North-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Ilheus
Learn about Ilhéus' chocolate heritage at the Cocoa Museum, explore the colonial downtown, and savor local seafood.
Ilheus, a coastal city in Bahia, is famous for its cacao production. The city’s colonial-era architecture, such as the Cathedral of São Sebastião and the Bar Vesúvio reflects its rich history, immortalized in the works of Brazilian writer Jorge Amado. Ilhéus is also a gateway to the stunning beaches of the Cocoa Coast and nearby eco-tourism destinations like the Serra do Conduru State Park.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Ilhéus
Visit Casa de Cultura Jorge Amado
Relax at Praia dos Milionários
Have a drink at Bar Vesúvio
Tour the Catedral de São Sebastião
Visit Fazenda Yrere, a cocoa plantation, to learn about chocolate
How long to spend in Ilhéus
You can see most of Ilheus' main attractions in two days, including one day to explore the city centre, and one day to enjoy the local beaches.
Where to stay in Ilheus
The best areas to stay in Ilheus include Pontal, Praia dos Milionários, and Olivença. Pontal and Praia dos Milionários are popular for beach access as well as their proximity to the city centre. Olivença is further south and offers resorts and upscale hotels by the beach. While the city centre offers good access to shops and historical sites but is less recommended at night for safety reasons.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Ilheus, or see my personal recommendations below:
Boutique Hotels & Pousadas in Ilheus
Pousada dos Hibiscus - beachfront pousada with an outdoor pool (see prices)
Pousada Praia Bela - hotel with a large pool by the beach (see prices)
Green 53 Boutique Hotel - simple private rooms with a buffet breakfast (see prices)
Backpacker Hostels in Ilheus
Hostel Aprisco Do Cais - best for backpackers (see prices)
Sao Sebastiao Cathedral, Ilheus
Where is Ilheus, Brazil
Quick Facts about Ilheus
Population of Ilheus
189,149 people (IBGE, 2025)
Nickname
People from Ilhéus are called ilheenses, and people from Bahia State in general are called baianos.
Closest airport
Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS)
Main bus terminal
Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS)
Main ports
Porto de Ilhéus
How to get to Ilheus
How to get to Ilheus by plane
Ilheus is connected with flights and busses to other cities. Ilheus has a domestic airport with direct flights to Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, and Salvador. The closest international airport is in Salvador.
How to get to Ilheus by bus
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Ilheus
Ilheus can be easily reached by direct bus from nearby major cities such as Salvador, from Chapada Diamantina, and from other destinations in Bahia, such as:
Porto Seguro (6 hours) - tickets
How to get to Ilheus from Salvador
There is no direct bus to Ilheus. To reach Ilheus from Salvador, the fastest route is to take a ferry, followed by a bus.
Take a ferry from Terminal Marítimo de São Joaquim to Bom Despacho (1 hour). In Bom Despacho, the ferry terminal and bus station are adjacent making it quick and easy to transfer to the bus.
From Dom Despacho, take a bus to Ilheus, taking 7+ hours (tickets)
How to get to Ilheus from Chapada Diamantina
If travelling to Ilheus from else where in Bahia, such as Lencois (Chapada Diamantina), it is not necessary to transit through Salvador. Save time and money by changing busses in Feira de Santana (tickets).
Top tours near Ilheus
How to get around Ilheus
The city has a reliable bus network that services most areas, making it an affordable way to get around. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available for short trips, while renting a car can be a good option for those looking to explore the surrounding beaches and countryside at their own pace.
Things to know before you go
Ilheus is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and connection to the famous Brazilian author Jorge Amado, whose works were set in the region. Visitors should be prepared for a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity, especially in the summer months. While the city is generally safe, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and follow common travel safety tips, such as not displaying valuables openly and avoiding deserted areas after dark.
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