Another village in Bahia awaits you. Besides offering tranquility for relaxation, it also features lively parties and thrilling activities on the beach. Interested? Learn more about this fantastic destination in the Hadre archipelago.
A location where you can mix up the blue of the sky and the color of the sea, observe the sunset, have fun at lively events, or just stay at a hostel to unwind and savor the beach atmosphere. This is Morro de São Paulo, a quaint village in the Terré archipelago that will surely win your affection.
In the Cairu district of Bahia, the island offers beautiful beaches and natural landscapes, catering to both those seeking a lively atmosphere and those looking for a peaceful retreat. Many choose to spend their honeymoon in Morro de São Paulo.
If you are eager to explore the destination, keep reading to find out all the information necessary for enjoying the island to the fullest.
In this post you will find:
- Activities to enjoy in Morro de São Paulo
- Accommodation options in Morro de São Paulo
- Where to dine in Morro de São Paulo
- Best time to visit Morro de São Paulo
- How long should I stay in Morro de São Paulo?
- Directions to Morro de São Paulo
- Transportation in Morro de São Paulo.
- Additional suggestions for Morro de São Paulo
- Wishing you a secure journey to Morro de São Paulo.
- Tickets for flights to Salvador or Valença
- Commonly Asked Questions
Activities in Morro de São Paulo
The island’s main attractions are its five numbered beaches, along with more remote ones located in neighboring areas. Visitors can explore these beaches on foot, take boat or kayak rides, go snorkeling, rappel down a scenic viewpoint, and relax in the natural pools that appear at low tide.
Apart from these water activities, you can enjoy sunset views from different perspectives at various viewpoints available there, such as the Zip Line Lookout, the Sun Lookout, the Fortress of Taipirandu, and more secluded spots like the Toca do Morcego restaurant, offering a lovely setting for a sunset drink.
You can end your farewell by enjoying the sunrise at a restaurant or bar that offers a beautiful view along with food, drinks, and music. The Morro Theatre hosts alternative parties and cultural events featuring live bands for those looking to have fun.
Morro de São Paulo’s center provides various historical, culinary, and traditional evening activities, including exploring the handicraft market, the Fortress of Tapirandú, the Our Lady of Light Church, and the Morro de São Paulo Lighthouse.
The island of Terré offers a wide range of attractions. To ensure you don’t miss anything, here is a list of the main attractions in Morro de São Paulo.
- Experience the island’s five beaches.
- Discover Gamboa Beach and Caitá Island
- Reducing the slope of Morro de São Paulo
- View the sunset from observation points
- Fair for handmade goods
- Tapirandú’s stronghold
- Our Lady of Light Church
- Morro de São Paulo lighthouse
- Theater on a hill
Top beaches in Morro de São Paulo
Plan your visit to explore all the beaches in Morro de São Paulo, as each one offers something unique. At First Beach (Quinta Praia), there are sandy spots suitable for every preference and activities available at all hours, whether you want to bask in the sun or revel in a beach party at night.
The initial beach, nearest to downtown, is known as Tyrolean Beach. The second beach is preferred by tourists for its warm waters and is ideal for daytime activities and nighttime escapades. There are numerous beachfront bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of music to enjoy the sea breeze.
The Third Beach, located on Saudade Island, offers island tours and snorkeling opportunities to observe marine life up close. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to Caita Island, another fantastic destination to explore.
The Fourth Beach is less crowded, has many natural pools, and is ideal for hiking along its long stretch of sand. For a more secluded beach experience, visit Quinta Praia, also called Praia do Encanto, where you will discover a tranquil paradise enveloped by lush vegetation.
In addition to the Morro de São Paulo beaches, there are other nearby beautiful beaches such as Gamboa, Porto de Cima, Ponta de Pedra, and Garapuá.
Explore the primary beaches of Morro de São Paulo.
- Initial shore
- Beach Two
- Third Beach
- Beach number four
- Fifth Beach or Enchanted Beach
- Gamboa Shore
- Garapuá Beach
Accommodations in Morro de São Paulo
Morro de São Paulo offers options for both relaxation and nightlife, with accommodations suitable for various preferences. The center, First Beach, and Second Beach are lively areas close to shops, bars, and restaurants, while the atmosphere becomes quieter and more peaceful starting from Third Beach for those seeking tranquility.
Second Beach is known for its lively parties and bars with music and excitement on the beach. If you don’t mind loud noise until sunrise, it’s advisable to stay in this area.
The Fourth Beach is known for its tranquility and offers more secluded lodging options, like the Hotel Patachocas, a nature resort.
The accommodations on the island are typically well organized, with many being inns and vacation rentals. Additionally, there are multiple hotels available for guests who enjoy spending more time at their lodging.
Accommodations in Morro de São Paulo
Morro de São Paulo offers a wide range of lodging options, with inns being the most common choice, but there are also hotels available for those who prefer this type of accommodation.
