Saquaira Beach Guide – Marau, Bahia

Intro to Saquaira Beach, Marau

The sleepy town of Saquaira Beach (Praia de Saquaira) is located in the middle of the Peninsula de Marau, just north of Algodoes. Saquaira has long been a favorite with Bahians from the interior of the state from cities such as Ipiaú, Jequié, and other landlocked parts of Bahia. During Brazilian holidays, they flock to their beach homes, turning this sleepy little town into a giant “tailgate” party, drinking and dancing in swimwear to impressively loud car sound systems they call “carros de som”. They are here to party, making this the number one spot for Carnival among Bahians on the Marau Peninsula.

 

The stretch of beach along Saquaira is not as protected from the elements due to its narrow bay, hence it is more of an “open ocean” beach.  Unfortunately, this has led to many homes and businesses being lost to changing ocean conditions, with much of the debris still waiting to be cleared. It is still a beautiful, however, and during the holidays it becomes one of the more crowded beaches along the peninsula. After Barra Grande, Saquaira has the highest concentration of businesses, including auto repair shops, small grocery stores, a bakery, pharmacy, etc.

 

Tips on Food and Drink

No description of Saquaira is complete without mentioning The Bar do Raul. It’s a landmark bar and restaurant on Saquaira beach, built by the eccentric fisherman and cook, Raul.

Vovo Zeze is another landmark on the Marau Peninsula. It’s a stylish pizzeria in the middle of Saquaira on the main road. The tastefully done interior, with its gregarious owner Gil, is worth a visit alone. The quality of the Italian style cuisine and thin crust pizzas are the best you’ll find anywhere on the peninsula.