12 Best things to do in Itacaré, Bahía
1. Hike to Jeribucaçu Beach
One of the top things to do in Itacaré is to trek to Jeribucaçu beach. This secluded and picturesque beach is a hidden gem, only accessible by foot or boat. The trail takes you through lush rainforests, offering scenic views and the chance to spot local wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds.
It takes around 25min by car from Itacaré to the starting point of the trek to Jeribucaçu beach. Trekking takes around 30min.
At this beach, during high tide, you can catch the magical moment when the river meets the sea, creating a lovely natural “pool.” The beach has a little restaurant where you can grab some fresh fish.
2. Trek through 4 beaches
This trail takes you along four stunning beaches: Itacarezinho, Gamboa, Hawaizinho and Engenhoca. Each beach has its own unique charm.
This trail is quite easy-going and possible to do in flip-flops, and the walk from one beach to the next takes about 10 minutes.
Many tour agencies offer this trekking tour, but it’s quite easy to do on your own, especially if you have a car. If you begin your trek by heading to Engenhoca first, it takes about 20 minutes by car from the center of Itacaré. The walk to the beach takes another 20 minutes through a beautiful rainforest where you can also encounter a small waterfall and river.
3. Go Surfing
With consistent swells year-round, Itacaré is a surfer’s paradise. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro, there are plenty of surf schools and rental shops in town to help you catch some waves.
Praia da Engenhoca is one of the best surfing locations in Itacaré. Praia da Tiririca, also a favored surf spot, is conveniently close to town and within walking distance.
4. Visit Waterfalls
If you need a break from the beach, head to one of Itacaré’s many waterfalls for a refreshing swim in nature. Some popular options include:
- Tijuípe Waterfall: You can reach the trail via the Itacaré-Ilhéus highway (BA-001). It’s a short and easy hike to a waterfall, featuring a natural pool ideal for swimming.
- Usina Waterfall: Possible to visit on the way to Jeribucaçu beach
5. See sunset at Mirante Do Xaréu
If you want a panoramic view of the town and its nearby beaches, check out Mirante Do Xaréu at sunset. Located at the end of Praia da Coroa, one of the town’s urban beaches, Mirante do Xaréu is the perfect spot to catch the sunset. You can enjoy live music by local artists and sip on caipirinhas from vendors. The stunning views, vibrant music, and refreshing drinks make for a magical evening.
6. Relax at Concha Beach
Concha Beach is the city’s most central, urban, and popular spot. It offers numerous amenities like stalls, tables, chairs, and beach umbrellas, along with dining options from upscale restaurants to street vendors. Its calm waters are perfect for families and relaxation.
7. Walk to Praia do Resende and Praia da Tiririca
Just a short walk from town, you’ll discover Praia do Resende. It has a stunning entrance lined with coconut trees! Although there are some food and drink stalls available, options are more limited compared to Concha Beach. The sea here is rougher, with strong waves, and the surroundings are lush and green with plenty of vegetation.
Right after Praia do Resende, you’ll find Praia da Tiririca. It also has a skate park, and a surf school. Surfing is particularly popular in this region.
8. Enjoy Cacao Fruit Juice
Cacao fruit juice is a delicious and refreshing drink made from the pulp of cacao fruits. It’s a popular local beverage in Bahia and can be found at various street vendors and restaurants in Itacaré. Make sure to try it during your visit! We drank it every day at least once, it’s so good!
9. Try Artisan Chocolates
Experience 100% cacao artisan chocolates from local farms. One popular site is Vila Rosa Cacau e Cultura. You can also tour the farm to learn about the cacao process, from pod to chocolate. Itacaré town has tons of shops where you can taste and buy delicious chocolate and other treats.
10. Rua da Pituba
For those looking for evening activities in Itacaré, Rua da Pituba is perfect for a romantic dinner or shopping for local crafts, all while soaking in the charm of the buildings. Although commonly called Pituba, its official name is Pedro Longo.
11. Do a day trip to Taipu de Fora
If you have more time in Itacaré, we highly recommend taking a day trip to Taipu de Fora. It’s located around 60km from Itacaré. The road can be a bit rough, so it’s a good idea to check the conditions beforehand. The trip from Itacaré to Taipu de Fora can take anywhere from 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the state of BR-030.
12. Explore Piracanga Ecovillage
Piracanga is a beautiful ecovillage located about 40km from Itacaré. It’s known for its focus on sustainability, holistic living, and spiritual practices. You can visit the village as a day trip or stay longer to experience their workshops and courses on topics such as yoga, meditation, permaculture, and more. It’s a great place to relax, connect with nature, and learn something new.
Where to stay in Itacaré?
Itacaré offers a variety of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. From luxurious resorts to cozy guesthouses, there’s something for everyone. Some popular areas to stay in Itacaré include:
- Praia da Concha: This is the main beach in Itacaré and also where part of the town’s restaurants and shops are located. Staying here means being close to the action and having easy access to the beach.
- Rua Pituba: As mentioned earlier, this is where you can find most of the town’s nightlife. It’s a great location for those who want to be close to all the bars and restaurants.
- Praia da Tiririca: This is the surfing hub of Itacaré, so if you want to catch some waves during your stay, this is the place to be.
Where to eat in Itacaré?
You’ll never go hungry in Itacaré with its variety of dining options. Here are some of our favourite places:
Ola Bistro -Brunch
Néctar – Lunch
Restaurante Tia Deth -Dinner
Açai Raiz Orgânico – Best açai
When should I visit Itacaré?
Itacaré is a fantastic destination year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season. From July through February, the region enjoys lighter rainfall and more sunshine. The warmer months between October and February are especially ideal for water-based activities. While the period from March to July sees frequent rain and occasional storms, these typically pass quickly thanks to the coastal breeze.
How long to stay in Itacaré?
We recommend staying for at least 3-4 days to fully experience the town’s beaches, activities, and local culture. However, if you’re looking to truly unwind and relax, a week-long stay would be ideal.
How to get to Itacaré?
The closest airport to Itacaré is Ilhéus-Bahia Jorge Amado Airport, which serves domestic flights from major cities in Brazil. From the airport, you can take a bus, rent a car or hire a taxi to reach Itacaré. Another option is to fly into Salvador International Airport and then take a 5-hour bus ride to Itacaré.
