Bahia is the most revered historical and cultural state in Brazil. Its true glory is its coastline, the longest in the country, populated with beautiful beaches, islands, mountains and rivers.
The city of Salvador is a great starting point for exploring Bahia. However, neighbouring regions offer a feast of surprises too - quaint towns and tropical jungles, crystalline waters and caves and an abundance of pousada hideaways.
It is impossible to even scratch the surface of Brazil in one short trip let alone Bahia's immense landscape, but soaking up the culture and exploring the many hidden gems that Bahia has to offer can be done with a bit of pousada surfing. Here are some ideas for seeing the best of Bahia:
Salvador for a taste of city life:
Casa da Vitria, Salvador, Bahia - "stylish architect designed townhouse between Barra and Pelourinho"
Hotel Casa do Amarelindo, Salvador (Pelourinho), Bahia - "an oasis of luxury and calm in the heart of the historical centre"
Road trips to beaches just an hour outside Salvador:
Pousada Praia das Ondas, Itacimirim, Bahia -"a real hidden pousada, only 50km from the airport, right on beach"
Pousada Rosa dos Ventos, Praia do Forte, Bahia -"rustic pousada with lovely atmosphere, close to beach & village"
Vilangelim Eco-pousada, Praia de Imbassai, Bahia -"wonderful eco-pousada near the beach with great pool & restaurant"
Visits along the Dend Coast, South of Salvador - great for water sports and deserted beaches:
Vila dos Orixas Boutique Hotel, Morro de Sao Paulo, Cairu, Bahia - "beautiful bungalows and huge pool on the Praia do Encanto- pure tranquility"
Pousada Mangueira, Boipeba (Morer), Bahia - "lush gardens and hidden tranquility only a minute from Morere beach"
Pousada Lagoa do Cassange, Lagoa do Cassange, Mara, Bahia - "eco-lodge offering sophisticated informality-right on the beach"
Visits to the mountains and rivers of the Diamantina Tableland region:
Pousada Lagoa das Cores, Chapada Diamantina ( Vale do Capo), Bahia -"charm, warmth, and harmony, amidst spectacular scenery"
Alcino Estalagem, Chapada Diamantina (Lenois), Bahia -"beautiful colonial-style inn with informal atmosphere and best breakfast in Brazil"
Short plane ride to the South East of Bahia, Ilheus to discover the Cacao Coast and its ecological sanctuaries:
Pousada Paraiso Verde, Ilheus (Serra Grande), Bahia -"artistic, rustic-chic, exclusive and totally hidden beach front pousada"
Artjungle Eco Lodge & Spa, Itacar, Bahia -"amazing tree & stilt-houses with beautiful views over river"
