The best beaches in Itacare, Brazil and how to get to them

Itacare, a small beach town located in the state of Bahia, Brazil, is known for having some of the best beaches in Brazil. The beaches range from easily accessible local beaches with permanent bars and restaurants, to quieter beaches with just a few barracas (beach stalls), to more remote locations reached only by walking trails through Atlantic Forest. Despite there being so many beaches, each one has its own unique charm and characteristics.

This guide lists the main beaches in and around Itacare, including the five local beaches accessible by walking from town - Concha, Resende, Tiririca, and Ribeira, the four beaches on the Four Beaches Trail - Itacarezinho, Camboinha, Havaizinho, and Engenhoca, and other spectacular beaches including Jeribucacu and Prainha. Plus, don't miss the sunset from Pontal beach, accessible by a quick 5 minute boat ride from Coroa Beach in the centre of town.

Ready to plan your trip? > Book cheap accommodation in Itacare > Book cheap bus tickets to Itacare > Check out my Itacare nightlife guide

Skip to:

Itacare's Local Beaches

1. Concha Beach

2. Resende Beach

3. Tiririca Beach

4. Costa Beach

5. Ribeira Beach

6. Pontal Beach

7. Coroa Beach

The Four Beaches Trail

8. Itacarezinho Beach

9. Camboinha Beach

10. Havaizinho Beach

11. Engenhoca Beach

    • Trail map: The Four Beaches Trail

More Great Beaches Near Itacare

12. Jeribucaçu Beach

13. Prainha Beach

14. Sao Jose Beach

    • Trail map: Resende to Sao Jose Beach

Here is everything you need to know about visiting the best beaches in Itacare, Brazil

Itacare's Local Beaches:

Itacare is unique not only in the number of beaches it has to offer, but also in the number of beaches that are easily accessible just by walking from the centre of town. Here are the walking times between Itacare's Local Beaches:

Coroa Beach > 10-15 minutes > Concha Beach > 15-20 minutes > Resende Beach > 5 minutes > Tiririca Beach > 5 minutes > Costa Beach > 2 minutes > Ribeira Beach

For the purpose of directions and distances, in this guide the "town centre" refers to Praça Santos Dumont, affectionately know as Praça dos Cachorros (the dog square).

1. Concha Beach

This is a wide and gently curving beach located between the Rio de Contas river mouth and the Pontal peninsula. The water is typically calm due to the bay formed by the Pontal Peninsular and the rocks on the side of the beach. The beach is particularly busy on weekends and holidays and attracts a lot of beach sellers selling snacks and artisanal products.

How to get there: Walk from town centre, about 5-10 minutes walk

Best for: Swimming in calm water, food & drink, and sunset

Food and drink for sale: Yes, there are many beach bars and restaurants along the shore

Facilities: Toilets, showers, and restaurants with plenty of umbrellas and chairs

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: Mirante do Xareu is a popular sunset viewpoint that often has live music and some drink stalls. The Farol de Itacare (lighthouse) is also nearby and can be reached by walking over the rocks at low tide.

2. Resende Beach

Resende is a small, crescent-shaped beach bordered by rocky outcrops and palm trees. The sand is soft, and the waves break close to shore. Generally quieter and more relaxed than it's neighbour Tiririca.

How to get there: Drive or walk around 15 minutes from town, and 5 minutes walk from Tiririca Beach

Best for: Surfing, relaxing on the beach

Food and drink for sale: Yes - several barracas (stalls) selling food, beers, and cold coconuts

Facilities: No toilets or showers. Umbrellas and chairs are available for those who purchase from the barracas.

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: There is a trail to Tiririca over the rocks on the right side of the beach (when facing the ocean), or reach Costa and Ribeira beaches walking via the road

3. Tiririca Beach

Tiririca is a medium-sized beach framed by rocky cliffs on both ends with consistent surf breaks along its length. It has a small natural waterfall near the entrance where you can take a shower. Quite a social beach that is busy most days - expect groups of friends drinking beers and playing music, playing altinha, and a lot of surfers.

How to get there: Drive, or walk around 15-20 minutes from town, or 5 minutes from Resende Beach

Food and drink for sale: One permanent restaurant plus some barracas selling snacks and drinks

Best for: Surfing, beach sports such as altinha and footvolley

Facilities: Lifeguards, skatepark, and a freshwater waterfall shower. Toilets only at the restaurant. Umbrellas  and chairs available for those who purchase something from the barracas.

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: There is a trail to Resende over the rocks on the left side of the beach (when facing the ocean), or reach Costa and Ribeira beaches walking via the road

4. Costa Beach

Costa is a small, lesser-visited beach located between Tiririca and Ribeira with limited open sand space at high tide. It is surrounded by forest and has a more isolated feel than neighbouring beaches. There is little shade during the day.

