A row of twenty beaches surrounded by tropical forest. A charming pedestrian street full of small Brazilian restaurants and shops.
Welcoming locals and backpackers walking up the street and greeting each other. After a few days in Itacaré, everyone knows each other.
The laid-back atmosphere has made this fishing village a paradise for hippies and surfers.
See also our day trip to Morro de Sao Paulo from Salvador
During the day, in addition to idleness, there is no shortage of activities. Surfers will enjoy impressive waves north of the village, on the beaches of Tiririca or Ribeira, or even on the superb beach of Prainha accessible after a half-hour walk through the rainforest.
For thrill seekers, head for the Rio de Contas river. Many agencies in the village offer a choice of rafting, kayaking, canyoning, zip line, or even abseiling in waterfalls. Adrenaline guaranteed!
In the evening, surfers and other rafting enthusiasts meet in the bars along Pedro Longo, Itacaré's main street. Havaiana flip-flops, glass of caipirinha in hand.
A Brazilian or a backpacker will always end up accosting you to take you to the party of the moment, samba with the locals or improvised dance floor on Concha beach.
Itacaré is also an ideal destination for ecotourism. The forest, preserved until recently by the cultivation of cocoa, presents one of the most interesting biodiversities of the Brazilian coast.
Several ecotourism agencies offer walks in the forest through the Itacaré Ecological Reserve and the Serra do Conduru Park, which extend over several thousand hectares.
No wonder many French people have fallen in love with this village.
Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci are said to be regulars. Others have opened 'pousadas' there, bought a holiday home, or even a piece of forest to build tree houses.
Between beaches, rivers, tropical forest and mangroves, it's hard not to fall in love with Itacaré!
To plan your visit: http://www.itacare.com/ (in French)
