Barra blends historic charm with coastal beauty, making it Salvador's premier beachfront destination. The iconic Barra Lighthouse stands guard over Porto da Barra beach, where golden sands meet clear waters. Nearby, the colonial Santo Antônio da Barra Fort offers glimpses into the area's rich past. Stroll the lively waterfront promenade to discover beachfront cafés and impromptu capoeira performances. The area balances tourism with local culture through traditional music and Bahian seafood specialities. Most attractions sit within walking distance, creating an accessible tropical getaway.
Rio Vermelho buzzes with authentic Bahian culture along Salvador's Atlantic coast. Catch the rhythm of live music spilling from colourful colonial buildings around Largo de Santana square. Sample golden acarajé fritters from local vendors while ocean breezes cool the lively streets. The area truly shines at night when bars and restaurants come alive. Devotees offer white flowers at Casa de Yemanjá shrine, honouring the sea goddess. Paciencia Beach and Buracao Beach provide perfect spots for swimming or watching the sun set over the water.
Ondina charms visitors with its golden Atlantic beaches and scenic coastal walkways. Luxury hotels and high-end condominiums line the shore, creating a sophisticated beachfront atmosphere. The Federal University of Bahia adds intellectual energy to this upscale Salvador area. Travellers can enjoy the calm waters at Ondina Beach or visit nearby Salvador Zoo. The palm-lined promenade offers perfect sunset strolls after a day of swimming. Resort-style amenities and fresh seafood restaurants complete the relaxed beachside experience.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Salvador
Farol da Barra Beach
9.0/10 (511 reviews)
This golden-sand beach sits at the foot of Salvador's historic lighthouse. Swim in natural tide pools, then linger for Brazil's most spectacular sunset views over the bay.
Praia do Forte Beach
9.0/10 (126 reviews)
This pristine beach features natural pools formed by coral reefs and hosts the Tamar Project for sea turtle conservation. Stroll the village's charming pedestrian streets lined with cafes after a morning swim.
Porto da Barra Beach
8.8/10 (417 reviews)
Porto da Barra Beach offers calm, warm waters and spectacular westward-facing sunsets where Brazil's first governor-general landed in 1549. Swim in the gentle bay while sampling local treats from vendors.
Guarajuba Beach
8.6/10 (53 reviews)
Guarajuba Beach dazzles with pristine white sands and natural pools formed by coral reefs. Swim in turquoise waters or sample authentic Bahian seafood at beachfront restaurants under swaying coconut trees.
Salvador Shopping Mall
9.0/10 (339 reviews)
Salvador Shopping features 420+ stores with international and Brazilian brands in a modern setting. Browse high-end boutiques, enjoy Bahian cuisine, or watch a film at the theatres.
Flamengo Beach
8.8/10 (273 reviews)
Flamengo Beach offers pristine golden sands and turquoise waters away from Salvador's busier shores. Enjoy tranquil swimming and surfing while sampling authentic Brazilian cuisine at beachside eateries.
Arena Fonte Nova
8.4/10 (80 reviews)
This modern stadium hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup and offers panoramic views of the Dique do Tororó lagoon. Take a guided tour or experience Brazilian football passion during a match.
Salvador Convention Center
10.0/10 (4 reviews)
This sleek, oceanfront convention centre hosts major events while offering stunning Bahia coastline views. Explore its eight multi-purpose halls and outdoor spaces before enjoying nearby beaches after your meeting.
"Loved loved loved this hotel! The rooftop pool is definitely the biggest perk, especially for watching the sunset, and the bartenders (ask for Cristiano!) make amazing drinks. The breakfast buffet is excellent, the restaurant overlooking the ocean. And the car service up and down the hill is a great touch. The neighborhood is amazing and the staff is increíble. 10/10 would recommend!"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Offering excellent value package deals on Expedia, you'll be surprised at how little a holiday to Salvador costs! Expedia's packages make travel planning easier and your savings go further.
What are the cheapest months to go to Salvador?
May, September and October are the best times to look for cheap Salvador holiday packages. Opting to travel in quieter months means you can usually find lower prices on flights and hotels.
How many days is enough for Salvador?
To fully enjoy a Salvador holiday, we recommend staying for 3 days. Split your time between visiting Museum of Modern Art of Bahia, Boa Viagem Beach and other major sights, as well as experiencing neighbourhoods like Salvador Centro and Barra. If you've got some spare time, include a day trip or tour in your Salvador holiday itinerary.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Salvador?
Whether you want to explore top sights such as Mercado Modelo and Fonte Nova Stadium on your Salvador holiday, or coming for its great views, coastal beaches and watersports, there's something for everyone here. With so much to do, you'll soon learn why so many families think Salvador is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Salvador package deals?
Use Expedia's filter tool to help you find some great Salvador package deals. When you begin your search, simply set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you're looking to save, plan your trip for midweek, or search for Salvador package deals in the off-season. Play around with your travel dates and you may score even better discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to lock in your holiday package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Salvador holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to make your money go further. Bundle your car rental, hotel and flight into one great-value price and you could save hundreds of dollars. You'll generally snag a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still have the flexibility to create a customised Salvador holiday by choosing your favourite type of stay, airline and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Salvador?
If you're planning an impromptu Salvador adventure, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Don't want to leave things to the last minute? You can land amazing deals on your hotels and flights by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Salvador?
Choose your travel dates: The things you'd like to do in Salvador and your preferred season will help you decide when to travel.
Set a budget: Consider expenses like food, flights and transportation when working out how much to set aside for your trip to Salvador. Then, choose a hotel that matches your budget, whether that's an affordable stay or a more upscale getaway.
Set the duration of your trip: Start by listing all the activities and attractions you want to get to in Salvador. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, as well as any travel time.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your flights, car rental, hotels and more into a personalised Salvador holiday package.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.