09.01.2023.
This post about Morro de Sao Paulo contains links which could help me to earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for reading and supporting Under Flowery Sky.
Morro de Sao Paulo is a village lying on the lovely island Tinhare that offers a paradise shine. Nestled in the Brazilian state of Bahia, only 2 h by catamaran from Salvador city, it will simply entice you.
Arriving in Brazil with Nomad Cruise, the fantastic travel ideas to experience with the new friends spiced up my journey.
Though no cars are allowed, the village is full of tourists but still it maintains a tranquil atmosphere. Its incredible beaches are the most delightful wonders of this pretty town. Â
The picturesque ambiance of Morro bursts with beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants and lots of fun. Morro is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil.
It’s easy to navigate in this adorable town, but let me fill your journey with a more detailed guide.
1. Exploring amazing beaches in Morro de Sao Paulo
The beaches in Morro are adorable and you will easily remember their names- First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth.
The First Beach
Just as you step around the center of Morro, the road full of hotels, shops and restaurants leads to the First beach. Surrounded by cliffs, it’s actually very tranquil. Here you’ll find the vegan restaurant Passiflora and can observe the brave zipliners that jump in the water.
The Second Beach
The Second Beach is the busiest, particularly during the weekends. While entering to the Second Beach take a moment to admire the awesome view framed by the cute peninsula.
Don’t miss out on buying a delightful juice or enjoy snacks like tapioca pancakes. Praise the glory of the beach with cocoa drink (though expensive) that comes with other fruits or even alcohol.
Lovely bars and restaurants along the promenade burst with alluring music during the day and night. The cheerful vibes of Brazilian music is alive even on the beach and its stage.
The joy of volleyball is unmissable in Morro and Brazilians provide incredible and a skillful game. Each field has its kind of game and here you can count on the foot-volleyball or tennis volleyball. Have you ever tried to play a beach volleyball?
The Third Beach
If you don’t walk too long, the calm vibes pour at the palm of your hands at the Third Beach. It’s a fantastic place to recharge at the lovely hotels and restaurants. Snorkeling or kayaking to the Island Caitá is a splendid way to enjoy the surroundings.
The Fourth Beach
This one is a delightful shine that will seduce you right from the start in its peaceful ambiance. The floating bar is an experience that offers a pure welcome and unveils the story of the natural pools.
Not the pools in the true sense of this word but here starts the Fourth Beach. Enjoying the relaxing moments in the nearby restaurant is your ticket to paradise.
The water is much warmer at the wonderful Fourth Beach comparing to the Second without so many waves. When go deeper to the water, it stays still so shallow and reminds me of the Queen’s Beach in Nin, Croatia.
Fifth Beach
Praia do Encanto (Enchanted Beach) is another name for this heavenly spot in Morro that describes its essence. It’s quite a walk from the central Morro (about 40 minutes) so take your time and enjoy the incredible vibes.
Though the weather was very cloudy and rainy, the turquoise colours are so alive and visible. The dreamy atmosphere of turquoise vibes offers an incredible peace in the Brazilian spirit.
Being mostly vacant, its guests are usually coming from the nearby hotels. The local flora and fauna represent the rich treasure near the idyllic waters of the 2 km long beach.
2. Visiting the Lighthouse and enjoying the view of Morro de Sao Paulo
The short hike from the ferry port and central square Aureliano O. Lima glorifies the surprising delight of Morro. The insane views unveil like the shell full of miracles at the various corners of this hill.
The lighthouse itself (Farol do Morro) doesn’t offer the views and it’s not possible to enter. Continue towards the Zipline and you’ll be rewarded with exquisite wonder. The Zipline is very simple and the viewpoint is definitely the best in Morro.
On the other side of the hill while descending hides the most amazing sunset spot in the town. Not only the sunset, but you can also enjoy the pleasant Brazilian music and drinks. Just a few steps down, enter the world of the sunset treasure in the dance club Toca do Morcego.
3. Hiking to Gamboa Beach
An easy hike that is not so easy opens up the adventurous medalle in Morro. Don’t confuse the trail with the path to Gamboa village.
Passing through the local houses and lots of stairs, you’ll finally reach the wildness. The sandy path will follow you further, but it’s very steep. Consider wearing the proper shoes as my flip-flops got broken.
Just above the beach, few waterfalls spice up the hike but we couldn’t find it just like the local secrets.
After the exhausting hike, relax with the tropical juices to amaze you.
Returning back by the boat reveals your journey in harmony to avoid the steepy path. It’s only 2€ a taxi boat (10 br reals) per person, though you can also walk to the official boat 10 minutes. It costs a bit less- 5 brazilian reals.
4. Take a day trip to Garapuá Beach or Boipeba island
Unfortunately, we had 3 days in the rainy and cloudy weather which didn’t permit me to explore the island.
Garapuá Beach is a lovely gem in the Tinharé archipelago that attracts with its Moon shape. The incredible tranquility and alluring images are the reasons to visit this awesome beach.
