Delicious cuisine and a variety of attractions

This tourism region is known for the rare beauty of its landscapes, the exuberance of its vegetation, its meandering rivers with clear waters, rapids, waterfalls and trails. Besides its wealth of natural attractions, the region still preserves important cultural manifestations.

Its cuisine, one of the most flavorful and colorful in the state, is characterized by the use of dendê or palm oil, which is extracted in the area using age-old techniques. The most well known dishes are truly mouth-watering such as bobó de camarão—pureed manioc root with shrimp, mariscada—shellfish stew, and catado de siri—seasoned crabmeat, among many others.

The Dendê Coast offers destinations that meet the needs of demanding international tourists, lush green forests, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and multicolored fauna. The region encompasses the municipalities of Valença, Cairu, Maraú and Camamu, where Brazil’s third largest bay is located. Located on the banks of the Una River, a short distance from the sea, the city of Valença is famed for its fresh fish and its well-preserved natural heritage including waterfalls, stretches of virgin tropical rainforest and the Una River with its vast mangroves.

The region’s most internationally famous destination, Morro de São Paulo, is in reality the most well-known village on Tinharé Island in the municipality of Cairu, that, together with the neighboring municipality of Valença, is home to the main attractions on the Dendê Coast. Diving, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and swimming in the natural tidal pools or freshwater springs, or simply sunbathing are just some of the irresistible options available in the area.

The Maraú peninsula, with its forty kilometers of primitive beaches, tidal pools nestled amid coral reefs, coconut groves, waterfalls, islands and mangroves, is located at the mouth of Camamu Bay.

This region is only now beginning to develop its vast potential, especially for eco-tourism. Barra Grande, a typical fishing village with sandy, unpaved streets enjoys a privileged location at the tip of Maraú Peninsula, which makes it possible for visitors to choose from beaches with calm waters on the inside of the bay or beaches facing the open ocean.

The third largest in Brazil, Camamu Bay is dotted with semi-deserted islands and secluded beaches, against a backdrop of lush mangroves and coconut palms. The bay is perfect for a variety of water sports, eco-tourism and camping in the wild. The region’s waterfalls, rock formations and rivers are good options for ecological tours.