The best things to do in Porto Seguro, Bahia

If you’re looking for tips on the best things to do in Porto Seguro, Bahia, get ready for an unforgettable trip! This Brazilian coastal city combines incredible beaches, lots of history and a lively nightlife.

During my stay, I fell in love with the beauty of the coast and the charm of the historic center. To help you make the most of it, I wrote this guide full of tips for exploring the best that this paradise has to offer.

Top things to do in Porto Seguro: best beaches

A guide on things to do in Porto Seguro couldn’t start in any other way than with the city’s main attraction, its beaches. There are options for all types of travelers.

Coroa Vermelha Beach

Coroa Vermelha, 14 km from the center of Porto Seguro, is number one on this list because it was one of my favorite destinations in the region. In addition to being a beautiful place, it has a lot of historical significance: it was there that the Portuguese colonizers celebrated the first catholic in Brazil.

The walk to the beach is an attraction in itself, with several craft stalls along the way. Prices are much more affordable than in the city center, so if you’re thinking of taking home some souvenirs, this is the place.

Coroa Vermelha beach is about 2 km long and is right next to Mutá Beach; they sort of blend together. You can enjoy both on a single visit, which will probably be one of the highlights of your Porto Seguro itinerary.

What I liked most about this beach were the calm waters and the natural pools that form at low tide, when a path of sand juts out into the sea. You can walk for a long time with the ocean on both sides, it’s really cool. There are also several food stalls and restaurants on the shore, perfect for spending the day.

Pro tip: if you can, visit Coroa Vermelha during low tide, especially during new and full moons, when the view is even more beautiful.

Taperapuã Beach

As I mentioned, Porto Seguro has something for everyone, and Taperapuã is perfect for those who enjoy a livelier atmosphere. Even though I’m not a fan of busy beaches, I couldn’t resist visiting this iconic beach.

About 7 km from the center, Taperapuã is known for the mega stalls that have made Porto Seguro a party destination. Tôa Tôa and Axé Moi are the most famous, attracting crowds with concerts, parties and lots of axé music.

Many visitors choose Taperapuã for its excellent infrastructure, but it also stands out for its beauty. With a long stretch of soft white sand and calm, blue waters, the scenery is enchanting. In addition, there are plenty of parking lots and other facilities.

However, it’s good to be careful when exploring the more isolated stretches of the beach, especially at the end, where the vegetation is denser. This area may not be very safe, so be aware of your surroundings.

Mundaí Beach

Right next to Taperapuã Beach, Mundaí Beach has a lively waterfront, full of cabins and a good variety of hotels. It is great for those who are after more excitement, but it also has some quieter corners.

The sea in Mundaí is calm and has a more intense blue tone. If you are like me and love a good shade, you will appreciate the coconut trees here, which guarantee a refreshing rest by the sea.

At the beginning of Mundaí Beach, there are quieter restaurants and bars such as Gallo Praia, which offers good facilities and a varied menu. At the end of the beach, right before Taperapuã, is the famous Tôa Tôa restaurant.

Mucugê Beach

Located about 7 km from the center of Porto Seguro, in the district of Arraial d’Ajuda, Mucugê Beach is always busy and attracts tourists all year round. With natural pools at low tide, it has good infrastructure, including inns and kiosks.

Access to the beach is easy, going down the famous Rua do Mucugê. If you are looking for more tranquility, Praia do Parracho, a little further ahead, is calmer and has fewer kiosks.

In addition to activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and diving, Mucugê Beach is home to Arraial d’Ajuda Eco Park. This water park by the sea is a great option for a family day out, with a wave pool, water slides, tree climbing, zip-line, a food court, a large green area and the beautiful beach.

It is important to know that the sea in Arraial d’Ajuda is greatly influenced by the tides. At low tide, the natural pools are visible, and at high tide, the water reaches the chairs of the kiosks.

Praia dos Nativos

Located in Trancoso, about 35 km from Porto Seguro, Praia dos Nativos combines simplicity and sophistication, offering rustic kiosks, elegant inns and lively parties. The beach has good options for seaside dining and accommodation right in front of the ocean.

What won me over at Praia dos Nativos was the place where a river meets the sea, forming a refreshing natural freshwater pool.

