Porto da Barra beach
Porto da Barra is a short curved line of golden sand near one of the largest cities in Brazil, El Salvador. The Bay of All Saints, where it is located, looks west, so in the evenings a large audience admires the magnificent sunset near the coast. In 2014, the beach was included among the best among the 50 world (CNN version).
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Beach description
The favorable climate throughout the year and the location near the center of Salvador made this place extremely popular among local and foreign holidaymakers. The small sandy line, which is significantly reduced during the high tide, can be packed with holidaymakers, especially on weekends.
In order to get a more comfortable place on the beach, it is advisable to come here early so that there is enough space under the umbrella for the body and in the parking lot for cars. The best place to swim is on the south side of the Porto da Barra, near the breakwater. The old Santa Maria Fort is also situated there. The northern hill of the beach is occupied by the church of St. Anthony Barr. It's all 15th- and 16th-century buildings.
Warm and shallow water are popular with both family vacationers and noisy youth companies. The swimmers are constantly monitored, but it is not recommended to swim far from the shore, there are strong currents. It's better to walk along the beach in beach shoes, you can stumble upon sharp stones. Sneaky merchants and sometimes pickpockets are snooping between the closely standing sun loungers.
You can play volleyball and soccer on the beach. Divers' favorite place is at the fort, other water sports are also developed. Porto da Barra has everything for recreation and entertainment:
- A parking lot.
- Rent of beach umbrellas, chairs, sun loungers.
- Food and beverages for sale.
- All conditions for beach sports on sand and water.
- There's lighting in the evening.
- There are numerous hotels, restaurants and cafes within walking distance.
- A lot of interesting events, parties are held every day.
- Here you can see the performances of masters of the famous capoeira.
Salvador is one of the most musical cities in Brazil. It's noisy, endless festivals and carnivals, but that's what attracts most travelers here.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Brazil – is in spring and autumn. During this period, mild and dry weather reigns here. In winter, there is heat and heavy rains. And in the summer (from June to August) the lowest temperatures are recorded in the country.
Video: Beach Porto da Barra
Infrastructure
There are many places where parks, bicycle paths, restaurants and cafes are equipped all over town. There is a football field, a theater not far from the Costa Azul Park. Visitors like wandering among almost unchanged buildings from the colonial times, visiting numerous sports fields, tournaments and participating in live performances of artists.
There are many accommodation options: listing can start with 5-star hotels and end with small family apartments.
Only 400 meters separate the beach from Pousada Barra Porto, 4,5*. The guest house offers a full range of amenities. The bus stop is near the airport. Interesting restaurants and shops are near too. A private bathroom, a kitchenette, water sports are available. Guests feel relaxed and safe and they like the proximity of a pharmacy, supermarket, bakery. The hosts are very responsive and will always give practical advice.
The cuisine in Salvador, as well as throughout Brazil, is tasty and varied. There are a lot of good and inexpensive cafes. Churrascarias are popular. Excellent coal-fired meat is cooked there. You can drop by the popular place "on the stumps", drink a glass of cachaca, and at night go under the beat of drums with dances.
It is perhaps useful to take several capoeira lessons from the masters of this art,have a quick hop to the ocean fishing, visit at least a few of the 365 churches of the city. The streets here are the museum itself, and you can meet talented artists right there.
The Brazilian Carnival is held on a special scale in El Salvador. Many residents of even large cities, not counting tourists, gather in February for a spectacular event. It should be noted that here representatives of the LGBT community feel very relaxed. About 20 million residents of the country recognized themselves as belonging to this community.
Weather in Porto da Barra
Best hotels of Porto da Barra
All hotels of Porto da BarraUseful information
- The flight to Salvador through Frankfurt is convenient. From the airport there are taxis and buses, the latter is a more economical mode of transport. Before traveling by car, it is advisable to save small money, taxi drivers often do not give change.
- From April to August, the low season continues, when it erodes dirt roads in all environs, especially in floodplains. This circumstance can greatly spoil the vacation. The water temperature in the ocean is always comfortable.
For a thorough exploring the city, walking alone will not be enough, it is better to get a Russian-speaking qualified guide. What places may be interesting, far from a complete list:
- Rio Branco Palace.
- The ancient fort of Sao Marcelo.
- In the Sarapiranga National Park, tourists are greeted by charming sea turtles.
- A well-known means of transportation in Salvador is one of the attractions, Lacerda Elevator.
- The old fort, and now the museum of Sao Marcelo.
- The architectural heritage of the city with beautiful views of the bay, the stadium Forte Nova.
- Mercado Modelo Market, where travelers buy souvenirs and art.