Unwinding in Salvador de Bahia is simply soothing. This coastal city located in the north-east of the country has everything you could ask for. Its magnificent shorelines, green spaces, and unique landscape inspire unparalleled serenity. Its historic centre, public squares, and museums allow you to step back in time to the colonial period of Brazil.

For those drawn to Brazilian festivities, the world's largest party takes place in the heart of the city itself—the Salvador de Bahia Carnival. Millions of revellers from around the globe gather there each year to escape life's worries and lose themselves in a week of pure celebration.

History

Long before colonisation, the region had been occupied by the Tupí tribe. When Gaspar de Lemos discovered the area in 1501, the Amerindians decided to maintain good relations with foreigners. This continued even when one of them, a man named Amerigo Vespucci, decided to give their land a new name: São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos.

Indeed, they did not hesitate to shelter a young Portuguese castaway named Diogo Álvares Correia, nicknamed Caramuru. The young man's courage and kindness soon impressed the village chief—and his daughter, the beautiful Catarina Álvares Paraguaçu. Love took root in both their hearts. The clan organised the first union between a foreigner and one of their own. The young couple became the first Christian family of Brazil.

But Caramuru also wished to show his beloved his world. He took her to Europe, particularly to France, where the Church baptised her. The couple returned to settle in Salvador, and Catarina gave birth to three children: Gaspar, Gabriel, and Jorge.

Peace reigned between the Tupí and the Portuguese until 1534. That year, explorer Martim Afonso de Sousa landed in the bay, colonised the indigenous people, and established the captaincy of Bahia. The suffering of slavery drove the Tupí to take up arms. United in adversity, they succeeded in driving the Portuguese from their land in 1536.

But in 1549, the colonisers returned in force under Governor-General Tomé de Sousa. He suppressed the Tupí rebellion, besieged the bay, and built a new colony atop a great escarpment. He then launched a vast sugarcane plantation operation whose products he exported to the international market.

However, Tupí labour, despite all its efforts, could not meet demand. Tomé de Sousa decided to bring enslaved people from the African continent in great numbers. He also had several pillories constructed in the squares of the Pelourinho district. There he publicly punished anyone who failed to submit to the colony's laws.

Between 1624 and 1625, the Dutch attempted to seize the locality by force but failed a year later.

Once peace returned, Salvador quickly became a major trading centre. The authorities made it the capital of the new colony. It remained so until 1763, when a city called Rio de Janeiro grew large enough to house the colonial administration.

When Brazil was liberated from Portuguese rule on 7 September 1822, Salvador's elite rejected the declaration of Emperor Dom Pedro Ier and kept the city under their control. But following considerable pressure, they capitulated on 2 July 1823—the date of Bahia State's independence.

Fifty years later, in 1873, businessman Antonio Francisco de Lacerda revolutionised public transport in the metropolis by constructing a grand public elevator, the famous Elevador Lacerda. Over the years, various city leaders modernised Salvador and transformed it into the great metropolis it is today.

Salvador Today

Salvador is a magnificent coastal city, calm and peaceful. In its landscape, towering modern buildings stand alongside small residences with terracotta tiles.

Its beaches are so beautiful that you could spend an entire day there without noticing time passing. Its historic centre is a true open-air museum. A short stroll through its cobbled streets and grand squares gives the impression of stepping back in time and reliving the sixteenth century—likely the result of years of careful restoration.

All of Salvador divides into two main parts: the Upper City and the Lower City, separated by a great escarpment roughly 72 metres high.

The Upper City (Cidade Alta)

It encompasses the southern, eastern, and western zones of the city. Its western section contains buildings dating from Brazil's colonial period. Wandering through the Pelourinho and Comércio neighbourhoods and the old city centre gives insight into the country's infrastructure during the sixteenth century. The monuments constructed there are simply astounding.

This picture starkly contrasts with the southern area's landscape. There, grand buildings sit alongside white residences topped with terracotta tiles. One of the world's most beautiful beaches, the Praia do Porto da Barra, is found in this part of the city. It stretches along the shores of the Barra neighbourhood. You can also explore Salvador's zoobotanical garden, in the Ondina district, or savour delicious dishes prepared in one of the restaurants in the Rio Vermelho neighbourhood.

