Barra Grande

Introducing Barra Grande

Deliciously off the beaten path, Barra Grande is a remote, tranquil fishing village at the northern tip of the Peninsula de Maraú. It has the same charm and tree-shaded magic that originally attracted bohemian types to similar sand-street villages further south, but it hasn’t yet experienced a tourism boom. With a fair number of pousadas and restaurants, Barra Grande makes a great base for checking out the rest of the peninsula. Much of the village closes in winter.

Separating the peninsula from the mainland is the island-riddled Baía de Camamu, Brazil’s third-largest bay. One long, dirt road (often impassable after rain) heads down the peninsula, providing access to stunning beaches with crystal-clear water, such as Praia Taipús de Fora (7km, rated among Brazil’s top beaches), and a handful of very small fishing villages. Pricey excursions to Lagoa Azul, viewpoints, bay islands and down the Rio Maraú are offered by local providers.

Other lovely destinations are accessible on foot. At the base of the village lies the 2km-long Barra Grande beach, where the calm waters are fine for swimming. A short walk along the beach leads to the Ponta da Mutá, the northeast point of the peninsula, with a lighthouse marking the bay’s entrance. Round the rocky point, and you access a long stretch of coast, with Praia da Bombaça the next notable beach (3.5km from Barra Grande) before reaching Praia Taipús de Fora (located another 3.5km further).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009