Atlantic Forest, mangroves, restingas and a coast with an immense coral reef – the biggest in the entire Bay of All Saints, almost 20 km long. This is the paradisiac landscape you will find on Itaparica Island.
Extending for 246 km², it’s the biggest island. The Bay of All Saints is divided into two municipalities: Itaparica, housing some colonial constructions, and Vera Cruz, where you can find the best beaches in the area, usually with shallow, calm and lukewarm waters. Overall, the beaches combine into 40 km of coastline. The city is also full of restaurants that offer a variety of dishes, such as seafood, pizza and Brazilian barbecue.
How to get there
The fastest way of getting to the Itaparica Island is on a ferry boat or speedboat. The Island is about one hour from Salvador.
Also Worth visiting
Mere 21 km from Salvador, Itaparica is surrounded by coral reefs, mangrove forest and beautiful coconut trees.
Itaparica houses the only hydro mineral water source on seashore in the Americas, the Bica Fountain, famous for its medicinal properties and for being the “water that turns the old woman into a young girl”. The Sao Lourenço Fortress, built by the Dutch in 1647, is another attraction the visitors do not want to miss.
As far as the beaches go, Manguinhos is good for diving, Ponta do Mocambo is usually sought out by Naturism enthusiasts, and Cacha-Pregos is one of the most isolated on the Island. The waters surrounding the Island are ideal for water sports and sailors from all over the world come visit it.
In the Ecological Park of Baiacu, located in the village of Baiacu, you can visit the ruins of the Chapel of Our Lord of Vera Cruz, an excellent place for taking a stroll and observing the local flora, such as the gameleira, a tree sacred to Candomble. The native Brazilian and African cultural heritage is preserved in the customs of the local people, in their artisanal fishing and in popular celebrations.
Where to stay
Itaparica has a huge and modern resort with comfortable facilities and many options of sports and entertainment. Besides the infrastructure to host big events and conventions, the place has a runway and offers air charter services for companies. The island also has cheaper accommodation options, such as inns, hostels and hotels. Do you want to take this opportunity and visit other beaches of the Brazilian Northeastern region? Check here some destinations.
Boat/Ferry
In Salvador, you can catch the speedboats leaving for the Island every 30 minutes from the Nautical Touristic Terminal of Bahia and docking at Mar Grande beach, or ride on a ferryboat that departs from Sao Joaquim Terminal and docks at Bom Despacho.
On foot
You can cover most of the Island on foot, by walking on the seashore. This map can help you.
Van
Vans are much used as a means of transportation on the Island and there will be many waiting for you on the speedboats and ferries docks. Talk to the driver about the routes and costs. Check the list of service providers, in case you want to hire them before getting to the Island.
The area code for Itaparica is 71.
Standard voltage: 220V
Dial Bahia Turismo: +55 (71) 3103-3103.
Just dial the number indicated in the selection of languages for the one you want.
Tropical weather, hot and humid, average temperature around 25 ºC. The rainy season is between June and August.