In Salvador, do not miss the sublime shores of the eastern zone, particularly the beaches of Flamengo, Pituaçu, and Jaguaribe. There, the wind's breath and the waves' force bring immense satisfaction to surfing enthusiasts. And after an adrenaline rush, nothing beats a gentle stroll through Parque da Cidade, in the Pituba neighbourhood, to recover moments of calm and serenity.

The Lower City (Cidade Baixa)

This part of Salvador sits at the base of the immense escarpment. It is from its grand port that tourists, freshly disembarked from a long cruise, first discover the city. From there, the Elevador Lacerda, a grand public elevator, connects you to the celebrated Pelourinho neighbourhood and the historic centre of Bahia's capital.

What to Do in Salvador?

Hit the Beaches in Salvador

Salvador and its surroundings are home to magnificent beaches. The Praia do Porto da Barra is the world's third most beautiful beach, according to the Guardian, and it has done nothing to undermine that title. The waves of Praia do Flamengo captivate surfers across the country. The shores of Itaparica offer a peaceful corner for those seeking tranquillity. And the Morro de São Paulo beach is simply breathtaking.

Explore the Pelourinho Neighbourhood

To understand Salvador, you must first know its history. The Pelourinho neighbourhood is a true photograph of the city's colonial past. Its monuments, buildings, and infrastructure are of such importance that they were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There, you must visit Salvador Cathedral with its impressive Mannerist architecture, discover the baroque structure of the Church of São Francisco, contemplate the Rococo façade of the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, and admire the view from the Elevador Lacerda.

Participate in the Salvador de Bahia Carnival

The Salvador de Bahia Carnival is simply the world's greatest party. On the schedule: seven days of non-stop festivities. This event draws no fewer than four million people each year, with parades, performances, and processions that form spontaneously through the city's streets. On the Osmar circuit, dancers in traditional costumes parade before impressive floats. The city-centre circuit runs from Centro to the Pelourinho neighbourhood. And the Dodô circuit, more modern, features DJ performances, shows, and spectacles that run into the morning.

Discover the City's Culture

Salvador is where several cultures meet—those of Europe, Africa, and Brazil. Capoeira demonstrations are held regularly on its beaches and in the public squares of Pelourinho. The participants' footwork, evasion techniques, and attack movements are truly impressive.

You may also choose to visit some of the city's museums. The Afro-Brazilian Museum of Salvador, for instance, provides fascinating insights into Afro-Brazilian culture. The Nautical Museum, meanwhile, houses magnificent archaeological pieces discovered at sea. And the Museum of the City displays several works recounting the city's varied adventures.

The Climate

Salvador de Bahia enjoys a humid tropical climate. To ensure rain does not spoil your holiday, it is recommended to visit between December and January. Showers are more frequent between May and June.

Salvador is served by Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport. It handles domestic flights from major Brazilian cities and international flights from airports around the world. Travel time from Paris-Charles de Gaulle varies between thirteen and fifteen hours of flight.

You can also reach Salvador by regional bus from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, or Brasília.

It is even possible to travel to Salvador on a magnificent Atlantic Ocean cruise.

Taking the Metro

Salvador has two metro lines. Line 1 connects the stations of Lapa, Campo da Pólvora, Brotas, Bonocô, Accesso Norte, Retiro, Bom Juá, and Piraja. Line 2 connects those of Aeroporto, Mussurunga, Bairro da Paz, Tamburugy, Flamboyant, Pituaçu, CAB, Imbui, Pernambués, Rodoviária, Detran, and Accesso Norte.

By Bus

You can also take a bus. For 3.7 Reais, you can travel almost anywhere in the city. However, you must ensure the route displayed on the windscreen actually leads to your destination. Do not hesitate to ask a fellow passenger to point out the correct stop.

By Taxi

Taxi remains the simplest way to get around town. However, it is always recommended to negotiate the fare in advance, even if the journey is quite long, rather than letting the meter run.