Isle of Friars

Declared an ecological reserve in 1982, the Isle of Friars occupies an area of ​​approximately 1,335 hectares, with many beautiful beaches, palm trees, lakes, waterfalls and typical Atlantic vegetation including many native Brazilian trees.  You can actually walk around the entire island on foot at low tide.

Marine tourism and recreational sports are heavily practiced here, thanks to the quiet beaches.  Scuba diving and other water sports are part of ecotourism tours conducted aboard ships and barges around the island. 

Situated a little over 20 km away from Salvador, this island still belongs to the Salvador municipality.   The island has a rich architectural heritage with an emphasis on churches and mills from the colonial period.  Notable features of historical, cultural and architectural ruins include the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, built in the seventeenth century, the Church of Our Lady of Loreto built in the eighteenth century, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Bom Parto, the lighthouse which is located on the hill top behind the Ponta de Nossa Senhora Beach, the ruins of a military hospital, the remains of a warehouse where slaves were quarantined, the ruins of a warehouse where slaves were put to gain weight before being sold and the ruins of a flour mill.

Paramania Beach is in a central part of the island and shows a fragment of the Atlantic forest with lakes and waterfalls.  It has a small village, aptly named Paramania, with homes of many local fishermen, and many family summer homes.  The beach offers excellent waters for fishing, diving and other water sports, at low tide pools form from coral reefs.

Praia da Ponta de Nossa Senhora is located on the north end of the island.  It is one of the most popular beaches, due to calm waters that are both warm and crystal clear.   The beach also includes several beach huts for visitors.   Along the beach they serve seafood and various fish dishes while providing showers for those wishing to wash off.   The village of Ponta de Nossa Senhora has a population of only 45, making it tiny but enjoyable place to visit.

Access to the Isle of Friars can be achieved via the city of Salvador,  with boats landing on Paramania, Caeira, Praia da Costa, and Ponta de Nossa Senhora beaches.

Activities near to Isle of Friars

Ilha de Madre de Deus (beach) - ISLE OF MOTHER OF GOD   This island is roughly 70 km away from Salvador, with access via car or bus.    It is a city of great importance due to the existence of the maritime terminal of Petrobras. They are part of the City Guard and Maria Island beach Suape. Most notable are the buildings at the top of the Matrix, the homes of Peter and Laudelino Pinheiro Gomes, and on the beach in the House of Suape Tw... Address: Madre de Deus - BA Distance: 5.78km from the Isle of Friars
Ilhas Bimbarras (beach) - Access is via boat only, the island is 17 nautical miles from Salvador and is part of an eco tourism project in the Bay of all Saints.    The project on Ilhas Bimbarras is an example of preservation of rain forest, based on the principle of balance that exists in the whole ecosystem, where man must not only occupy it in a rational way, but retrieve it and preserve it. This project is characterized by its self-sustai... Address: Ilha Bimbarras Madre de Deus - BA Distance: 5.85km from the Isle of Friars
Ribeira Beach (beach) - Considered one of the most charming beaches in Salvador, Praia da Ribeira has a very calm bay, where the water is nearly mirrored at times and is used for training and competitions for waters sports such as rowing, sailing and canoeing competitions where the calm water is a necessity for the competitions.  Previously the calm waters of the cove had been used for landing airplanes, and today the old station that received the plan... Address: Praia da Ribeira, Salvador BA Distance: 7.32km from the Isle of Friars

Restaurants near to Isle of Friars

Hotels near to Isle of Friars

Hotel Kirymure Hotel Kirymure is a popular choice amongst travelers in Itaparica, whether exploring or just passing through. Featuring a complete list of amenities, guests will find their stay at the property a comfortable one. To be found at the hotel are bar/pub, business center, restaurant, shops. Each guestroom is elegantly furnished and equipped with handy amenities. Recuperate from a full day of sightseein...

Pousada Tropicalia Hotel Set in a prime location of Itaparica, Pousada Tropicalia Hotel puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. Both business travelers and tourists can enjoy the hotel's facilities and services. Facilities like pets allowed, bar/pub, 24hr room service, restaurant, business center are readily available for you to enjoy. Relax in your comfortable guestroom, featuring non smoking ro...

Recanto Tome Pousada Hotel Recanto Tome Pousada Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests in Salvador. The hotel offers guests a range of services and amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience. To be found at the hotel are bar/pub, 24hr room service. The well-appointed guestrooms feature non smoking rooms. Entertain the hotel's recreational facilities, including garden, outdoor pool. No mat...

Grand Palladium Imbassai Resort And Spa Hotel Grand Palladium Imbassai Resort And Spa Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests in Salvador. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Bar/pub, shops, business center, room service, 24hr room service are on the list of things guests can enjoy. Each guestroom is elegantly furnished and equipped with handy amenities. Recuperate from a full day of sightseeing i...