Explore these highly rated suggestions.
- Vila dos Orixás Boutique Hotel offers rooms for R$ 621 per day with a rating of 9.2.
- Hotel Morro De São Paulo offers daily rates starting at R$ 358, with a rating of 8.9.
- Hotel Portaló offers daily rates starting from R$ 468 and has a rating of 8.6.
- Catavento Beach Hotel offers daily rates starting at R$ 279, with a rating of 8.3.
View all available hotels in Morro de São Paulo.
Lodging options in Morro de São Paulo
Comfortable accommodations are necessary for a truly memorable experience in Morro de São Paulo. The island offers a variety of well-equipped inns with stunning natural surroundings, such as relaxing outdoor areas, lovely swimming pools, and ocean views.
Explore some excellent accommodations available for your stay.
- Bahia Bella Inn – R$ 330 per day – Rating of 9.5
- Dona Moça Inn – Rates starting at R$ 660 per night – Rating of 9.5
- Passárgada Inn and Restaurant – Priced at R$ 618 per day – Rated 9.4
- Villa dos Graffitis Pousada offers accommodation for R$ 294 per day with a rating of 9.2.
Explore all lodging choices available in Morro de São Paulo.
Airbnb lodging in Morro de São Paulo
Staying at an airbnb in Morro de São Paulo is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking independence and flexibility, with numerous accommodation options available.
Here are some examples:
- Altavista residence offers daily rates starting at R$ 340 with a rating of 9.1.
- Morro de São Paulo Refugee – Priced at R$ 504 per day – Rating 9.3
- Daily rates for Secret Garden start at $200, with a rating of 9.2.
- Luna Rossa Condominium offers daily rates starting at R$ 440, with a rating of 9.3.
Explore all available Airbnb accommodations in Morro de São Paulo.
Dining options in Morro de São Paulo
Having a good travel experience in Morro de São Paulo requires eating well, with abundant dining options available in the center and on the First and Second beaches to enjoy fish, seafood, and traditional Bahian recipes.
The cocoa caipirinha is a popular choice in the area, often seen being enjoyed by pedestrians as they walk around holding the beverage served in the fruit.
At the beaches, there are dining options available as well. The island’s restaurants offer live music to enhance your dining experience, such as Bat Play, which also provides a scenic view.
Some dining choices for you to visit in Morro de São Paulo:
- Play about bats.
- Artistic Coffee
- Poppy Culinary Creations
- My Intense Enthusiasm
- Barolo Canteen
Best time to visit Morro de São Paulo
The ideal time to visit Morro de São Paulo is from August to March when there is plenty of sun and less rainfall. For a livelier atmosphere, visit during the summer, especially around New Year’s and after Carnival when many travelers head to the island.
Weekends and holidays are popular times on the island and typically come with higher lodge rates. To find Morro de São Paulo less crowded and cheaper, it’s best to avoid peak season.
In Bahia, the weather is warm most of the year, with more rain from April to July. July is busy due to school vacations, but there are still chances of sunny days.
How long should I stay in Morro de São Paulo?
The suggested length of stay in Morro de São Paulo is around four days. Some visitors stay for a shorter period, while others extend their time on the island. It is advisable to consider your budget and preferences, as a relaxed pace allows for longer and more peaceful trips.
Directions to Morro de São Paulo
Morro de São Paulo is a village in Bahia situated at the southern tip of the Tinharé archipelago, approximately 64 km from Salvador. Access can be arranged from Salvador or Valença using various transport options such as air taxis, catamarans, speedboats, or a combination of car and boat routes.
It can be challenging to reach the destination. One suggestion is to plan ahead by coordinating flight schedules and boat rides. Depending on your distance from Salvador, you may need to spend a day in the Bahia capital to align the routes.
But once you arrive, you’ll see that the effort was worthwhile.
By air
If you choose to travel by air, you can decide between Valença Airport, a smaller option with fewer flights, or Salvador Airport, which serves international and major domestic cities. Compare ticket prices to determine the most cost-effective option, considering that both airports may offer promotions.
Another choice is to travel by air taxi from Salvador, departing from Luis Eduardo Magalhães International Airport, to Terceira or Quarta Praia in São Paulo. This option is quicker, with an average duration of 25 minutes, but it is pricier.
Road and vessel
Other options for reaching Morro de São Paulo include combining car rides, transfers, and boat trips, such as the catamaran (larger and slower) or the fast speedboat. It’s important to mention that private cars are not allowed in the village, so you must leave your vehicle in Salvador or Valença.
The journey starts from Salvador to Itaparica Island by ferry. Then, the traveler continues by road to Valença and takes a speedboat to Morro de São Paulo. This is the most economical route choice, but it may take up to three hours, and the boat rides can be quite bumpy in rough seas.
