Ten years ago, Praia do Forte was a simple fishing village with a main street consisting of a soft white-sand path leading from the bus stop to the beach. However, as the site of the country’s first eco-resort in the 1980s (long before the prefix “eco” even existed), Praia do Forte began attracting international tourists to its beautiful beaches and surrounding natural attractions: a mixture of native Atlantic forest, lagoons and mangroves.

Before you could say “environmental,” the main road had become a carefully landscaped and paved thoroughfare flanked by chic bikini-filled boutiques, jewelry shops, pizzerias, creperias, cafés, and even a shopping. Though all are tastefully designed, the chic commercial strip transformed the flavor of the place.

These days, Praia do Forte is lovely and lively with lots to do, but quite touristy—and becoming more and more developed by the day.

Getting Therto Praia do Forte

Buses to Praia do Forte leave from Salvador’s Rodoviária Central approximately every hour with the Expresso Linha Verde (tel. 71/3450-0321) and Catuense (tel. 71/3450-4004) bus companies. More comfortable buses run by the Cacique (tel. 71/3392-1376) company depart from the Terminal da Calçada in the Cidade Baixa) and travel all the way to Porto de Sauípe. The trip takes around two hours, along the BA-099 highway.