The peninsula of Maraú is located in the Costa do Dendê, South of Bahia, between Morro de São Paulo and Itacaré. The term Maraú has its origin from the Indian village Mayrahú, discovered, and occupied in 1705 by Italian capuchin friars that named the peninsula São Sebastião de Mayrahú. The village was elevated to town status in 1761 and still keeps houses preserved dating from the 18th century.
Formed by more than 40 km of semi deserted beaches, sandbanks, immense coconut groves, forests, mangroves and several villages with streets of sand, the peninsula attracts tourists from Brasil and abroad in search of sun, peace and quiet and intense contact with nature.
The beauty of the place impressed the French aviator and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (author of the little Prince) who came to live there for a while. A true ecological sanctuary, Maraú is inserted in an Environmental Protection Area (APA).
The many attractions can be explored through boats trips, traction vehicles, jeeps, quadricycles, etc., that take tourists through the best of the region.
The epicenter of the peninsula is the village of Barra Grande, although with a large amount of bars, inns and restaurants, it maintains a certain rustic charm. One of the most visited beaches of the region is the Barra Grande.
Another great attraction for tourists that love to dive is the Taipus de Fora, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brasil, according to the English newspaper The Guardian. In its natural pools of warm and crystalline waters, bathers delight for hours exploring the rich coral carpets. Diving equipment can be rented on site, which makes the trip unforgettable.
The Cachoeira de Tremembé, located in the Tremembé fishing village is another natural spectacle not to be missed. The waters of the Maraú River plummet in the clear sea of the Baía de Camamu in a fall of 5 meters high and 30 meters wide, forming a large lake. The natural hydromassage at the foot of the falls promises to be a great way to recharge your batteries.
Plane/airport
The Salvador airport is the nearest airport, located about 200 km, and recieves direct international flights from Frankfurt, Buenos Aires, Madri, Miami and Lisbon.
The airport of Ilhéus is located about 150 km and receives direct flights from Salvador, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte and São Paulo.
Boat/Ferry
Departing from Salvador by car, take a boat at the Terminal Turistico Náutico da Bahiaor a ferry at São Joaquim Terminal to the island of Itaparica. Follow through BA - 001, towards the south, until Camamu. In Camamu, take a boat to Barra Grande.
On foot
A walk through the streets of sand, observing the village and feeling its rhythm is the best way to visit.
Others
Transport to the more distant beaches can be done in a 4x4 car or via sea transportation. Check out the conditions and prices with tourism agencies.
The area code for Maraú (DDD) is 73.
220V
Bahia Tourist Hotline. Just press the number for the language option offered.
+55 (71) 3103-3103