Trancoso

Former fishing village turned trendy getaway, Trancoso is famous for its white, semi-deserted beaches with crystal clear water and rich marine fauna, which are protected by reefs and with natural pools during low tide. With a semi-tropical climate and an average temperature of 24º C, its natural wonders are an alluring invitation to sip coconut juice and caipirinhas below brilliant blue skies.

Trancoso is located 23 kilometers, or approximately 15 miles from Porto Seguro, on the Discovery Coast of southern Bahia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the starting point of Brazilian history and culture, it is where Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral disembarked more than five centuries ago.

Beaches like Espelho, Coqueiro, Pedra Grande, and Nativos are enjoyed by a mixture of natives, Brazil’s free-spirited elite from the southeast and winter sunseekers from Europe and North America, many of whom have become residents and business owners. Trancoso also attracts the international glitterati including celebrities such as Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bündchen.

Quadrado, the main square, is the main attraction after the sea, sun, and sand triptych. It comprises an open field bordered by cobblestone streets and charming candy-colored, wooden houses. At the far end, a small chalk-white church, the second oldest in Brazil, reveals views of the Atlantic Ocean.

At night, dainty lanterns sparkle from the mango and almond trees and art galleries stay open well past midnight while glasses clink and local music—samba, bossa nova, and forró—echoes in the outdoor tables of hip bars and restaurants. Glamorous beach clubs make the perfect setting to watch the mesmerizing palette of the rising sun.

Food-wise, an outstanding quality of organic ingredients and large variety of seafood makes Trancoso home to a distinguished culinary scene. Ceviche, grilled octopus, shrimp, chorizo, moqueca, pasta, and an endless variety of the national drink, cachaça, are only a few of the delicacies readily available.

The hotel industry has been boosting the real estate value of the village for the past years, with luxurious enterprises such as Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa and its pool lined with thousands of green aventurine quartz, opened by former creative director of Diesel, Wilbert Das. Bahia’s capital city Salvador has the nearest airport, but the private Terravista Airport and Helipad between Trancoso and Arraial D’Ajuda allows planes and helicopters to whisk jetsetters in.

Popular attractions around Trancoso include Terravista Golf Club, deemed the best in Brazil, whale watching around the shoreline and kayaking down the Trancoso River, as well as dancing capoeira, a form of martial art, and playing chilled evening football on the grass. Some beaches boast five-feet waves and strong winds, making for a great surfing venue.

How Many People Live in Trancoso?

Population: Approx. 11,000 (as of 2014)

What Languages Are Spoken in Trancoso?

Language: Portuguese

What is the Currency in Trancoso?

Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)

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