Smile, this is Bahia!

26 Oct, 2013

READ IN ENGLISH BELOW/ LEIA EM PORTUGUÊS AQUI

By Josie Cruz

You’re already smiling when you say the name out loud: Bahia! Diversity is probably the trademark of this destination, with so much history included within the five centuries since its discovery. It was there, 513 years ago on the southern coast of Bahia, that Portuguese settlers found their safe harbour, or in Portuguese, ‘Porto Seguro’. Nowadays, Bahia is one of the main tourist destinations for both Brazilians and foreign visitors, with its cheerful landscape, rich culture, entertainment and magnificent cuisine.

Salvador, Brazil’s first capital, offers many attractions for tourists such as Farol da Barra, the first lighthouse in the Americas, the Lacerda lift and Pelourinho, well known for its multi-coloured colonial buildings and monuments much like those found in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais which we discovered in the previous article. The name ‘Pelourinho’ is the Portuguese word for stocks, and the name was given in homage to the enslaved Africans brought over to the country in the past.

By Kitzinger W, 2005 Morro do Pai Inacio

Kolenczuk D 2010, Salvador Bahia

On the streets their legacy is spread out everywhere; the rhythms of drums played all day long, the games of capoeira, in arts and crafts, religious expressions and of course, in traditional food. Visiting the historic centre of Salvador is a leap into the past and a precious opportunity to encounter great cultural manifestations. The Bahian coastline is amongst the most beautiful in Brazil. Some 1100 km of splendorous nature with white sand beaches, rock cliffs, lagoons and reef pools; it is a real gift of the Atlantic coastal forest, unfortunately one of the most threatened biomes in the planet. Caraíva, Morro de São Paulo, Itacaré, Trancoso, Taipú de Fora and Porto Seguro are probably the most popular places for tourists looking for sun and sea. Although visiting all of these places at once might be tempting, it is important to properly consider their locations as there are long distances between them. In Bahia it is worth planning an itinerary combining your main interests with appropriate routes.

Bahia state has much to offer. Adventure is guaranteed in Chapada Diamantina, one of Brazil’s three plateaus. With caves, hills, rivers and waterfalls it is the perfect place for practicing extreme sports. However, most of the visits require the use of guides and bookings can be arranged in Lençóis city. There are so many hidden treasures in Bahia; they could fill an entire book. In terms of environmental protection the state has an important position within the internationally acclaimed Tamar project, and has as main objective of researching, handling and managing of the five species of sea turtles found in Brazil, all of which are at risk of extinction. The project is very credible and serves as a model to other countries around the world, especially because it directly involves the local communities, promoting socio-environmental benefits. More information about the Tamar Project can be found at: http://www.tamar.org.br/index_ing.php

by Neves F 2013, Igreja Senhor do Bonfim

With so much charm, it is only natural that some foreign visitors change their minds and decide to stay longer than planned. Increasingly British, Italians, Spaniards, Germans and so on move to Brazil and begin a new life under the Bahian sun. With big smiles on their faces and strongly accented Portuguese, it is clear that they made the right choice. So if you are planning to visit Bahia anytime soon, be aware of this enticing possibility! All international flights arrive at Salvador International Airport Dep. Luís Eduardo Magalhães. Then, to move in-state, access can be made both by domestic flights or roads with intercity buses and cars. Given the fact that Bahia is the fifth largest state in Brazil and that not all its motorways are well maintained, you risk losing out on holiday time either driving or sitting for long hours on a bus. So plan your trip well!