Ilha Boipeba is a lovely island located at the mouth of the Rio Una in Bahia. Hiking trails along the beach, through the Atlantic Rainforest and across the island are the highlights. It's a perfect place to get away from the crowd. There are several nice inns, good restaurants, one bar, miles of beaches and an Atlantic Ocean full of crystal clear water. To get there from Salvador, one takes ferry boat from Salvador to Itapirica R$3.35. The ferry arrives at a combination ferry terminal and bus station. Then take the bus from Itapirica Valença- R$20. It stops once before reaching Valença. A riverboat leaves at noon for the four hour trip down a mangrove lined river to Ilha Boipeba-R$6. You arrive in the village of Velha Boipeba, a lovely palm-fringed town with several nice & small restaurants.
|
|
Favourite spots: |
The hike along the beach from Velha Boipeba to Morere where there are several small restaurants and bars. The top of the ridge inland where one can see the whole island.
|
|
What's really great: |
Hiking along the trails, one passes stands of coconut palms, cashew trees, wild figs, sea grapes and flowers of every description. And there are long stretches of empty beach that are perfect for relaxing and recovering from the crowds in Salvador.
|
|
Sights: |
The island and the Atlantic from the ridge of the mountain that runs through the middle of the river.
|
|
Accommodations: |
I stayed at the Pousada Santa Clara - R$50 Phone 75-653-6085, e-mail chasbras@terra.com.br. There’s a nice hostal up the hill called Parada dos Mochileiros - about US5 a night - e-mail catalina1971@hotmail.com.
|
|
Hangouts: |
Bar Zumbi in Velha Boipeba
|
|
Restaurants: |
There are four restaurants in Velha Boipeba on the beach to the right of the ferry dock as one faces the river. All are good, but don't get the frango caipira. The local chickens are as tough as shoe leather. Everything else is good.
|
|
Other recommendations: |
Pontal da Barra also has nice inns and restaurants.
|
|
Published on Wednesday April 23th, 2003
|
|
Publish on Facebook
|