The Península de Maraú lies between Baía de Camamu and the ocean. Clear-water lagoons and protected mangroves shape its landscape; Barra Grande adds its own distinct character, with white-sand streets, colourful houses and the atmosphere of a fishing village. Those who choose Maraú can experience nature, village character and different water activities as separate facets of their trip.
Landscape and orientation
Lagoa Azul is one of Maraú’s natural attractions. At Pontal Carapitangui, the complex of the same name sits on the shore of the small river beach that gives the place its name. Nautical tourism is also part of Maraú’s profile.
Nature trails, coast and water
The Trilha das Bromélias runs for ten kilometres through the Mata Atlântica. This provides a clear benchmark for planning distances and offers a different focus from water and coastal activities. The sunset is watched from Ponta do Mutá beach. Boat trips to Ponta do Mutá are among the highlights of Barra Grande and the Península de Maraú; the Farol de Barra Grande is also a visitor highlight. At Lagoa do Cassange, guests can enjoy the calm waters with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; the equipment is available to them free of charge all day.
Barra Grande and getting there
In Barra Grande, you’ll find white-sand streets, colourful houses and the atmosphere of a fishing village. The villages on the Península de Maraú are considered compact and easy to get around on foot. You can reach the Península de Maraú via Camamu by lancha or by car along the BA-001.
Patron saints and planned restoration
The patron saints mark two levels of local identity: São Sebastião is the patron saint of the municipality of Maraú, and Santo Antônio is the patron saint of the district of Barra Grande. An initiative to restore church bells, published in 2021, was also intended to include the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião in Maraú and the Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio in Barra Grande.
Bahia in a wider context
In the broader destination of Bahia, the Ofício das Baianas de Acarajé has been listed in the Livro dos Saberes as part of Brazil’s intangible cultural heritage since 2005. The traditional practice includes preparing and selling Baiana dishes; acarajé is made from ground black-eyed peas, filled with vatapá, caruru and dried shrimp, and prepared with palm oil. Samba de Roda do Recôncavo Baiano is also recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and encompasses 26 cities. The two examples illustrate different cultural dimensions: a food tradition listed as part of Brazil’s intangible cultural heritage, and the regional Samba de Roda of Recôncavo Baiano, which encompasses 26 cities.
Discover more destinations: Caubi, Ruy Barbosa, Santana, Morro do Chapéu, Boninal, Piatã, Aratuípe, Camaçari
For the overview of the wider destination: Bahia.
