Salvador Bahia Brazil Tourism & Travel Information Hotels Tours Airport Transfers

Salvador Bahia					Brazil

Salvador Bahia Travel Information

Salvador de Bahia

Salvador is the capital of Bahia, 1650 Km north from Rio de Janeiro (see map). The city is located in a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the east and by the calm waters of the Bahia de Todos os Santos in the west .

Salvador has beautiful tropical beaches along its 34 Km of coast, many of them framed by exuberant native flora. Salvador is divided into the Upper and Lower city. The former holds the Cathedral and the Administrative Center.

Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil and it still preserves its colonial architecture. Among the attractions of its Historic Center you can find Pelourinho, the Municipal and Sé squares, the City Hall Palace, the Rio Branco Palace, the Santa Casa and Misericordia Church, Bomfim Church and the Terreiro de Jesús square with its six churches (see pictures).

Salvador's strong cultural heritage can be seen in music, dance, religious festivities and typical food. Its African influence comes from the time of slave trade.

Salvador Hotels

Salvador hotels and apart hotels are located mainly along Bahia de Todos os Santos or around the Historic Center.

Hotels near the downtown beaches usually have good infrastructure and full services while hotels near the Historic Center and Pelourinho are cheaper mid-category.

There are also cheaper and mid-category hotels and hostels in Porto da Barra, Farol da Barra and along the Sete de Setembro Avenue with mid prices.

Budget accommodations in Salvador include pousadas (inns) which are generally comfortable and managed by its owners. They are mostly located in Santo Antônio and Pelourinho.

Salvador tours

Salvador tours are oriented to enjoying the beaches, practicing water sports, and participating in cultural events, such as food and dance festivals (see packages)

The Todos os Santos bay extends from Farol da Barra to Ponta do Garcêz. This area has great natural beauty with calm waters, making it an ideal place for swimming, sailing, scuba diving and underwater fishing.

Beaches in the metropolitan area of Salvador are Itapuã, Stella Maris and Flamengo, but the best known is Porto da Barra. Away from the city, Farol da Barra beach is very popular. Most of these beaches have infrastructure and services such as coastguards, restrooms and bars where you can get typical food and drinks (see client reviews).

On the coast of the Upper city, you will find beaches with coral reefs and calm waters that form natural pools although there are some inlets facing the open sea with strong waves, like Aleluia beach (see map).

Salvador has a famous viewpoint next to the bay, Elevador Lacerda, that connects the Upper city and the Lower city through four electric elevators. You can enjoy beautiful sights from here (see pictures).

Salvador tours are even more amazing when done by boat. Nearby islands include Itaparica, Morro de São Paulo and Boipeba. Here you will enjoy less crowded beaches with white sand and palm trees.

Salvador Historic Center has its core in Pelourinho, declared World Heritage by the UNESCO. Its squares and streets are framed by big houses and churches from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, all painted in bright colors. Here is where most of Salvador museums are located, including the Jorge Amado House Foundation, one of the best Brazilian writers.

Salvador Car Rental, Transfers and Transportation

Salvador car rental companies have offices in the airport and in the hotels area. Options include all main international players as well as some smaller local rentals which are cheaper.

Salvador air transportation is through the International Airport Diputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães, located 35 Km from the Historic Center. From here you can take transfers, buses or taxis to the downtown area.

Salvador transportation system includes two kinds of buses: a urban bus goes through the downtown area, the suburbs and the north coast, and an executive bus connects the airport with Praça da Sé and main hotels. This service is more comfortable and has fixed timetables.

Salvador has two kinds of taxis: the special taxis that depart from the airport and the regular taxis available throughout the city.

Salvador Tourist Information

Salvador tourist information is offered at Bahiatursa and EMTURSA. They provide booklets with hotels, tours, entertainment and popular festivities. Their offices are located in strategic tourist sites.

Salvador beaches are often served by coastguards. Some beaches have strong currents so we recommend you to be cautious and to stay near the shore.

Salvador nice hot weather requires simple, comfortable, light clothes although formal clothes are required in order to visit some churches. Short pants are not allowed in certain places where African religions are practiced.

Although Salvador has water treatment, drinking running water is not recommended. We suggest drinking bottled water.

Salvador hotels require reservations in advance, especially in summer and during Carnival.