How to get there: Walk around 20-25 minutes from town, or 5 minutes from Tiririca Beach

Food and drink for sale: No

Facilities: None

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: Adjacent to Ribeira beach, or walk along the road to reach Resende and Tiririca beaches

5. Ribeira Beach

Ribeira is located at the end of the main beach road and features a wide sandy area where a small river meets the ocean. Large trees provide natural shade, and there are rocks and shallow pools at one end where you can swim in the river.

How to get there: Drive or walk about 25 minutes from town

Best for: Surfing, food & drink, electronic music parties are held on this beach on Friday nights during high season

Food and drink for sale: Yes - various bars and restaurants

Facilities: Bars and restaurants with toilets and umbrellas

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: Trailhead to Prainha (map) and a small waterfall

6. Pontal Beach

Pontal lies across the river from Coroa Beach and is located on a long, narrow peninsula with ocean waves on one side and the calm river, Rio das Contas, on the other. The area has no permanent infrastructure and is mostly natural vegetation and sand.

How to get there: Take a 5 minute boat ride from the Itacare sign located in front of the big church, Paróquia São Miguel, on Coroa Beach (map). The boat costs R$ 7 each way. Bring cash in small bills to pay for the boat, and take the phone number of your boat driver to call when you want to return.

Best for: Sunset, swimming on the river side of the peninsular, and surfing on the ocean side.

Food and drink for sale: No

Facilities: None - parties are held here occasionally during the high season however all facilities are otherwise closed.

7. Coroa Beach

Description: Coroa Beach runs parallel to the town’s boardwalk, known locally as the Orla. It sits along the banks of the Rio de Contas and is a common departure point for boat tours. It's also a popular place to practice beach sports in the evening.

How to get there: In the centre of town

Food and drink for sale: Yes - many bars and restaurants line the Orla (boardwalk)

Best for: Beach sports like volleyball, footvolley, and altinha

Facilities: None. Toilets are available at the nearby bars and restaurants.

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: Take a boat from Coroa Beach to Pontal, or through the mangroves to the waterfall Cachoeira do Cleandro

Beaches on Itacare's Four Beaches Trail

Itacare's Four Beaches Trail connects four of Itacare's most beautiful beaches via a series of short hiking trails through the Atlantic Forest. Starting at Itacarezinho, one of the region's longest and mostly untouched beaches, the trail winds along the coast and through the forest arriving at Camboinha, a deserted paradise. The trail then continues on to Havaizinho before ending at Engenhoca. While guides are available for this trail, the trail is fairly straight forward and it is possible to go alone.

It is also possible to do the trail in reverse, starting at Engenhoca and finishing at Itacarezinho. I prefer to start at Itacarezinho, descending a steep hill, to avoid ending my trip walking up this hill. There are typically more tourists at Engenhoca and it is therefore easier to hitch-hike back to town from this beach if you prefer not to wait for the bus.

If you don't want to do the trail, it is possible to visit these any of beaches on their own, with the exception of Camboinha which must be visited by hiking from either Havaizinho or Itacarezinho.

Trail Map: The Four Beaches Trail

The map below shows the hiking trail for the Four Beaches Trail from Itacarezinho to Camboinha, Havaizinho, and Engenhoca:

8. Itacarezinho Beach

Description: Itacarezinho is the longest beach in the region, stretching over three kilometres with fine sand and a wide beach, even at high tide. It is surrounded by Atlantic Forest and has a small waterfall that flows directly onto the beach during the rainy season.

Accessible by: Bus or car + 20 minute trail

How to get there: Drive or take the local bus to the start of the trail to Itacarezinho (map). Then, walk 20 minutes downhill from entrance gate to reach the beach. If driving, there is a R$ 100 fee to drive down the hill and park closer to the beach. You can park outside the entrance gate on the street for free.

Food and drink for sale: Yes - there is one expensive beach club with a restaurant. It's better to pack a picnic.

Facilities: Toilets only at the resort, shower in the natural waterfall

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: Start or end point of Four Beaches Trail. Take the trail from the left side of the beach (when facing the ocean) to reach Camboinha beach (15-20 minute walk).

9. Camboinha Beach

Description: Camboinha is a small, undeveloped beach accessible only by foot. It has soft white sand, scattered rocks, a little rocky cave, and is often completely empty.

Accessible by: Bus or car + trail

How to get there: Accessible only on foot from Havaizinho and Itacarezinho

Best for: Tranquility - few people stop to spend time on this beach

Food and drink for sale: No

Facilities: None

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: The second beach on the Four Beaches Trail, located between Itacarezinho (15-20 minute walk) and Havaizinho (15 minute walk).

