Beaches in Valença start in Guaibim, a fishing village about 20 mins. from Valença. To get there, you can catch any of the buses that leave the Guaibim bus booth and bus-stop in front of the quay, on the opposite side of the river, or you can take the roadway towards Bom Despacho, and take the right lane when you reach the Highway Police.

Guaibim is famous for the surf championship held there every year. They are open sea beaches with moderate to strong waves, and clean, white sand. There are lifeguards in the more bustling Guaibim beach. The beaches start in Taquari (although most people just consider Guiabim as being the first beach), and end in Ponto do Curral, a peak facing the island of Tinharé.

Guaibim, is a busy beach with lots of beach bards, shops and street sellers offering all types of souvenirs. In the summer, parties go on until dawn on the beach.

Then, going towards the island of Tinharé (right), there are the beaches of Guaibinzinho, Barreiro, Mamucabo, Ponta Grossa, and finally Ponta do Curral. You can also get to Ponta do Curral from the quay in Valença. These beaches are almost deserted with abundant atlantic forest bordering the sand. There are many rivers on along the way, offering a beautiful mixture of flora, fauna, rivers and sea.

Enseada de Taquari (Taquari Creek)
In the other direction (left of Guabim), an encounter between the sea and the Taquari river, forming natural warm water pools. A peaceful place for those who prefer wave-less, calm waters. You can get there walking when the tide is low (knee-high) but there are boats to take you across when it is high.

River Una
The affluents of the Una basin are the rivers Una, Paiu, Patipe, Pitanga, Vermelho, Do Braco and Dos Reis, amongst others. There are approximately 40 waterfalls and fountains along the course of the river Una to the sea, the main one being the Candengo waterfall. Its mangroves rich in mangrove tree crabs, crabs, etc., border the waters with mullet, snook, shrimp and pitu (fresh water shrimp) over which one can watch fishing boats, schooners and canoes passing all year round, to the delta in Galeão.

Although all waterfalls and fountains are of fairly easy access, we strongly recommend you ask your guide to accompany you to the waterfalls as only they know the safest trails and best time to visit (weekends are usually crowded). For information on our guide, please click here.

Fonte de Cima and Ruins of the Textile Factory (Antiga Fábica de Tecido)

Trails and surprises to the waterfall or fountain locally known as Fonte de Cima. Easily accessible, you can go by car until the beginning of the trail, and then walk for about 20 minutes.

Candengo waterfall (Cachoeira do Candengo)
Easy access, you can go by car to the waterfall. Go to the Valença - Santo Antonio de Jesus roadway until you reach a bus garage, turn right and continue another 2 kms. along the dirt road.

Àgua Branca waterfall (Cachoeira Àgua Branca)
Easy access, about 2 kms. along the Valença - Nazaré roadway. The fall of the water is of about 30 metres.

Andorinha waterfall (Cachoeira da Andorinha)
Near Sarapuí, about 4 kms. along the Valença-Taperoá roadway, turn right and continue for another 10 kms. Easy access with various waterfalls (up to 20 metres) and water shafts.

Islands

Tinharé
Famous for Morro de São Paulo, Gamboa do Morro and Boipeba. Hourly departures from the quay of the port of Valença.

Islands of Conde and Esperança (Ilhas do Conde/Esperança)
Riverine island with access along wooden foot bridges. The balneary is about 8 kms. from the BA-542 motorway. There is restaurant and bar in the Conde island, perfect for a day out with the family or for couples.