Boipeba & Morro de São Paulo

One of the more remote and most relaxing beach getaway destinations on the Bahian coast, Ilha de Boipeba is difficult to get to, a blessing that has ensured the seclusion of its endless string of river and ocean beaches. Accessible by small boat from the town of Valença (or air taxi from Salvador), the island (pop. 3,000) is blissfully bereft of automobiles. Aside from boats and mules, exploring the stunning beaches, backed by palm plantations and swathes of native Atlantic rainforest, is best done by (bare) foot. In the bucolic fishing villages of Boca da Barra and Moreré, a smattering of rustic restaurants serving freshly caught seafood ...

One of the more remote and most relaxing beach getaway destinations on the Bahian coast, Ilha de Boipeba is difficult to get to, a blessing that has ensured the seclusion of its endless string of river and ocean beaches. Accessible by small boat from the town of Valença (or air taxi from Salvador), the island (pop. 3,000) is blissfully bereft of automobiles. Aside from boats and mules, exploring the stunning beaches, backed by palm plantations and swathes of native Atlantic rainforest, is best done by (bare) foot. In the bucolic fishing villages of Boca da Barra and Moreré, a smattering of rustic restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and foreign-owned guesthouses boasting charming accommodations enable you to unwind in simple comfort. With much easier access, Morro de São Paulo, located on the neighboring island of Tinharé, also offers some enchanting beaches, but the former fishing village and surrounding area have suffered from overdevelopment and rampant tourism. If you love to party, however, Morro won’t let you down.

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.