A village without cars, an island without banks, busy nights and paradisiacal beaches. This is what you will find at Sao Paulo Hill, na ilha de Tinharé, a apenas 60 quilômetros ao sul de Salvador, Bahia.
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How to get to Morro de Sao Paulo
To get there, you only have to face a two-hour trip on a catamaran or an air taxi, a small plane for about six people.
At beaches are numbered: the First, close to the village, is more frequented by the locals. The second is pure hype: people playing capoeira, racquetball and soccer during the day, and the party going on all night.
Boat trips depart from Terceira Praia to Gamboa and neighboring islands, and Quarta Praia is the quietest.
Tours on Morro de Sao Paulo
village
In fact, Morro de São Paulo is the name of the village at the far north of the island of Tinharé, but its fame ended up lending its name to the entire island, or even to the archipelago.
It is where commerce and historical monuments are concentrated.
Strong
The construction started in 1630 is one of the largest fortifications in Brazil. In colonial times it had 51 pieces of artillery, while the village housed a garrison of 183 men.
Today it is the best place to watch the sunset.
big house
The oldest house in Morro de São Paulo, built in 1608, it has hosted D. Pedro II and the Marchioness of Santos. Today it houses a restaurant and an inn.
Portaló
For those arriving by sea, it is the first monument seen in Morro de São Paulo. It is nothing more than a gateway, a welcome message for the visitor, from the 17th century until today.
Lighthouse
The most visible building in Morro de São Paulo. It is possible to observe it, both for those at sea and for those on land.
You can reach the Lighthouse by a trail, which starts in front of the church. There are two viewpoints near it, one to the north, where you can see the dock, Ponta do Curral, and a little bit of Gamboa, and another facing south, where you can see the main postcard of Morro, the first three beaches.
It is also from this place that the longest zip line in Brazil begins. The walk is worth it!
Our Lady of Light Church
The current building was built in 1845, but its images date back centuries. Before, it was located near the current Lighthouse of Morro de São Paulo.
In addition to having escaped several looting attempts, it is probably the last church in Bahia to maintain the tradition of burying famous people inside.
Beaches of Morro de Sao Paulo – Bahia
First Beach
It is the closest to the village and the best for swimming. It is good for diving and the only beach in Morro de São Paulo suitable for surfing. It is 300 meters long. On this beach were built the first homes of vacationers in the region.
Nowadays, almost all of them have been transformed into inns, shops or restaurants, and the few that still remain are rented out to tourists throughout the year.
Just like the houses, which gave way to the inns, the old beach huts, almost all belonging to native families, today give way to one or another hut with an international touch, not only in the food, but also in the music and atmosphere. .
The first beach is also known as the nautical entertainment beach. Here it is possible to take a banana boat ride, rent boards and diving equipment, in addition to being the arrival beach for those who zipline down from the top of the lighthouse.
Second Beach
It is perhaps the most famous beach on the island. Everyone who passes through the island, at least once, ends up enjoying the night on the second beach.
Famous mainly among the younger crowd, these parties invariably go on until the sun rises. In addition to the parties, the second beach is where the largest number of beach huts of all types are concentrated.
It is also where capoeira circles take place at the end of the afternoon, volleyball, foot volleyball, beach soccer and the traffic of racquetball balls.
The beach is 400 meters long. At the end of it is Ilha da Saudade, one of the postcards of Morro de São Paulo.
Third Beach
Turning the “corner” on Ilha da Saudade, you are already on the third beach. There is a wide variety of hotels, inns and tents on this beach, which is famous for Ilha do Caitá, an islet surrounded by a large barrier reef and with a single coconut tree in the center.
For this reason, it is one of the favorite spots for diving, where you can see fish and corals of all shapes and colors.
Here on the island, it is possible to rent all the necessary equipment for snorkeling and autonomous diving, including organizing boat trips. Another tip is to rent a kayak and paddle to the island of Caitá.
fourth beach
At first glance, the Fourth Beach seems to have no end. A large barrier reef forms numerous natural pools on this beach. Here, with just a diving mask, you will feel part of this paradise.
An infinity of little fish don't mind sharing their habitat with visitors. Here you can no longer hear the hustle and bustle of other beaches, just the breeze and the gentle sound of the sea.
Perfect place to rest, read and date under a shade.
The Fourth Beach also concentrates hotels with larger leisure areas and resorts. The end of it is known as Praia do Encanto.
Praia do Encanto
Walking a little further, passing through a mangrove swamp and crossing a small river, you arrive at Quinta Praia or Praia do Encanto.
The beach is two kilometers long, practically deserted. It is also home to deeper tide pools, which are excellent at low tide.
It is the best preserved beach in Morro de São Paulo, the quietest, and the ideal place for those seeking peace and contact with nature.
Guarapuá
On the way to the neighboring island of Boipeba, there is the village of Garapuá, a small fishing village with a wonderful cove, small, with calm and crystalline waters.
Here there are already some simple inns, but nothing that resembles a tourist village like Morro. It is a beautiful beach, isolated among mangroves, and almost deserted.
It has just a few restaurants on its nearly two kilometers of beach with deep, warm waters. Of all the beaches in Morro de São Paulo, it is the only one without corals, just a sandy bottom.
The best way to visit it is to take a walk along a trail in the Atlantic Forest.
Boipeba
Neighboring island to Tinharé, it is separated by the Rio do Inferno. From Morro de São Paulo almost daily, tractors or boats leave for organized trips to this island.
