The State of Bahia has the largest coast line of Brazil . This 1,100-kilometer coast is also one of the most beautiful in the country. The sandy Bahian beaches have waters of about 23°C. The predominantly climate is the tropical humid, and the vegetation is the original Atlantic Forest that covers mostly the Northern and South parts of Bahia . In the Midwest of the State, in the Chapada Diamantina National Park region, the tropical climate predominates, the vegetation is a natural forest called cerrado made of small trees and bushes. Wild life is abundant in the Chapada: wild cats, snakes, small rodents, such as the moco and prea , deers, etc.

Praia do Forte

A hundred thousand coconut palms stand on 12km (7 miles) of white sandy beach in this tranquil fishing village, 80 km north of Salvador. It has a strong emphasis on preservation of the local flora and fauna and is protected against the exploitation of tourism and other threats to the environment by a private foundation. The Tamar Project was set up to preserve the sea turtles, which lay their eggs on the beaches in the area. Inland from the coast is a restinga forest, with a very delicate ecosystem, which is a beautiful place for horseback and quad-bike riding. The coral reefs off the coast are superb for snorkeling and near by is a picturesque river for canoeing and kayaking. Near the village is a small pantanal which is host to a large number of birds, caymans and other animals. Praia do Forte has many bars, restaurants and boutiques and has recently become one of the most sought after destinations in Brazil.

Chapada Diamantina

Lençois is the headquarters of the Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina (founded 1985), which contains 1,500 sq km of mountainous country. There is an abundance of endemic plants, waterfalls, large caves with impressive stalagmite and stalactite formations, rivers with natural swimming pools and superb trekking and walking through beautiful landscapes full of valleys and mountains with stunning views. The town of Lençois, founded in 1844 to exploit the diamonds in the region, is a historical monument and a colonial gem. This town of approximately 8,000 inhabitants is full of restaurants with international cuisine and has a big, interesting market on Mondays.

Morro de São Paulo

This peaceful fishing village is situated on the headland at the northernmost tip of Tinharé Island . Lush with ferns, palms and birds of paradise this island has lots of good walking tours and horseback riding. The town is dominated by the lighthouse and the ruins of a colonial fort, built in 1630 as a defense by the Portuguese against other European raiders. From the lighthouse, a path leads to a ruined lookout with beautiful panoramic views of the 3 big beaches and the lush green vegetation of the island. Lovely sunsets can be seen from the old fort and dolphins can sometimes be seen jumping through the waves.

Itacaré

This picturesque fishing village with 20,000 inhabitants has always been popular amongst surfers from all over the country, but has recently become the hot spot for the in-crowd of Brazil. With its many different beautiful beaches, waterfalls and pleasant walks through lush forest vegetation, Itacaré is a refuge for nature lovers, surfers and anyone who wants to relax in beautiful, tranquil scenery. There are still many hidden virgin beaches without any infrastructure. Itacaré is located in what used to be the biggest cocoa-producing region in the world. However, with the decline of cocoa production, the village has turned towards tourism. Fishing, however, continues to be the main activity. The village has lots of bars and restaurants and the nightlife is fun with lots of axé, forró and reggae music.

Porto Seguro

Pedro Alvares Cabral is credited with being the first European to lay eyes on Brazil, landing here on 22 nd of April of 1500. Porto Seguro, in the extreme south of Bahia – including Arraial d'Ajuda and Trancoso – is Brazil's newest tourist mecca. This once sleepy town now has well over a hundred hotels and pousadas, countless restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Carnival here is especially lively. Pataxo Indians still live near Porto Seguro, fishing and making handicrafts to sell to tourists. The town itself has a historical city on top of the hill with some interesting churches, lovely gardens and wonderful panoramic views. The area around Porto Seguro is a densely forested nature reserve of original Atlantic forest. Across the bay lies Arraial d'Ajuda , which is set high on a cliff overlooking a rugged coastline with idyllic beaches. The town is full of bars and restaurants and has a good nightlife. Further along the coast is Trancoso , which is a simple little village with beautiful beaches.