Bahia: Which beautiful beaches to visit in November?

Good evening, We’d love to go in November to enjoy some beautiful beaches for about two weeks, preferably around Bahia, as November/December seems like a great time. We’ve already traveled to Brazil several times and know the south of Rio as well as the region between São Luís and Fortaleza, and Chapada Diamantina... What advice would you give us: the south with Itaparica, Morro de São Paulo, Boipeba, Barra Grande—or all four? Or maybe the north? Thanks in advance for your help

Hey Huguetter,

Personally (I’ve lived in Bahia for over 20 years), I think Morro de São Paulo, Barra Grande (hard to access), and Itaparica (the popular beaches for Salvador’s working-class crowd) aren’t worth it. Boipeba Island is a different story—great for its authenticity and relative calm. I highly recommend the best pousada there, "Céu de Boipeba," a real treat in terms of quality (and the food is amazing too). North of Salvador, you could stop at Praia do Forte. It’s a pretty little village, though quite touristy with limited beach options. If you head a bit further north, you *should* (😉) stop at Imbassai. You’ll find kilometers of stunning beaches where you can walk in total peace. You might even spot giant sea turtles along the shore! I strongly recommend Pousada Capitu there. And for naturism lovers, about 15 km further north is the village of Masarandupio. Very quiet (except on weekends), and it’s best to get there with a rental car.

Tropical greetings from Salvador,

@IvanBahiaGuide Longtime member of the Francophone Brazil Forums for over 15 years 😎

Thanks! For car rental, is it easier to pick it up at the airport or in Praia do Forte? Is exiting the airport to head north easy to manage? We’ve always used local transport in Brazil, so we’re not used to driving there....

One more question: for Boipeba, what itinerary would you recommend?

It's weird you didn't mention the beaches around Itacaré—they look (at least in photos) absolutely stunning and huge. Or are they not worth the trip?

... For car rental, is it easier to pick it up at the airport or in Praia do Forte? Is the airport exit heading north easy to navigate? ...

The easiest option is actually at the airport. If you book in advance, they’ll pick you up.

Heading north is super easy with Waze (or an alternative GPS app—don’t forget to install one on your smartphones).

Tropical greetings from Salvador,

@IvanBahiaGuide Loyal member of the French-Speaking Brazil Forums for over 15 years 😎

... for Boipeba, what route would you recommend?

By car: Salvador -> Santo Amaro -> Cachoeira -> Maragojipe -> São Roque -> Valença (where you’ll take the boat to the island). No problem leaving your car on the street in front of the port—don’t let the guys trying to sell you a ‘garage’ parking spot intimidate you. I’ve always left my car on that street and never had any issues.

Tropical greetings from Salvador,

@IvanBahiaGuide Loyal member of the Francophone Brazil Forums for over 15 years 😎

It's odd that you don't mention the beaches around Itacaré, which look (at least in photos) absolutely stunning and huge.... Or aren't they worth it?

Hey Jacques,

Personally, I don’t think the village itself is interesting UNLESS you're into surfing. Plus, it's far and tricky to get to by car. That’s just my subjective opinion, of course 😉

Tropical greetings from Salvador,

@IvanBahiaGuide Longtime member of the French-Speaking Brazil Forums for over 15 years 😎

Thanks Yvan! For Boipeba, I’m planning to take the bus to Valença (if one exists?) and then a boat.

Yeah, it’s doable. Take the ferry near the Feira de São Joaquim in Salvador, Then the bus to Valania (Rodoviária station), Then a taxi from Rodoviária to the Quays of Valença.

Tropical greetings from Salvador,

@IvanBahiaGuide Loyal member of the Francophone Brazil Forums for over 15 years 😎

Ivan is totally right—the paradise on earth exists, and it’s called Boipeba!

A little preview here, starting from post 71, page 4:

https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=10306223;#10306223

Imbassai

I really liked this beach. We rented a car from Salvador de Bahia Airport. No memory of any driving difficulties in Brazil.

THANKS everyone

I sent you a message, but it didn’t go through.