An old fishing village that became one of Brazil’s most complete ecotourism destinations: that is Praia do Forte, on the north coast of Bahia. Within a few kilometers, visitors find natural pools among the corals, Project Tamar’s most famous base, the ruins of a 16th-century castle and Atlantic Forest trails in the Sapiranga Reserve.
Where it is and getting there
The village belongs to the municipality of Mata de São João, about 80 km from Salvador — under an hour and a half via the Estrada do Coco/Linha Verde. The main street, the charming Alameda do Sol, is paved and closed to cars, which gives the village a hamlet feel even in high season.
Beaches and natural pools
There are about 12 km of clear-water beaches. At low tide, the reefs facing the village form shallow, warm natural pools, perfect for snorkeling and for children — Praia do Porto (or dos Pescadores) is the easiest access. For walking, head toward the lighthouse and discover near-deserted stretches of sand framed by coconut palms.
Project Tamar
Praia do Forte is home to the historic base of Project Tamar, which has protected Brazil’s sea turtles since the early 1980s. The visitor center, next to the lighthouse, has tanks, exhibits and educational activities — and between September and March comes the nesting season, with hatchling releases on dates scheduled by the project. We tell the whole story in the article on Tamar and the Sapiranga Reserve.
Garcia D’Ávila Castle
Atop a hill a few kilometers from the village rise the ruins of Garcia D’Ávila Castle, begun in 1551 — considered the only medieval-style construction ever built in the Americas. From the Casa da Torre, the D’Ávila family administered land grants that stretched across entire hinterlands. The visit delivers history, a panoramic view of the coast and a beautiful sunset.
Sapiranga Reserve
A few minutes from the village, the Sapiranga Reserve protects hundreds of hectares of regenerating Atlantic Forest, crossed by hiking and mountain-bike trails and by the Pojuca River, where kayaks glide with the calm of a forest river. Sloths, anteaters, monkeys and many birds live there — the perfect green counterpoint to a beach day.
When to go and tips
- From September to March the weather is drier and coincides with the turtle nesting season.
- Check the tide tables: the natural pools only appear at low tide.
- Set aside one day for the castle + Sapiranga combo and another for beach + Tamar.
- The village has excellent guesthouses and restaurants, but fills up on holidays — book ahead.
🥾 Who is it for?
Effort: light — a flat village, natural pools and short outings. Children: a family destination par excellence: Tamar, shallow pools and a car-free street. Seniors: the paved, flat Alameda makes the stroll comfortable at any pace. People with reduced mobility: the flat village and the ramp-equipped Tamar center work very well. Wheelchair users: the urban infrastructure (paving and Tamar’s ramps) favors the visit; for access to the sand itself, confirm conditions with your guesthouse. An ideal destination for multigenerational trips.
