Looking for a few days relaxing on a paradisical beach during the day and partying at night? Come and discover the haven of Morro de São Paulo!
A relaxing stay in Morro de São Paulo, the dream island of Bahia State
Morro de São Paulo is a small village on the Atlantic coast just north of Tinharé island. It has five beaches that guarantee relaxation, numerous outdoor activities and a festive atmosphere. This is a tropical paradise perfect for a vacation in Bahia.
The island is separated from the continent by a natural channel and has few inhabitants. It has some splendid fine sand beaches and a clear warm sea which is ideal for bathers. The island is covered with coconut tree plantations and luxuriant vegetation. Also, it is not open to private cars so you will get around on foot, by bus or by horse and cart which really adds to the charm of this island. The further you go along the beaches (numbered from 1 to 5), the quieter they will be, with the fifth beach being almost deserted and ideal for a truly relaxing and peaceful time.
Several points of interest dating back to the Portuguese conquest of Bahia such as the Forte da Ponta or the Fonte Grande also make this seaside resort an interesting place for history enthusiasts, with these monuments listed as historical heritage sites.
Morro de São Paulo is a very typical traditional village with its small colored houses and sandy streets and has become a popular tourist destination for both Brazilians and foreigners. You will find some local craftsmen and some good restaurants where you can enjoy the delicious fish caught everyday in the ocean. In the evening, the small quiet streets come alive to the rhythm of the local music and you can spend some memorable evenings as only the Bahians know how to !
Included in the Morro de Sao Paulo package:
An evening of entertainment
Scenic and quiet beaches
Natural swimming pools in a translucent sea
Charming lodges
Morro de São Paulo – Itinerary at a glance
- 1 private transfer from the international airport to your hotel at the port in Salvador de Bahia
- The crossing from the port in Salvador to Morro de São Paulo in a catamaran (non private)
- 3 nights in a double room at the Vila Guaimu pousada or lodge.
- A return transfer in a non-private catamaran from Morro de São Paulo to the port of the Bahian capital.
- A private transfer from the port to the international airport of Salvador
Discover a Brazilian island famous for its parties and relaxed atmosphere!
The beaches on Morro de São Paulo are among the most popular in Brazil and let you slide into the role of Robinson Crusoe as soon as you start wandering around this almost deserted island.
Witness coconut trees as far as the eye can see, vast stretches of white sands surrounded by mangroves before reaching down to touch the limpid blue waters of the Atlantic ocean.
An ideal setting to soak up the sun in peace and to come back from a vacation tanned and relaxed !
The laid-back atmosphere of the central beaches (1 & 2) continues after sunset along the harbor and its stone jetty : get ready to dance the forró and samba until the early morning !
One of the first places in Brazil colonized by the Portuguese
As well as its natural beauty and festive spirit, Morro de São Paulo is one of the oldest Portuguese settlements in South America.
The island of Tinharé was discovered and inhabited by Martim Afonso de Sousa in 1531. It was originally called Tynharea.
Later it became an important checking point for ships going to & from “Baía de todos os Santos” and a strategic place with tough battles between the Portuguese, Dutch and French in colonial times. There are still some interesting colonial vestiges worth going to visit.
You can also visit the ruins of the 17th century fortress and the Fonte Grande, one of the first waterworks distributing water in Bahia, and the biggest for a long time. You will also see the ancient buildings on Tinharé Island while on a boat trip. If you keep your eyes open you may see some whales who come to this coast to mate in the months from June to August.
How to get to Morro de São Paulo from Salvador
There are three ways to reach Morro de São Paulo from Salvador de Bahia, which we detail below.
• By Airplane: The quickest way, leaving from the international airport at Salvador, the flight takes about 20 minutes. Of course, flying is the most expensive way. The island has two runways, one on beach n° 3 the other on beach n°4.
• Directly by boat : Aboard a catamaran leaving from the port near Mercado Modelo on the Salvador de Bahia quay. It takes about 2hrs during which the boat follows the Bahian coastline. An enjoyable experience that transforms a simple transfer into a scenic boat trip. However the sea can be a little rough depending on the wind and tides (mainly between May and November) making the trip less agreeable for those who are prone to sea sickness. It’s our suggested option in the Morro de São Paulo package. We typically work with the Biotur company who have the latest modern and more comfortable boats.
• Ferry and Road: First you arrive at the Bom Dispacho port on the island of Itaparica by ferry (about 45mins). Then you set off by road before taking another boat in Valença that takes 30mins to reach Morro. This transfer takes most of a day but you can see some craftsmen on the way and the trip is quite scenic through lovely tropical landscape.
Morro de São Paulo – Detailed Itinerary
The trips from the port to the island of Morro de São Paulo (both ways) are not private trips.
Meals are not included apart from breakfast.
Day 1 : Salvador de Bahia – Morro de São Paulo
A private vehicle (car or minibus) will pick you up from either the international airport or a hotel in Salvador de Bahia and take you to the port in Mercado Modelo (Terminal Turístico Marítimo), at the foot of the Lacerda lift. From here you will board a catamaran that does a regular trip to Morro de São Paulo. (Departure times: 9:00, and in high season 14:30).
