Salvador is a city revered for its beaches, and Flamengo Beach (Praia do Flamengo) is among its finest. This untamed stretch of fine golden sand sits framed by rolling dunes and swaying palms and has the Atlantic Ocean lapping at its shores. Visit Flamengo Beach to escape the crowds of Salvador’s urban coastline and enjoy the stunning scenery while dining at beachside bars.
Rent umbrellas and sun loungers and mingle with other beachgoers or walk until you find a quiet spot. Tall palms offer natural shelter from the hot sun. Bars and restaurants set up tables on the sand and serve traditional Brazilian dishes such as bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish cakes) and moqueca de camarão (shrimp stew). Coconut, soft drink, fresh fruit and ice cream sellers patrol the beach.
The ocean water is crystal clear and warm and a perfect shade of blue-green. Waves break against the shore and are fun to play around in. Surfers, kite surfers and windsurfers flock to the beach at high tide, when the waves are higher. Search for crabs, fish and mollusks in the natural pools that appear when the tide goes out.
Behind the beach is an ecological reserve called Parque das Dunas. Educational tours, available for a fee, guide visitors around an ecosystem of lagoons, sand dunes and tropical forests. Observe falcons, herons, hummingbirds, owls and mockingbirds, among many other bird species. See examples of halophytes, herbaceous plants and orchids. Visit the park’s official website for tour information.
Public buses traveling to and from the city center take about 90 minutes. Drive or take a taxi to the beach, about 16 miles (25 kilometers) east of Salvador’s historic center. Free parking is available, although it is customary to tip the parking attendants. Salvador International Airport is just a 15-minute drive away.
With consistently hot temperatures, Flamengo Beach is a popular year-round destination. Be prepared for heavy downpours between April and June. For accommodations, Praia do Flamengo village has a selection of posadas, resort hotels and self-catering apartments.