Pratigi or Pontal Beach
It is the longest beach on the island of Tinharé, at 10 kilometers, and also the most isolated. It's completely deserted, and difficult to reach even by boat.
The best way to get to know it is to go on a three-day expedition, with walks along the wildest beaches in the archipelago.
Ponta da Pedra
It is the beach that gives access to the town of Gamboa. It's almost a 30-minute walk from the pier on the hill to the pier at Gamboa.
This entire route is called by the locals Ponta da Pedra or Praia da Gamboa. Beaches surrounded by stones, with crystalline and calm waters, the privilege here is that there is still no beach hut, only the Yacht Club, where sailboats that pass through here are anchored.
Gamboa
It is located on the northwest side of the island, facing the mainland. In addition to the clay slope, famous for skin care, it has a village, where most of the island's population lives.
Today, despite offering infrastructure such as good inns and good restaurants with regional food, it still preserves the peaceful air of a fishing village.
Many tourists who prefer peace and quiet choose Gamboa to stay, just “hop” to Morro when they want a little excitement, enjoy a party or see the movement on the main street.
Here in Gamboa, the waters are calm and crystal clear and the privilege is being able to be on the beach without loud music or too many people around, in contact with nature and the people of the place. The best way to get to know Gamboa beach is on a tour that departs from the village of Morro de São Paulo on foot and returns by boat, or by boat from Terceira Praia, also visiting Ponta do Curral.
Praia do Forte
Praia do Forte, which only appears at low tide, reveals a strip of sand very close to the natural pools, which are ideal for a dip with or without equipment.
Access to this beach, as you might have guessed, is at the end of the Fort ruins.
Sports and Adventure
Morro de São Paulo rhymes with sports when it comes to enjoying nature. In the water, on land or at sea, the diverse landscapes enchant adventurers.
One of the most popular activities is the diving, surfing, windsurfing, hiking and even ziplining are practiced in the village.
How to go
THE from Salvador, it is possible to go by speedboat and catamaran, with about 2 hours of journey, or in small planes, which reach the island in 20 minutes. It is not possible to reach Morro de São Paulo by car. There is no terrestrial access.
Until some time ago, only the garbage collection tractor, transport of materials and a few vehicles for distant walks and transfers to inns on the 4th beach were allowed. Today, there are already buggy/taxis that circulate along the road parallel to the beaches, through Zimbo, Campo da Mangaba and the village of Gamboa. Vehicles are not allowed to circulate on the beaches and main roads (such as Rua Caminho da Praia or Fonte Grande).
When to go
The busiest period in Morro de São Paulo is from Christmas to Carnival Hangover, therefore also the most expensive period. In July and August, there is a “European” season, but not as busy as in January. Holidays also tend to be busier. From September to December, the weather is very pleasant and there are few people on the island.
Where to stay
As you are going on a honeymoon trip, how about staying with refinement and comfort. There are great inns and a resort, offering rooms with every refinement, rustic-chic bungalows and chalets that will make the difference in your visit to Morro de São Paulo. In addition, some of these lodges offer surf lessons, horseback riding and trails in the woods.
For those who want to save money on their stay, there are also great inns with more affordable prices.
Where to eat
In terms of restaurants, Morro de São Paulo is eclectic, as is the diversity of its residents, who come from different parts of Brazil and the world. Typical Bahian cuisine, in restaurants run by native families, offer a regional but moderate menu, without exaggerating the use of pepper or palm oil, unless you insist.
Fish moquecas, octopus, shrimp bobó, lobsters (always respecting the restriction on breeding seasons), catado crab and other delicacies can even be savored in some restaurants by kilo. In some beach huts, frequented by “natives”, the bravest tourist can try a fatada, sarapatel, sururu broth or mocotó broth.
In addition to these options, you will also find here vegetarian food, crepes, paella, typical Italian and Japanese dishes. And every summer season, the island gains some culinary novelty. Try it.
Climate
The climate on the island is tropical-humid. The average temperature is around 25°C. The sun on the island of Morro de São Paulo is very strong, so it's good to take care of yourself, use sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids.
Transport
There are no private vehicles in Morro de São Paulo, only utility vehicles for transporting guests from more distant hotels. The only road connects the village to Quarta Praia and Praia do Encanto. Other than that, there are only trails that can be traversed on foot or on horseback, and some sections that can be traversed by tractor or 4×4 vehicle. There are several boats that connect Morro de São Paulo with Gamboa and Valença.
To Boipeba, there is only one boat schedule per day, which takes you back to the island. In Vila, there are some slopes, and the luggage can be transported by porters, but it is advisable to agree on the price beforehand. From the runways at Terceira Praia and Quarta Praia, planes arrive in Salvador or Barra Grande in 20 minutes.
Shopping
Every night, a handicraft fair is set up at Praça Aureliano Lima. Among the pieces, silver items, jewelry, handcrafted clothing and decorative objects made with recycled materials. The stores on Caminho da Praia also offer good shopping options.
Tips
At night, go to Vila where the bars and restaurants of Morro de São Paulo give the place a special and romantic touch.
Pela manhã, aproveite para desfrutar das belas praias de Morro, que formam piscinas naturais por causa da maré baixa. Na parte da tarde, para quem gosta de esportes radicais, a opção é conhecer o Farol de Morro, e descer a maior tirolesa do Brasil, com 57 metros de altura e 340 metros de comprimento.
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