Porto Seguro

The most popular destination in southern Bahia is the resort area around Porto Seguro, where Cabral “discovered” Brazil in 1500. Founded in 1526, it has some claim to being the oldest town in Brazil, and buildings still survive from that period.

Porto Seguro is now about as far as you can get from pre-colonial tranquillity. It’s become one of the biggest holiday resorts in Brazil, and heaves with tourists throughout the year, reaching saturation point at New Year and Carnaval. You may enjoy yourself here if your main interest is nightlife – but you’ve got to like crowds and not expect much peace and quiet. All the same, Porto Seguro has somehow managed to retain its reputation as a fairly classy destination.