The river level varies according to the tide. Depending on the time of day, you may need to use the services of local boatmen or rent a stand-up paddleboard to cross to the other side of the beach. The crossing is fun and well worth it.

Taípe Beach

Taípe Beach, in Arraial d’Ajuda, is about 35 km from Porto Seguro. It is so close to Trancoso that it is difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins.

This beach is quite impressive with its colorful cliffs and the surrounding vegetation, which creates a calm and almost deserted environment. There are few beach stalls there and I only had to walk a few meters to find a quiet and empty place to relax.

Praia do Espelho

Located between Trancoso and the famous Caraíva, Praia do Espelho draws attention for its colorful cliffs and crystal-clear waters, which reflect the surrounding landscape. With its almost deserted sand strip and dozens of coconut trees, it is ideal for those who like to relax and enjoy nature in silence.

This beach is about 60 km from Porto Seguro, with access via a somewhat challenging dirt road. Despite the distance, it is one of the most popular destinations in the region, with many agencies offering day tours there. If you want more comfort, you can also get there by boat from Caraíva.

Near the beach there are charming inns, good restaurants and beachfront kiosks, but prices tend to be high.

Satu Beach

Satu Beach is a true gem, located about 36 km from Trancoso and close to Caraíva. Practically untouched and without tourist infrastructure, it is a charming place.

To get there, you need to take a 4 km walk along the seashore. If you love walking and hiking like me, you will enjoy this beach. I guarantee that the effort is worth it for the landscapes of forests, coconut trees and cliffs.

Since the beach is quite empty, it’s good to go as a group and bring water and food. The sea is calm, and at low tide several natural pools appear.

After the walk, the Satu Lagoon, with fresh water, and the Mucaba Lagoon, with salt water, are perfect for a refreshing dip.

Other things to do in Porto Seguro

Popular for its paradisiacal beaches, Porto Seguro also has several other interesting attractions. Here are the ones I recommend:

Historic Center

I might be biased, since I love historic centers, but you should set aside at least an afternoon to explore the Historic Center of Porto Seguro.

Located on top of a hill, with an impressive view of the sea, the center is a true dive into local history. It is also very charming, with its colorful houses.

The architectural complex includes the Marco do Descobrimento, dating from 1506, which was brought by the Portuguese to celebrate the “discovery” (a.k.a. invasion) of Brazil. There is also the Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena, built in 1535 and dedicated to the city’s patron saint.

Another highlight is the old Casa de Câmara e Cadeia (Chamber House and Jail), built in 1756, which today houses the Porto Seguro Museum. The museum has exhibits on local history, indigenous culture, and the arrival of the Portuguese.

Memorial da Epopeia do Descobrimento

For those who want to explore a bit of local history, another popular attraction in Porto Seguro is the Memorial da Epopeia do Descobrimento (Memorial of the Epic of Discovery). The guided tour explains in a simple way how the Portuguese navigators arrived in Brazil. The visit does not detail issues related to the presence of the native peoples of the time, so it is worth using critical thinking and questioning the narratives about this so-called “discovery”.

The tour takes place in a preserved area of ​​Atlantic Forest and includes small exhibitions, indigenous objects and a caravel that children usually love, as it can be explored inside. Tickets cost R$30 for adults and R$15 for children (verified in August/2024).

Passarela do Álcool

There’s probably no list of things to do in Porto Seguro that doesn’t include the Passarela do Álcool or Passarela do Descobrimento (Alcohol Walkway or Discovery Walkway), which comes to life at night. The space is taken over by a craft market and many drinks and alcoholic beverages stalls, which give the place its nickname.

In addition to the stalls, the walkway is lively with bars and restaurants. They offer many gastronomic options, from simple dishes to the most elaborate. Bahian cuisine is amazing, so don’t miss the chance to taste a well-prepared acarajé or abará and much more.

Jaqueira Indigenous Reserve

The so-called “Discovery Coast” is known for its indigenous reserves, where visitors can have direct contact with the rich culture of the native peoples.

The Pataxó da Jaqueira Reserve, one of the most popular, is about half an hour from Porto Seguro’s city center. The reserve was created by the Pataxó indigenous community in 1998, as a way of preserving their way of life.

There, in addition to guided tours about the history and customs of the Pataxós, you can schedule more complete experiences. This includes participating in traditional ceremonies and learning about their spiritual importance. It is also possible to spend the night in the reserve for an immersive experience in nature and local traditions.

