Barra Grande

The small, bucolic fishing village of Barra Grande sits upon Bahia’s Baía de Camamu, the largest bay in Brazil. The fact that it’s accessible only by boat, Jeep, and private plane has allowed Barra Grande to escape overdevelopment and rampant tourism. As a result, even in the summertime, when flocks of partying Brazilian and international youth descend upon it in droves, a laid-back eco-atmosphere pervades. The rest of the year, the placid bay and open sea beaches fanning out for miles in both directions are utterly secluded. Fringed by swaying palms and boasting turquoise waters protected by coral reefs, Barra Grande’s beaches offer an ...

The small, bucolic fishing village of Barra Grande sits upon Bahia’s Baía de Camamu, the largest bay in Brazil. The fact that it’s accessible only by boat, Jeep, and private plane has allowed Barra Grande to escape overdevelopment and rampant tourism. As a result, even in the summertime, when flocks of partying Brazilian and international youth descend upon it in droves, a laid-back eco-atmosphere pervades. The rest of the year, the placid bay and open sea beaches fanning out for miles in both directions are utterly secluded. Fringed by swaying palms and boasting turquoise waters protected by coral reefs, Barra Grande’s beaches offer an idyllic getaway for those fond of snorkeling, surfing, and idling away the day in the company of caipirinhas and succulent local dishes featuring freshly caught fish and seafood.

About the Expert

Michael Sommers is the author of Moon Brazil and Moon Rio, as well as the blog Thrill of Brazil. He has been living in Salvador, Brazil since 1999.