulo. The direct catamaran takes two hours across open water from Salvador's Mercado Modelo terminal. For a gentler journey, take the combined bus and boat option through Cassi Tourismo, which includes a 40-minute boat ride, air-conditioned bus transfer, and final speedboat connection. Upon arrival, you'll pay a small tourist tax at the pier.
The Five Numbered Beaches
The island's beaches follow a simple numbering system. Primeira Praia sits closest to the village, with calm waters and natural pools where children often swim. Segunda Praia has many beachfront restaurants and daytime water sports. Terceira Praia marks the beginning of a quieter section of coastline. The 4-kilometer stretch of Quarta Praia draws morning runners and walkers, while Quinta Praia (also called Praia do Encanto) remains the most remote, with mangroves and driftwood along its shore.
Car-Free Island Life
With no cars allowed, local porters transport luggage and supplies in wooden wheelbarrows throughout the village. One morning tractor collects garbage, and emergency vehicles maintain limited access, but you'll walk everywhere on the island. Hotels near the distant beaches use a few vehicles on back roads for guest transport.
Local Food Scene
Try moqueca, a local seafood stew made with shrimp or fish, coconut, dendê oil, and regional spices. Beach vendors walk the sand selling cheese sticks and açaí bowls during the day. In the evening, food stalls and restaurants fill the village square, where you can find traditional Brazilian dishes and wood-fired pizzas.
Activities Beyond the Beach
From July to October, whale-watching boats depart daily to follow migrating whales. A zipline runs from the island's highest point toward Primeira Praia. Daily boat tours circle the island with stops for snorkeling at coral reefs and visits to neighboring beaches. The lighthouse viewpoint fills with people each evening for sunset views over the ocean.
Historic Buildings
The 17th-century Fortaleza do Tapirandu guards the island's northern tip, overlooking All Saints' Bay. Its stone walls and gates remain from colonial times when it protected against Dutch invasions. In the village center, you'll find the white Nossa Senhora da Luz Church, while the Fonte Grande, an 18th-century fountain, shows early water engineering techniques.