Visits to the reserve should be scheduled in advance. Wear comfortable clothing, bring insect repellent and be prepared to walk on easy trails. The cost of the tour depends on the activity chosen and the schedules may change, so it is best to check in advance.

Recife de Fora Marine Park

The Recife de Fora Marine Park is one of the must fun things to do in Porto Seguro, especially for those who love diving and natural pools.

The tour is done on schooners that leave the city, with prices starting at R$140, and it takes about 50 minutes to reach the corals. I didn’t have the opportunity to take this tour, but on my next visit, I will definitely include it in my itinerary.

When you arrive, you can explore the marine life, go snorkeling, relax in the natural pools and take photos of the sandbanks that emerge from the sea.

Local crafts and souvenirs

Porto Seguro is great if you like to buy souvenirs. The city has many stores with crafts and regional products. The best places to shop are Passarela do Álcool and Feira de Coroa Vermelha (Coroa Vermelha crafts market).

If you are looking for more sophisticated items, Arraial d’Ajuda and Trancoso are the best options. There, you’ll find trendier shops (but more expensive too).

Where to stay in Porto Seguro

With over 40 beaches and a 90 km coastline, choosing the right accommodation in Porto Seguro is essential to make the most of your trip. If you prefer lively areas, Taperapuã and Mundaí offer a wide variety of hotels and resorts. Quieter beaches, such as Praia do Mutá and Pitinga, are ideal for those who want to relax in contact with nature.

The city center is convenient for those who want to be close to historical attractions and transportation, while the center of Arraial d’Ajuda district is lively and close to nice beaches. Trancoso and Caraíva are good for those who want to explore charming villages, although they are becoming increasingly touristy.

For detailed tips and recommendations for highly rated accommodation, see our full article on where to stay in Porto Seguro.

Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Porto Seguro

When is the best time to visit Porto Seguro?

Porto Seguro is one of the most popular destinations in Brazil and attracts visitors all year round. During periods such as school holidays (January and July), “semana do saco cheio” (our Spring Break), New Year’s and Carnival, the beaches are crowded. Outside of these periods, the city is quieter.

The weather is typically sunny, and you can usually enjoy the beach at any time of the year. If you want to reduce the chance of rain, consider this:

• Rainiest months: November, December, March and April;
• Least rainy months: August and September;
• Hottest months: January, February and March;
• Least hot months: July and August;
• High season: December to February, July and all long weekends.

How long should I stay in Porto Seguro?

To explore this paradise calmly and enjoy its main attractions, I recommend spending 4 to 7 days. This period allows you to get to know not only Porto Seguro, but also some of the nearby destinations, such as Trancoso, Arraial d’Ajuda and Praia do Espelho.

What is there to do in Porto Seguro at night?

At night, the city has several leisure options:

Passarela do Álcool: As I mentioned before, the walkway is a very lively spot and one of the main nighttime attractions.

Beco das Cores: Located in the center of Arraial d’Ajuda, it is a very cozy place with many restaurants, bars with live music and little shops.

Events and parties: Porto Seguro has a varied schedule of events, including concerts and themed parties, especially during the high season. You can look up the schedule online for the time of your visit or ask guides and locals.

What should I do in Porto Seguro in 2 days

With two days in Porto Seguro, you can start by visiting the beaches closest to the center, such as Taperapuã and Mundaí. In the late afternoon and evening, explore the Historic Center and Passarela do Álcool. Alternatively, you can spend the first day in Coroa Vermelha and return to the center in the late afternoon.

The second day can be spent in Trancoso or Arraial d’Ajuda. In Arraial, stroll along Mucugê Beach and explore Mucugê Street, with its shops and restaurants, or enjoy a day at the park and water sports. After the beach, it’s worth checking out Beco das Cores.

If you choose Trancoso, spend the day at Praia dos Nativos and end the night at Quadrado, a charming square surrounded by colorful houses, boutiques and restaurants.

Do you have any more questions about the best things to do in Porto Seguro? Ask us in the comments!

Article written by Rafaela Beatriz, a contributor to the Janelas Abertas blog. Photos by Luísa Ferreira (Janelas Abertas), Unsplash (Creative Commons) and Deposit Photos.