Itacaré - Praia do Resende
Itacaré
For many years, the difficult access to Itacaré – more than 50 km on dirt roads – kept it isolated. The road connecting Ilhéus to Itacaré, BA-001, was finished in 1998. Since then, the number of tourists has increased constantly. Many hotels, inns and restaurants have been built. In addition, many beaches are deserted during most of the year. Itacaré is still the refuge for nature lovers, surfers and those in search of the real Bahia. The charm of the past is present on cobblestone streets and old houses. Night life in Iatacaré is very lively because of its many bars and restaurants. Its coast is a succession of beaches and hills covered with woods and palm trees. The beaches located near the city are the ones most frequented and have very good tourism infrastructure. The most distant ones are deserted and beautiful, but only a few can be reached by car. There are still some beaches so small and hidden away that they do not appear on any guide.
Pictures
Basic information
Climate:
The climate is tropical. Temperatures range from 25ºC to 30ºC, but they can climb to 40ºC in the summer – from December to February. The sun shines all year long, but during the winter months – May and August – rain is more frequent.
City facts
State: Bahia
Region: Northeast
Population: 18,120 inhabitants
Area Code: (73)
Distances
Salvador: 440 km
Itabuna: 98 km
Feira de Santana: 362 km
Accommodation / Restaurants
Most of Itacaré’s inns are located on Concha beach, near downtown.
The city offer options for all tastes, from Bahian cuisine to cuisine. Learn about some of them on the sites below:
http://www.brasilviagem.com/cidades/?CodCid=80
http://www.itacare.com
How to get there
By Air: the nearest airport is in Ilhéus. It receives regular flights from Brazil’s main cities. The nearest international airport is in Salvador.
By Highway: take BA-001, the new paved road that connects Ilhéus to Iatacaré, along the coast. Cars may be rented at the Ilhéus Airport. Many Rota line buses leave the airport daily to Itacaré. The trip lasts approximately 1hour and 40 minutes.
Services
Tourism Agencies
Bahia Alegria: +55 (73) 251-3461
Itacaré Ecoturismo: +55 (73) 251-2224.
Bus Station: +55 (73) 251-2200
Related links
http://www.itacare.com.br
http://www.bahia.com.br/site/destinos/cidades.asp?cd_cidade=12
http://www.planetazul.com/itacare/
http://www.brasilviagem.com/cidades/?CodCid=80
Attractions
Beaches
Itacare - Resende Beach
This is a small bay with immense palm trees, white sand, natural pools and good surfing waves. It is near downtown, but it has no infrastructure because it is located in a protected area where construction is prohibited. Access is on foot over a small trail leaving the main street (the Beaches Way) where parking is available.
Concha Beach
Itacaré’s largest beach with infrastructure. Located near downtown, Concha Beach is a clear water beach, without waves and with many palm trees. In the summer, there are many stands serving beverages and food, making it the most frequented beach. Facing North, in front of the Contas River bay, it offers one of the most beautiful views of Itacaré. The end of the beach, near the lighthouse, is the best place to watch the sunset.
Tiririca Beach
Titirica Beach, with its strong waves, is frequented by surfers all year long. It is considered to be Bahia’s best wave peak.
Costa Beach
Small beach with many palm trees located only 1 km from the city. Located between Tiririca and Ribeira Beaches, Costa Beach has soft, white sand. Although it is easy to access, there is no infrastructure. Not many people go to this beach. Swimming is very dangerous because of the strong currents. It is advisable to visit it only to enjoy the view. The neighboring beaches are better for swimming.
Ribeira Beach
This beautiful beach is surrounded by Atlantic Woods. Nearby, a small creek ripples down the hill forming waterfalls, until reaching a dam, creating a fresh water natural pool. This is the last beach accessible by car along the Beaches Way and it has many stands serving beverages and food. It is well frequented on weekends and holidays. Whoever wants some peace and quiet can take the trails leaving from Ribeira towards Siriaco and Prainha Beaches.
Prainha
Itacaré’s main attraction, Prainha is considered to be one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. Prainha’s bay is perfectly symmetrical, with two green hills to the north and south of the beach, and a beautiful coconut grove near the sand. It is frequented by surfers and does not offer any infrastructure, only a stand selling coconut water.
Siriaco Beach
Siriaco, a small and hidden beach, is perhaps Itacaré’s most secluded beach. Access is on foot over a trail leaving Ribeira Beach. It is only a 15 minute walk.
Coroinha Beach
This is an urban beach with dark sand in downtown Itacaré. Swimming is not recommended.
São José Beach
Strong waves, white sand and many palm trees. It is located near an environmental protection area, inside the Villas de São José ecotourism complex. On São José Beach there are many high class houses and hotels as well as several sophisticated restaurants.
Engenhoca Beach
Beautiful deserted beach surrounded by palm trees and the Atlantic Woods. On the south, a small creek flows into it. It has good waves and is frequented by surfers.
Havaizinho
One of Itacaré’s best surfing beaches. It has reefs, palm trees and strong waves. It is deserted most of the year.
Jeribucaçu Beach
Located on a private farm, this beautiful beach is deserted almost the entire year. The Jeribucaçu river exits a preserved mangrove area, and flows into it, creating a paradisiacal setting.
Pontal and Piracanga Beach
North of Contas River, there are more than 50 km of deserted beaches and palm trees. With good waves, the beaches offer excellent surfing conditions. More to the north, the Algodões, Saquaira, Cassange, Taipus de Fora and Barra Grande beaches await those who love nature and tranquility.