The small picturesque fishing village of Morro de Sao Paulo is located on the island of Tinhare in the state of Bahia, just off the coast of Brazil. Not on the tourist radar until recently, word has spread of its idyllic beaches, buzzing nightlife and variety of attractions and activities. Despite this, it has managed to retain its charm and is still relatively untouched, with a friendly and laid back atmosphere. During summer it is Bahia's most fun party town, whilst the rest of the year it is the perfect place to spend days or even weeks in an authentic Morro de Sao Paulo hotel or pousada for a calm and relaxed holiday.
Well connected to the mainland, cars are strictly forbidden on the island and the only way to get around is by foot, horseback, tractor or boat.
In a nutshell, Morro de Sao Paulo is an island paradise, and there is a lot to see and do. The island has warm, clear waters and the four beautiful beaches here, known by the numbers assigned to them, are all within walking distance. Cars are strictly not allowed on the island, but you can get around easily by using the many tractor driven trailers which run along the beaches or by walking. Like any typical beach holiday there are a wide range of water sports, including windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing. For the more adventurous you could take a Morro de Sao Paulo tour or go hiking or trekking in the mountains.
The village has a lively night life, concentrated along the main street, where there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from and regular beach parties, which no visitor should miss. To take back souvenirs and gifts, there is a permanent flea market located on the main square. Shops, restaurants, cybercafes, travel agencies, drugstores, and bars are also available just like any other town. The difference is that the "streets" are usually unpaved and only accessed by foot. You also get the chance to see parrots and little monkeys throughout the village's trees.
There are many places to stay, with Morro de Sao Paulo hotels and pousadas located throughout the village and on First, Second and Third Beach. Only a few hotels are on the Fourth Beach and Encanto Beach, making them a more intimate and peaceful place to stay. You can even use our interactive map to choose your hotel in Morro de Sao Paulo depending on which beach appeals to you. The Second Beach is the most crowded, either by day or by night, so if you want a quiet place to sleep it is better to stay on one of the other beaches - which are still only five minutes away.
In Morro de São Paulo everything is close by! The length from the First Beach to the Third Beach is less than two kilometers. The Fourth Beach is four kilometers long and is almost isolated. Then, there is the peaceful Encanto Beach which is two kilometers long. Each beach is quite distinct in nature. While the first two beaches have shops, restaurants and a lot of activity, the other three beaches are quieter and secluded. Here you can indulge in some good snorkelling or diving. Depending upon the activities or tours in Morro de Sao Paulo you choose on your holiday, you can book your pousada or Morro de Sao Paulo hotel by the beach.
Tinharé Island also has two other beaches, Garapuá on the south side and Gamboa to the north. Boipeba, the neighbor island, also has paradisaical beaches such as Coeira, Moreré, Boca da Barra and Bainema. Cairú, the third island, has no beaches, but it has one of the most ancient monasteries of Brazil, which is surrounded by mangroves.
This island is strategically placed and has served as a fortress in the past to defend itself from Dutch and French pirates. Today there are only remnants of its fortress, the Forte de São Paulo, which is open to the public. It is located north of the Camamu Bay archipelago, to the south of Bahia. This region is also known as Tabuleiro Valenciano. A more common name for it is the Coast of Dende. Because of its strategic geographic location, the island was repeatedly attacked by French and Dutch pirates and became a free land for them. Martim Afonso of Sousa, a Portuguese explorer, landed on this island in 1531 and called it ‘Tynharéa'. This name later changed to ‘Tinharé'. In 1535, the Morro de São Paulo village was founded on the northern side of the island.
The Tinharé Channel is crucial to the region as it forms a route to deliver supplies to Salvador, which is capital of Bahia. During the colonial period, a number of historical monuments were built which are now protected under the National Historical Patrimony. Morro de São Paulo is a very unique place, as you would expect from an island. Because of all the languages spoken there, sometimes you think you're not even in Brazil. However, having a little piece of everything makes Morro de São Paulo even more Brazilian.
Morro de Sao Paulo has many faces and can satisfy diversified tastes: there are Morro de Sao Paulo hotels for families, hostels for the backpackers, inns for young couples, apart hotels for the party maniacs and beachfront bungalows for honeymoon lovers. The Morro de Sao Paulo tours and activities available are diversified as well. You can choose short boat rides to long speed-boat tours, as well as Humpback whale watching, hiking, sailing and much more.
Morro de São Paulo provides it all for you - deserted beaches, all night parties, bars, restaurants, shops, and sunsets at the fort. Join us! It's amazing! You're sure to like it!
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We are Rota Tropical, your local connection in Morro de Sao Paulo. We are professional and experienced and with us you get more than online reservations, you get a warm welcoming human touch as well. We look forward to showing you our little island paradise!
