Ilhéus is a true ecological and tropical grandeur. Dozens of
miles of nearly-deserted beaches and seemingly endless coconut groves share
the coastline with a flourishing variety of vegetation from the native coastal
rainforest to infinite mangroves and majestic cacao plantations, some of which have
been used as settings for films and soap operas. Ilhéus is located in the
south of Bahia, on the so-called cacao coast, half distance between Salvador in
the north and Porto Seguro in the south. The cities history began about three
decades after the arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabrals group to Monte Pascoal with
the introduction of hereditary captaincies by the Portuguese crown.
Even further south, on the Cocoa Coast, Ilheus has breathtaking beaches of great beauty. Ilhéus can be reached by plane and it has very good infra structure with
first-rate inns and hotels.
Ilheus is one of the greatest spots in the world
for deep-sea fishing. Just one hour north of Ilhéus is a must see, village of Itacaré. A paradise for
surfers and nature lovers, with its great waives and an astonishing
Atlantic rain forest that kisses the ocean along the areas'
infinite coves and beaches. An ecological Highway that was recently inaugurated,
opening the way to the region connects the village to Ilhéus.
Small
and eye-catching, deserted beaches that can sometimes only be accessed on foot, the ecological reserve of Prainha,
the mangroves are the main attraction of this pleasant township.
There
are many comfortable inns, and an ecological resort and good
restaurants in the area. Itacaré is also emerging rapidly in the area
of ecotourism. Hiking, horseback ridding, canoe rides trough the
mangroves are the main activities on the area.