Visitors to Bahia tend to overlook Valença and only pass through because it is the easiest way to get to the island of Tinharé, where Morro de São Paulo, Gamboa do Morro and Boipeba are located.

Valença is a colonial town and is full of charming buildings and houses, so typical and unique in the coast of Bahia. Cobblestones pave the streets of the quieter, residential neighbourhoods while the centre is bustling with street vendors and shoppers that come from all over the region.

It has a far better infrastructure for tourism, is a lot cheaper and has not yet been saturated with noisy bars, restaurants and pousadas. Although no one can deny the natural, bare-foot charm of Tinharé, noise and water pollution bother some tourists that tend to flee the island looking for a quieter option.

Valença is especially attractive for those who travel on a budget or are on holidays with their family. The hotels and pousadas in Valença are less crowded, services are up to 200% cheaper and you can visit Tinharé as often as you wish by taking the boat that leaves every hour from the port.

In Morro, for example, internet access costs a minimum of 7 reais the hour while in Valença it costs 1 real the hour. However, cost reduction is not the only attraction Valença has to offer.

Valença has to be felt more than seen. The colonial style charm of the town can attract the attention of some tourists but you will only get the feel of this town when you eat at the port-side bars, chat to the locals and rent a house for the summer or stay at a pousada while you visit the natural sights of Valença. All of Bahia is beautiful and each town has amazing things to offer, making Bahia one of the most breathtaking states of Brazil. On the other hand, like some Brazilian towns where tourism has not yet become the number one source of income for the locals, Valença might not be as impressive at first sight as other tourist locations.

Valença is perfect for those who want to enjoy absolutely all the region has to offer. It has great food, cheap lodging and beautiful beaches, waterfalls and the wonders of River Una. If that is not enough, you can also visit the island of Tinharé, enjoy the beaches and beach parties and be back in Valença by dawn. There are boats to and from Valença-Gamboa-Morro throughout the day, every day until around 10pm. In case it is too late to catch a regular boat, there are also reliable motorboats for 20 reais per person and lancha rápida (10 reais) that get you to your pousada in time for breakfast.