Algodoes Beach Guide – Marau, Bahia

Intro to Algodoes Beach, Marau

Just to the south of Saquaira lies the beach town of Algodoes. In spite of being so close, it has a completely different look and feel, both in terms of its beach as well as the surrounding neighborhood. The beach sits within a half-moon bay, leaving it more protected and calmer than its neighbor to the north.  Like most beaches along the peninsula, the coral reefs are exposed during low tide, creating the marvelous tide pools like those of Taipu de Fora, although far less crowded. Just inland from the beach, the landscape is lusher and less wind-swept due to its position along the coast, with much of its original Atlantic Rainforest still intact.

 

 

Its naturally beauty has attracted a lot of attention with investors in recent years, and this once sleepy beach town is now the second home of many foreigners alongside wealthy Brazilians. More of the homeowners live here year-round, giving it a more neighborhood atmosphere than nearby beaches that are mostly empty during low season. Algodoes has retained all of its charm and Bahian authenticity, however, because: construction was tastefully done without disrupting the natural landscape, there are no big hotels and nothing over 2 stories, and there is no commercial center since people rely mostly on nearby Saquaira for their shopping and other needs.

 

 

 

 

Algodoes is also home to Tikal, an upscale beach club that sits on a gorgeous property tucked inside the forest between a lake and the ocean, has become one of the hottest spots on the peninsula for New Year’s and Carnival. The Brazilian jet setters come from all over and spend a small fortune to party all day and all night, and it is often compared to beach clubs in Ibiza and other international hot spots.

 

 

 

Where to Eat

There are three great restaurants in Algodoes, all right on the beach. The first is Bar do Espanhol, serving great seafood with a distinctive Spanish flair and an even more distinctive owner. The other is La em Casa, part of a beautiful property located on an isolated stretch of beach, serving unique and delicious “tapas” style dishes. The third restaurant is not really restaurant… it’s a gorgeous little hotel, Casa del Mar, run by the Spanish couple Davi and Amaya. They serve the most famous Paella on the coast, but since they must take care of their guests first, you need to call ahead of time and see if they can accommodate you.