Things to do in Arraial D’Ajuda
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Beaches
Praia Mucugê is Arraial's main tourist beach and is crowded with barracas and blasted by music. As you continue south, Praia do Parracho is also built up, but with beach clubs and a few condominium complexes. Both of these beaches are sheltered by offshore reefs. Around the point, beautiful Praia Pitinga has red striped sandstone cliffs, pretty, calm waters and a few barracas. South of Pitinga, Praia da Lagoa Azul and Praia Taípe are backed by tall cliffs, and face stronger waves.
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Eco Parque
Billed as the largest water park in Latin America, Eco Parque has long, twisting water slides, a wave pool and a slow 'river' you can float down on rafts. There's also a tiroleza (zipline), kayaks for rent and heaps of other activities. Big-name bands from Salvador play here for summer concerts.
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Schooner, Van & Catamaran Trips
Arco-Íris Turismo organizes schooner and van trips to Caraíva, Praias Espelho and Curuípe (both south of Trancoso), Trancoso and the offshore reefs Recife de Fora and Coroa Alta. It also occasionally runs three-day catamaran trips to the Parque Nacional Marinho de Abrolhos.
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Magnolia
Arraial has great nightlife throughout the summer, when beach clubs like Magnolia host dance parties.
Sweaty nights spent dancing rootsy lambada and forró are an Arraial staple. Ask around for the current hot spot.
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La Plage Blanche
Down on the beach, this open-air French-run café is an inviting place to linger between dips in the ocean. In addition to cocktails, you'll find a small menu of grilled fish and shrimp and roasted eggplant.
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Paulo Pescador
The ordering couldn't be easier at this incredibly friendly, good-quality prato feito restaurant: the menu has large photos of its Bahian dishes, and there is only one price.
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A Portinha
This excellent self-service restaurant serves a rotating menu of veggie quiches, salads, seafood stews and meats of all kinds - all kept hot over a wood fire. Save room for dessert.
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Girasol
Here, dancers surround the pool tables on crowded nights, and pillowed window seats offer a comfortable vantage point. The tables out front are great spots to begin the night.
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Rosa dos Ventos
One of Arraial's most delightful restaurants, Rosa dos Ventos offers an eclectic array of seafood, meats and crepes. The candlelit front patio is a great spot to unwind.
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Beco dos Cores
This galleria is a big draw for its variety: you'll find great sushi, crepes, pizza and fancier fare; there's usually live music on summer weekend nights.
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Capoeira Sul da Bahia
Newcomers are warmly received at Capoeira Sul da Bahia, which also offers lambada, samba and Afro-Brazilian dance classes.
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Thai Garden
For a break from rich Bahian fare, try this nicely decorated Thai restaurant. Seafood dishes are particularly tempting.
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Limelight
The small but more open Limelight provides a typical dance-club environment with pounding techno.
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Boi nos Aires
Steak lovers shouldn't miss this stylish place, which serves fine Argentine beef.
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Doc
The enclosed Doc provides a typical dance-club environment with pounding techno.
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Arco-Íris Turismo
Arco-Íris Turismo organizes schooner and van trips to Caraíva, Praias Espelho and Curuípe (both south of Trancoso, from R$92), Trancoso and the offshore reefs Recife de Fora and Coroa Alta (R$52). It also occasionally runs three-day catamaran trips to the Parque Nacional Marinho de Abrolhos.
reviewed
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Rosa dos Ventos
One of Arraial’s most delightful restaurants, Rosa dos Ventos offers an eclectic array of seafood, meats and crepes. The candlelit front patio is the ideal place to linger over a bottle of wine.
reviewed
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Paulinho Pescador
The ordering couldn’t be easier at this incredibly friendly, good-quality prato feito (plate of the day) restaurant: the menu has large photos of its appealing Bahian dishes.
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Morocha Club
An atmospheric place that’s relaxed and lounge-like earlier in the evening but crowded with dancers late at night.
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Manguti
This cute, old-fashioned house turns out tasty grilled fish fillets as well as hearty gnocchi and other classic pastas. The location is ideal if you’re shopping or exploring the village at night.
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La Plage Blanche
Down on the beach, this open-air, French-run café is an inviting place to tuck into a gourmet seafood plate between dips in the ocean.
reviewed
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Girasol
Here, dancers surround the pool tables on crowded nights, and pillowed window seats offer a comfortable vantage point.
reviewed
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Eco Parque
Billed as the largest water park in Latin America, Eco Parque has long, twisting waterslides, a wave pool and a slow ‘river’ you can float down on rafts. There’s also a tiroleza (zip-line), kayaks for rent and heaps of other activities. Big-name bands from Salvador play here for summer concerts.
reviewed
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Doc
This enclosed place provides a typical dance-club environment with pounding techno.
reviewed
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Cineteatro Fellini
Doubles as a live-music venue and a wine bar, and is perfect for an easygoing nightcap.
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