The Praia do Forte beach is nearly a mile long, with stretches that are good for both wind and board surfing, protected lagoons with calm waters that provide safe swimming, and natural pools up to 20 feet deep that are excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving. This Bahia beach also encompasses a modern esplanade full of great dining spots, a historic church, galleries and crafts shops, and boutiques.

Praia do Forte Brazil is a fishing village and beach resort located about 50 miles north of the city of Salvador. If you will be visiting this charming town and its beautiful Praia do Forte beach set on the Miracle Coast of the state of Bahia, you will find that your flights to Brazil will undoubtedly land in Salvador, set in All Saints Bay (Todos os Santos). Located about 225 miles south of Recife and about 600 miles north of Rio de Janeiro, it is worth spending a day or two in this historic city before heading north for your Praia do Forte beach vacation. Salvador's Old City, or Lower Town, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, with one of the finest colonial centers in all of South America, and was the first capital of Brazil from 1549 to 1763.

As a main port, it was one of the primary places where slaves from Africa were offloaded to work on the sugar plantations. This is what makes the state of Bahia so rich with history and African culture. On the beautiful Bahia beach at Praia do Forte Brazil you will also be able to experience this wealth of history and culture that is found throughout the state. You can also encounter some of the fascinating natural history of the country, as this is the location of the world renowned Tamar Project, established to protect the endangered sea turtles, which are found in large concentrations here.

Brazil Map

The town of Praia do Forte Brazil still retains its fishing village charm, in spite of its development as a prime resort community with world class eco resorts, hotels, and traditional pousadas (charming little bed and breakfast inns). The fishing village section of town has a law that prevents the traditional stone houses and historic church from being sold. They can only be passed down within families, which is what allows the town to retain its village charm. At one end of its Bahia beach you will find numerous small fishing boats moored, including the picturesque traditional jaganda, a single-masted boat similar to the dhows of East Africa and the feluccas of the Nile River in Egypt. It is possible to book a Brazil cruise or day trip on one of these, either for fishing or sightseeing. Just strike up a conversation with a fisherman, do a little negotiating, and you're off!

Another of the attractions of Praia do Forte Brazil is the Garcia D'Avila Castle, one of the oldest stone buildings in the country and a wonderful example of Portuguese military architecture. Located not far from the main beach, it once was the residence of the Governor General in the sixteenth century, and includes several houses, the main residence, and a chapel.