10. Havaizinho Beach

Description: Havaizinho is a small bay beach nestled between two forested cliffs, with a few large rocks extending into the water. At low tide, a natural pool sometimes forms that are ideal for swimming.

Accessible by: Bus or car + 20 minute trail

How to get there: The trail begins at the same point as the the trail to Engenhoca (map). A short way down the trail there is a fork - head left to Engenhoca and right to reach Havaizinho.

Best for: Swimming and surfing depending on the tide and conditions

Food and drink for sale: A few barracas serving seafood, snacks, and cold beers

Facilities: No toilets or showers

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: The third beach on the Four Beaches Trail, connecting Camboinha and Engenhoca (15-20 minute walk to both)

11. Engenhoca Beach

Description: Engenhoca is a crescent-shaped beach with consistent waves. It's a popular place for surfing lessons for beginners. A river runs along the entrance to the beach and is a great place to have a refreshing fresh-water bath.

Accessible by: Bus or car + 20 minute trail

How to get there: Drive or take a bus to the Engenhoca trailhead (map), then follow the trail for around 20 minutes, mostly downhill.

Food and drink for sale: Various barracas and beach vendors, plus stalls at trail entrance selling cold drinks and snacks

Best for: Surfing, including for beginners

Facilities: No toilets or showers

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: The start or end beach on the Four Beaches Trail, connected to Havaizinho (15 minute walk). The trail from the main road to Engenhoca passes by a small waterfall.

Other great beaches to visit in Itacare

12. Jeribucaçu Beach

Description: Jeribucaçu is one of Itacare's larger beaches where a freshwater river meets the sea, forming a natural estuary. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and dense forest. Nearby there is a small lake, perfect for swimming, and an impressive mangrove river systems to explore.

Accessible by: Car + 20 minute trail

How to get there: Drive or take a taxi around 25 minutes from town to the carpark at Fazenda Santo Antonio Jeribucacu - this is the start of the trailhead to Jeribucacu (map). Then, walk 20 minutes on steep downhill trail.

This beach is unfortunately not convenient to visit by bus, as the bus stop is a 4km walk from the trail-head. Avoid visiting this beach after heavy rain, as the steep trail becomes muddy and slippery.

Best for: Surfing in the sea, or swimming in the adjacent river

Food and drink for sale: Yes, seasonal beach stalls selling seafood, snacks, and cold beers

Facilities: No toilets or showers

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: Instead of heading straight to the beach, take the trail past Usina waterfall, through the mangroves, to reach Jeribucacu Beach (around 1.5 hours). To find the entrance to the Usina Waterfall, park at the Usina Waterfall car park (map) then walk back across the bridge - the entrance to the trail is just before the bridge on the same side of the road as the parking (map).

There is also a freshwater river, lake, and natural pools nearby.

13. Prainha Beach

Description: Prainha is a wide and undeveloped beach surrounded by native forest, making it feel particularly secluded. Despite the hike, it can become quite busy during the high season.

Accessible by: 50 minute trail, or car + 10 minute trail if you can access the Sao Jose Condominium

How to get there: Follow a 40-50 minute trail through the forest, starting from Ribeira Beach (map) . Those who stay inside the Sao Jose condominium can access the beach via the road and a short 5-10 minute trail.

Best for: Swimming and surfing depending on the tide and conditions

Food and drink for sale: One small stall selling coconuts, watermelon, and BBQ cheese skewers. The stall accepts cash only (no card or PIX). It's best to bring plenty of water and a snack in case the stall is closed.

Facilities: None

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: The trail passes a small waterfall, and a viewpoint over the ocean. From Prainha, the trail continues to São José Beach (private access via a condominium).

14. Sao Jose Beach

Description: São José is a long, narrow beach located next to Prainha, surrounded by thick Atlantic Forest. The beach features soft light sand, scattered rocks, and little natural shade along the main stretch.

Accessible by: 1km trail from Prainha, or by car if you can access the Sao Jose Condominium

How to get there: Follow a short trail from Prainha Beach through the Sao Jose condominium. Those who stay inside the condominium can access the beach by car via the road.

Best for: Surfing in the sea, or swimming in the adjacent river

Food and drink for sale:  Yes - there is one expensive beach club with a restaurant. It's better to pack a picnic.

Facilities: A shower is located at the entrance to the beach, toilets are only available inside the restaurant.

Nearby attractions or connecting trails: Take a short trail to Prainha Beach. In the other direction, just a short walk across the river there is a lookout, and natural pools that form during low-tide.

Trail Map: Resende to Sao Jose Beach

The map below shows the hiking trail from Resende Beach to Sao Jose, via Tiririca, Costa, Ribeira, and Prainha:

More resources for planning your trip

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.

• Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone

• Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil

• Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!