Another suggestion is to consider purchasing pre-packaged tours where the entire itinerary is already arranged by tour operators.
Catamaran vessel
The Catamaran is a bigger and somewhat less speedy vessel compared to speedboats, resulting in longer journeys from the Salvador Tourist Maritime Terminal to Morro de São Paulo. The trip typically takes about two hours, but rough seas can extend travel time and lead to seasickness.
From Valença to Morro de São Paulo
It is necessary to travel by boat from Valença to Morro de São Paulo, which typically takes about 30 minutes. You have the option of taking a speedboat, which is faster but slower, or a catamaran, which is slower but more spacious.
From Salvador to Morro de São Paulo
One can travel directly from Salvador to Morro de São Paulo by air taxi or catamaran. Alternatively, it is also possible to travel by a combination of road and boat routes from Salvador to Itaparica Island and then on to Valença before reaching Morro de São Paulo.
Transportation in Morro de São Paulo
Your feet will be your primary mode of transportation in Morro de São Paulo. The island does not allow private cars, except for ambulances and vehicles authorized by lodgings to transport guests.
Pack your finest slipper and prepare to visit a tranquil location with ample hiking opportunities in nature. If the journey is too long, such as to the Fourth and Fifth beaches, you can rely on the transportation services provided by the inns and hotels in that area.
In Morro, there are luggage loaders who transport bags for visitors to the hotel, charging about R $ 20 per trip due to the hilly terrain of the island.
Additional recommendations for Morro de São Paulo
Morro de São Paulo is a remote location that demands caution. To better equip yourself, jot down this crucial information about the area:
- A fee of R$ 20 is required for each visitor to the archipelago. Children under five and individuals over 60 are exempt from the fee. Students and those with special needs pay half of the fee.
- Pack only the necessary items in your bag because transportation in the area is quite challenging, and having too much luggage can be inconvenient.
- Bring cash. In Morro de São Paulo, there are only Banco do Brasil ATMs, a Bradesco service station, and a lottery house.
Wishing you a secure journey to Morro de São Paulo.
Booking a secure journey to Morro de São Paulo is a great suggestion to guarantee a peaceful trip and alleviate concerns. While not mandatory, having insurance coverage provides the reassurance necessary to fully experience the destination and feel supported when needed. Take advantage of our promotional insurance discount coupon as well. – VIEW PRICES
Tickets for flying to Salvador or Valença
Looking for assured tickets to Salvador or Valença at great prices? We utilize the Promo Go platform to discover the most reliable flights available. View daily offers and watch for opportunities to save when purchasing your airfare. – VIEW PRICES
Commonly Asked Questions
Explore the beaches and islands of Morro de São Paulo, experience the zipline at the viewpoint, enjoy a stunning sunset, and visit the historical sites.
What are the primary excursions in Morro de São Paulo? Morro de São Paulo boasts stunning clear beaches and natural swimming pools. When visiting the island, make the most of beach tours, savor the local cuisine, or just unwind and rejuvenate amidst nature.
The most popular places to stay in Morro de São Paulo are the center, First Beach, and Second Beach, which are close to shops, bars, and restaurants.
Top hotels in Morro de São Paulo include Vila dos Orixás Boutique Hotel, Hotel Morro De São Paulo, Hotel Portaló, Catavento Beach Hotel, and Hotel Patachocas.
Are there bed and breakfast choices available in Morro de São Paulo? Various options include Bahia Bella, Pousada Dona Moça, Passárgada Pousada and Restaurant, and Villa dos Graffitis Pousada.
What are the top-rated Airbnb options in Morro de São Paulo? Some of the best Airbnb choices in Morro de São Paulo listed on Booking include Altavista residence, Refugio Do Morro, the Secret Garden, and the Luna Rossa Condominio.
Suggested length of stay in Morro de São Paulo is a minimum of four days, but extending it is advisable for more leisurely and extensive tours.
How can one travel to Morro de São Paulo? It is feasible to reach Morro de São Paulo via air taxi, Cataramã (a larger and slower boat), speedboats (smaller and faster boats), and by combining trips over land and sea.
The ideal time to travel to Morro de São Paulo is between August and March, which are the months with the most sunshine and the least amount of rain.
The busiest and most lively times to visit Morro de São Paulo are during Réveillon, Carnival (especially right after the party), extended holidays, and July holidays, despite the higher prices.
The top beaches in Morro de São Paulo are First Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach, Fourth Beach, Quinta Praia or Praia do Encanto, Gamboa Beach, and Garapuá Beach.
Morro de São Paulo is situated approximately 64 km from Salvador and is a village in Bahia, part of the Terré archipelago and Cairu municipality.
Private vehicles are prohibited in Morro de São Paulo, so transportation options include walking or utilizing the transfers provided by accommodations.
