Morro de São Paulo

Morro de São Paulo is a car-free village on Tinharé island in northern Bahia, reachable only by boat or plane. The island has no paved streets or car traffic, with four beaches imaginatively named First, Second, Third, and Fourth Beach. Despite being a significant tourist destination, it retains the feel of a Brazilian village with children playing in the main square and schools side by side with shops. The island combines beautiful beaches with a relaxed village atmosphere.

Morro de São Paulo is only accessible by boat or plane. Abaeté Linha Aéreas operates Cessna Caravan charter flights between Salvador, Morro de São Paulo, Cairu, Boipeba, and Peninsula de Marau, with prices ranging from R$ 585-1,285. Helicopter transfers are available from Salvador via Luiz Guia (R$ 5,500). Fly Flapper offers private or shared charter flights by plane or helicopter. The boat approach is the most common route, though no specific boat schedules or prices are detailed in the article.

The primary and most abundant form of transport on the island is walking. Visitors need to be fit as there are steep hills, especially the climb up from the port. Vehicles are not permitted on the beaches and main roads (Caminho da Praia, Fonte Grande). However, buggy-taxis operate on roads parallel to the beaches, through Zimbo, Campo da Mangaba, and the Gamboa village. Boats connect the port to Gamboa Beach for R$ 4.

The article does not specify seasons or optimal travel times. Peak season typically coincides with Brazilian summer (December-March) and major holidays when Brazilian tourists flock to the beaches. Low season offers better deals on pousadas, with some dropping to R$ 35/night/person compared to R$ 75 in high season.

Morro de São Paulo is traditionally overpriced, but budget options exist. Camping at Pousada e Camping da Dona América costs R$ 20 for a single tent site. Budget pousadas include Pousada Barrravento (R$ 35/person in low season, R$ 75 in high season), Pousada Safira do Morro (simple but comfortable, 100m from beach), and Aradhia Pousada near the Second Beach (large rooms at low prices). Che Lagarto Hostel offers dorm beds from US$11 with Wi-Fi, kitchen, and breakfast included. Never follow local touts around as they earn commissions that eliminate potential discounts.

Restaurants line the beaches, particularly Second Beach. Sambass offers red snapper and fresh fish with live music most nights. O Bacalhau serves Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine including cod dishes, moqueca stew, lobster, and grilled fresh fish. Papoula, run by German-born Christina, offers home-made food combining traditional and international dishes with vegetarian options and excellent prices. Dice 10 near Papoula has great dishes at very good prices. At night, drink stands open on Second Beach and the Road to the Beach, mixing fruits with cachaça or other spirits for R$ 10-15.

At the top of the hill (morro), a lighthouse and deck offer sunrise and sunset views. A fort dating from 1630 is reached by turning left from the port. The Banana Boat (R$ 25) is an inflated tube holding eight people towed through the sea for ten minutes, starting from First Beach. The Tirolesa is a zip-line from near the lighthouse platform to First Beach (R$ 35), with a steep muddy climb to the platform. Gamboa Beach is a 2km almost-deserted beach accessible by R$ 4 boat ride from the port or by walking along the beach at low tide.

The article notes to never follow local touts around as they earn commissions that can ruin potential discounts. If a room has a mosquito net, travelers should use it or consider a citronella candle to avoid bug bites. The article does not provide detailed safety advisories beyond these notes.

Shops line the path from the boat dock past First Beach. Clothing stores sell mostly t-shirts and bathing suits, with some offering skirts and dresses. Havaiana and Ipanema flip-flops are very popular. A shop selling touristy trinkets is also available. Prices are not specified.

Boipeba is a recommended day trip, reachable by speedboat for R$ 80-100/person depending on negotiating skills and payment method. Departure is at Third Beach at 10:00 (arrive by 09:30). The trip includes snorkeling, trekking, and visiting old churches. Alternatively, take a 4X4 Jeep to the south of the island and cross the river by boat for approximately R$ 100 (as of 2019).

Boipeba offers pristine beaches and wildlife fascination for environmentally interested travelers. Access is by boat via Valença or by 4X4 Jeep to the south of the island with a river crossing by boat (approximately R$ 100 by 2019). Morro de São Paulo is part of South (Bahia) region.