It’s a popular day trip in the pedestrian village of Morro, done by a jeep.
Boipeba is a neighbour island in the heavenly shine of beautiful beaches. Covering an UNESCO title due to its natural heritage, Boipeba is a picturesque blend of entice.
From Morro de Sao Paulo you can take a jeep ride or a boat via Valença. Boipeba has its own natural pools and massive coral reefs.
5. Enjoying culinary delights
The coziness of Morro lies in its pretty streets full of colourful shops, bars and restaurants. As the town is rather touristic, sometimes it would be difficult to pass around.
Not only on the beach you’ll find tempting cakes, ice-creams and snacks, but all over this beautiful town. Give yourself a privilege to try some of the Brazilian delicacies and taste its spiritTapioca
Tapioca
Just like pancakes, tapioca is a wonderful surprise coming in savory and sweet versions. It derives from the authentic Brazilian plant manioca and mostly serves to thicken your meals. This white pancake is simply incredible as it consists only of flour.
Acai
Acai berries are the miraculous fruit, native to Brazilian Amazonia that derive from the specific palm tree. Being rich in antioxidants, acai holds a golden value to health. Instead of ice-cream, try acai in different varieties and put some fruit on the top. Almost at every corner, you’ll find acai shops all over Brazil.
Restaurants in Morro
Finally in Morro, I experienced a true refreshment from all the burgers (even the vegan ones), pizza or pasta. Vegetable moqueca was my choice, though you can find it in the fishy or any other edition. It’s practically a stew that comes together with rise and farofa (a grounded and toasted flour from the mandioca plant).
At the First beach, there’s also a vegan restaurant Passiflora, but I didn’t try it due to the working hours (it also had the closed doors).
Even Subway exists in Morro so it can sometimes save you in the rush. Actually, I had the most tasteful falafel sandwich ever here in Morro in the little caffeteria and restaurant Caffe do Morro. With homemade bread and plenty of carrot, it was something to ask for.
At all the restaurants there’s a live music every night which is so inviting, particularly in Aroma.
Practical tips about Morro de Sao Paulo
Morro is such a lovely village that will make you feel safer than anywhere in Brazil. If you want to hear the alluring Brazilian music, this is a place to be.
In most of the shops, you can pay with the card and even find exchange and atm-s.
In most of the restaurants, you’ll need to pay a service fee, which is 10%.
How to arrive to Morro de Sao Paulo
The easiest way to reach Morro is from Salvador, precisely from its ferry port near Mercado Modelo. Let me warn you, these catamarans are pretty wavy- not like the ones I was used to in Croatia. I would suggest Ilha Bella as it has the upper floor where turbulations are much easier to handle. It’s easy to get sea sick and even you can experience vomitting. Be precautious and take some pills agains sea-sickness.
I would suggest to buy your ticket in advance- at least one day before. You’ll get a confirmation email as your next step.
After arriving to Morro you’ll pay a fee of 35 br reals being in the Historical Patrimony of the Archipelago of Tinhare.
Where to stay
The simple answer is- stay close to the center or the Second Beach. I was inspired by the Bamboo Universo Pol Hostel and its ecological vibes, but it’s such a challenge to walk 15 minutes to the center. Let’s add here the distance to the beach, definitely feels like getting into the wildness. The truth is that you can get it mostly anywhere as Morro blends with nature. What I also loved by Bamboo Universo Pol Hostel is the awesome vegan breakfast.
Che Lagarto Hostel is another budget option, only 2 minutes from the main square. Colourful murals, option to cook your food, play ping pong and enjoy the cozy lobby should create your decision.
Mid-range hotels
Pousada Aquarela– offers a tranquil ambiance close to the center;
262– garden ambiance and shared kitchen, close to the First Beach;
Luxury hotels
Village Paraiso Tropical– includes a lovely garden and a large beach with a view of a Third beach;
Crystal Inn– tranquil place with a pool, and jacuzzi near the First Beach;
One Beach Boutique Hotel– cozy and boho ambiance just at the First Beach;
Final thoughts
Morro bursts with a vibrant lifestyle that intertwines with the tranquility of a beach town. The picturesque images of Morro dwell in the turquoise colours of the beautiful Bahian coast.
If you’re in Salvador, don’t hesitate to visit Morro. It’s such a lovely town where you can truly absorb the Brazilian cuisine and spirit.
PIN IT FOR LATER:
looks beautiful, thanks for sharing.
The views and atmosphere look amazing.
Anywhere that there’s sun, beaches and good food is a place I want to explore and Morro de Sao Paulo sounds like it’s right up my alley.
I think having a variety of things to do here is wonderful; I adore spending time on beaches and near the sea. Morro de Sao Paulo looks and sounds like a great place to stay.
I love that cars aren’t allowed, the beach should be left alone/just walking. These beaches are beautiful, especially the stunning sunset!
I wish Brazil was not so far away from Europe. I’ve heard before how beautiful Brazil is, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go there.