A paradise to be visited: Morro de São Paulo

Without a doubt, Morro de São Paulo is a paradise that needs to be visited by those who love the mix of nature, beautiful beaches, gastronomy, adventure and history.

Located 64 km or 34 nautical miles from Salvador, Morro de São Paulo is located on the Island of Tinharé, which belongs to the municipality of Cairú. This corner of Brazil was discovered in 1531 by the Portuguese navigator Martin Afonso de Souza, but until the 70s it was a practically unexplored place.

Nowadays Morro de São Paulo is the third largest tourist hub in Bahia, second only to Salvador and Porto Seguro. Don't waste time: come and fall in love with Morro de São Paulo.

FEATURED: Do you know the reason for the name Morro de São Paulo? On July 29, 1534, Saint Paul's Day, this village was named the seat of the hereditary captaincy of Ilheus and for this reason it was named Morro de São Paulo. It is worth mentioning that its foundation only occurred the following year, in 1535.

Points of Interest

Portaló

Upon arrival at Morro, you will come across an incredible Portaló that is part of the structure of the Tapirandú Fortress, take the opportunity to take some photos as soon after you will come across a steep climb that will take you to the center of the village. Do you want to know more about this tourist spot? Then access our post: The historic Tapirandú Fortress: from portal to fort

Village Center

It is in the center of the town that the night of Morro de São Paulo begins. Soon after sunset the movement of people increases, being the busiest place until around 10pm. There you will find restaurants, inns (including the historic Pousada O Casarão) and a craft fair.

Beaches

Moving forward you will find a new slope, but now going downhill (phew!) and then the beaches begin, which are named according to their sequence: First Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach, Fourth Beach.

– First Beach is the smallest of all and is where adventurers who go down the Tyrolese land. It is 300 meters long and is the most frequented by natives and surfers. Furthermore, it is an excellent beach for swimming.

– Second beach is the most popular. There you will find inns right on the sand, refined restaurants and during the day beach chairs and awnings will be full, enjoy the footvolley matches at the end of the day. A wooden walkway will take you along the 400 m of this beautiful beach where you will also enjoy lots of live music. From the first and second beaches you can see our catamarans arriving and leaving the island.

– Terceira beach can only be explored through the sand at low tide. When the tide is high, it can only be walked along the wooden walkway. This is where tours depart around the island. This is also where Fazenda Caieira is located, with its landing strip where those who opt for air transport arrive.

– The Fourth beach is the longest of all. Along its 8 kilometers you will find natural pools full of fish swimming around them. There are also the largest hotels and resorts. This is the ideal place for those looking for total peace and quiet.

– Fifth beach or Praia do Encanto is the last beach before Garapuá. Extremely deserted and charming. To get there you can rent carts or a bicycle.

Lighthouse

On your sea journey towards MSP, well before your arrival, you will see the Morro de São Paulo Lighthouse. Built between 1848 and 1855, it is accessed via a trail that starts in front of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, alternating between a rustic staircase and a walk. First of all, prepare your breath for this adventure!

At the highest point you will find the Lighthouse which is managed by the Brazilian Navy. The best, however, is yet to come. Soon after, continuing along the trail on the left, you will come across a wooden deck that is a lookout point that gives you a spectacular view of the west side of Morro de São Paulo where the Fort and the arrival pier are located below. On the other hand, following the trail to the right, you will come across a view from the zipline viewpoint. A fantastic view of the beaches and the village of Morro de São Paulo. At this viewpoint you will find ruins of what were fortifications built to protect Morro de São Paulo.

HIGHLIGHT: At the time of its construction, this lighthouse was considered the most modern on the entire Brazilian coast.

Tapirandú Fortress

The Tapirandú Fortress, or Fort of Morro de São Paulo, is also immediately visible upon arrival by sea. This fortification was initially built in 1630 but went through several destructions and renovations due to numerous battles over time, with the last renovation completed recently in 2018 as the fort and its set of walls were in ruins. It's worth a visit in the late afternoon to watch the sunset there. The access is just after the Morro entrance portal, turning left. At the end of the walk along the fortress walls you will find the fort and if you are willing you can take a nice swim in the sea on the small beach that is just after the fort. Do you want to know more about this tourist spot? Then access our post: The historic Tapirandú Fortress: from portal to fort

FEATURED: other incredible places where you can enjoy the sunset are: Toca do Morcego (you pay to enter but the atmosphere is incredible), the viewpoint that is after the trail to the left of the Lighthouse, Hotel Portaló and Pousada Passárgada, as well as the sunset on Gamboa beach.

Our Lady of Light Church

Obviously, Morro de São Paulo couldn't miss a church. Between 1610 and 1612 a small chapel was built on the site approximately where the Lighthouse stands today. As time passed and this religious symbol deteriorated, it was decided to build the current church, which is located just after the climb up the Morro. Its construction began in 1628 and was only completed in 1845. It has a Baroque style and a history of looting and robberies that vandalized its collection. It was named after the local patron saint.

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Illustrative images created with AI.