In our next instalment of Explore With Solmates, we thought we would shine the light on one of our favourite places - a bit further afield this time! You will find the beautiful 16th Century town of Trancoso in the Bahia state of north east Brazil. To get here, we took a 90 minute flight from Rio de Janeiro and then another 90 minutes in the car. Now well known in Brazil and abroad (Beyonce has holidayed here!), the town still feels very relaxed, laid-back and remains largely undeveloped.
Wander: The Quadrado
Everything revolves around the Quadrado, which is surrounded by beautiful, colourful houses and lovely restaurants. Late afternoon you can watch the locals play a competitive game of football and at nighttime, it is especially magical when lit by lanterns in the trees.
Eat: Praia Tartarugas
Situated on the cliffs above Praia Tartarugas, the delicious food was matched with a spectacular view. The star of the show as their moqueca - the region’s local dish of fish stew. After a long and leisurely lunch, wander down to the beautiful semi-isolated beach for a swim and an afternoon drink.
Taste: Ginger cocktail by Ginger
You need to have the speciality cocktail at Ginger - hands down the best cocktail we have ever tasted (accompanied by the most delicious Thai food which was a delightful surprise in a remote Brazilian beach town).
+ kids: Praia de Trancoso
The walk to Praia de Trancoso is part of the adventure and an excellent opportunity to spot some of the local wildlife. Monkeys are common in the trees and we even spotted a sloth one day! You then get to the beach on a walkway over a mangrove which is full of tiny colourful crabs.
Explore: Itapororoca
A 10 minute drive from the main square is a beautiful long beach away from the crowds. And the best part - if you go at the right time of day you can watch the sea turtle swim in the shallows.
But first: Santo
Excellent coffee, yummy food with a lovely outdoor seating area and great staff. A perfect way to start your day.
(An extra tip - try going during the Brazilian winter. There are still beautiful, sunny days and warm enough to swim every day but you avoid all the crowds and get to experience a more relaxed, local way of life.)
