They say that size does not matter, but, when it comes to Bahia, this can be quite different. Bahia has the largest coastline of Brasil, with a breath-taking view: warm waters, natural pools, palm trees, water in green and blue tones, surrounded by hills, forests, rivers, tortuous rocks: a complete enchantment. Bahia has been a theme for music, poetry, films. Great Brazilian writers were inspired by the Bahian culture and in its people to tell beautiful love stories. And those going to Bahia for the first time run the risk of falling in love at first sight.

The Baiano [baiano = person born in Bahia] has joy stamped on his face and hips. The Bahian music is one of the liveliest and most disseminated throughout the country and, in February, the streets of Bahia are taken by thousands of people who dance and have fun during six tireless days, on the year’s most anticipated festival: Carnival. The Carnival fun in Bahia is time worn, as is its history.

The diversity of Bahia presents itself not only in its natural beauty, but also in its historic monuments. With one of the most important and significant cultural collections in the country, its architectural grandeur tells a little of the State’s history and is spread through city streets, in museums, in points of interest, and famous cuisine.

The Terra de Todos os Santos (Bahia’s nickname that means Land of All Saints) is also the land of many flavors. Bahian cuisine has sweats and drinks made from various fruits, spices and exotic ingredients. Influenced by the cultural mix during the discovery of Brasil, recipes come from indigenous tribes, African slaves or refined Portuguese Royal cuisine. The abundance of ingredients, combined with popular creativity, makes Bahian food unique. The acarajé - African-origin dumpling made of ground beans – is sold in trays in the streets, mainly of Salvador, and come stuffed with add-ons such as vatapá (shrimp cream), caruru (cooked quiabo), salad, pepper and shrimp. Trust me: there’s no way you can eat just one.
Coconut milk is a main ingredient for one of the most traditional dishes of the State: the moqueca, a delicious delicacy that all tourists should try. And to sweeten the trip, cocada, black or white, with peanut or sugar molasses, are also sold in the streets to raise the spirits of the travelers and, of course, bring them back in their next adventure.