For two hours you will sail south down the Bahian coast to reach the island of Tinharé. After crossing All Saints bay, you will sail past the Itaparica island to the small village of Morro de São Paolo nestled in a bay of transparent blue waters.
Here a vehicle awaits to take you to your hotel.
Check-in at the hotel and time to unpack in your room or bungalow for your first night.
Day 2 & 3 : Morro de São Paulo
In the morning the hotel’s buffet breakfast provides fresh local fruit juices and other specialties that will help you start your day.
You can then organize your days as you wish. Here are a few suggestions:
– Sunbathing next to the pool or on one of the beaches in Morro de São Paulo.
– Enjoy swimming around the reefs in the clear blue waters while snorkeling or diving.
– Surf, kayak or stand-up paddle boards can all be rented on site.
– Explore the surroundings by going on nature walks in the coconut plantations and along the deserted beaches south of the village, or visit the waterfalls and springs in the local Atlantic forest.
– Horse riding or horse and cart are other ways of exploring the natural beauty of this place.
– Go on a boat trip to visit the Island of Boipeba with its natural swimming pools.
At the end of the day, remember to watch the sunset from the Tapirandu fort or if you are lucky, watch the dolphins dancing in the sea.
Don’t forget to come back to the town centre for the evenings, it’s the best way to taste the delicious Bahian specialties or drink a glass on the terrace or in the local bars and restaurants. The village streets are full of local craft shops for those who enjoy browsing.
As the night rolls on, its time to party and dance to local and international music in the bars and night spots in Morro de São Paulo.
Night at the hotel.
Day 4 : Morro de São Paulo – Salvador de Bahia
After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you will go down to the port in Morro de São Paulo to board your boat at 11:30.
During the 64km trip, you will see the bay open out before you and a beautiful view of the Salvador coastline from Barra point to the port.
Once in the port, a driver awaits to take you to the airport or a hotel in town.
End of our services.
Accommodation in Morro de São Paulo
Hotel Fazenda Vila Guaiamù (standard)
The Fazenda Vila Guaiamu hotel is located on the 3rd beach and has 22 bedrooms spread out in 7 houses in an old coconut tree plantation providing shade, fresh air and peace. The rooms are spacious and decorated in the local style; they have pleasant, covered terraces with a hammock to relax in during your stay.
This hotel is well placed close to the nightlife but far enough away to not disturb those who wish to sleep. It also has rooms for up to 4 people (a double bed and two singles), interesting for families or those wishing to go out at night. Our best choice in Morro de São Paulo.
Pousada Fazenda Caeira (standard)
The pousada Fazenda Caeira is a charming place that is split into two sites on the 3rd & 4th beaches of Morro de São Paulo, in a coconut tree plantation of more than 100 hectares. The buildings are only 30 metres from the beach with very bright rooms. They are well decorated in a neo-rustic tone mainly with wood that fits the “Pousada Fazenda” (Farm or ranch guest houses) style .
All rooms have a balcony or a terrace, and the luxury category rooms are facing the ocean only 30 metres away. It is a good authentic choice that suits all travelers ready to pay for the many advantages of charming, rustic lodge style accommodation.
Pousada Villa dos corais (superior)
Thanks to a full range of installations the Vila dos Corais lodge in Morro de São Paulo is for those looking for a full range of activities. Located on the sandy point between beaches 3 and 4, it has installations on both beaches.
The lodge is made up of small one-story buildings surrounded by a garden next to the ocean. The bedrooms are large, bright and comfortable, with a minimalistic modern decoration around four poster beds. A large pool, a steam room and fitness centre plus a volleyball court and tennis court, make up the lodges leisure offering. A perfect place for families and groups of friends wishing to have fun in the accommodation.
Vila dos Orixas Boutique hotel & Spa (superior)
Located on the furthest and quietest beach in Morro de São Paulo, about 6km from the village centre, the Vila dos Orixas is the latest top of the range establishment to open in the area. A little out of town and therefore in totally calm surroundings, the Vila dos Orixas offers free shuttle services into the village.
This top of the range lodge is a refined place with magnificent bedrooms and bungalows with wooden floors and grey polished walls. The 40m² bungalows (superior) or 52m² (luxury) have Jacuzzis and exterior terraces with hammocks. This lodge is excellent value for money considering the marvelous services, the ideal place for couples looking for a romantic surrounding for a honeymoon for example.
Double room prices:
Catégorie standard :
Base 2 personnes
650$ /pers
–
Base 4 personnes
556$ /pers
Catégorie supérieure : Base 2 personnes 722$ /pers – Base 4 personnes 644$ /pers
Catégorie supérieure : Base 2 personnes 722$ /pers – Base 4 personnes 644$ /pers
Prix basse saison de l'année en cours, donnés à titre indicatif et ne valant pas devis
