Praia Do Forte is a laid-back beach town fringed by lush palms and a long stretch of honey-coloured sand. Bask in the Brazilian sunshine, browse colourful souvenir shops and visit a turtle sanctuary. Off the beach, you can stay active with Capoeira classes or simply kick back with a zesty caipirinha.
Things to do in Praia do Forte
The long, palm-fringed beach is the main draw at Praia Do Forte. Sunseekers flock to relax on the golden sand and swim in the Atlantic Ocean. The Church of St. Francis of Assis watches over the northern end of the beach and features a postcard-perfect white façade with sky-blue trim. Walk along the beach at low tide to see rock pools filled with sea life.
Learn about the plight of endangered sea turtles at the Tamar Project Station in Praia Do Forte. Set on the beach, it’s one of several in the state of Bahia. The station is a sanctuary for several different turtle species, including loggerheads, hawksbills, olive ridleys and leatherbacks.
Sapiranga Ecological Reserve protects a path of Atlantic rainforest just inland from Praia do Forte. Trails wind through the park and offer a chance to see wildlife like sloths, monkeys and colourful birds. Explore the park on foot or cover more ground on an ATV.
From bikinis, board shorts and sun hats to turtle-themed trinkets, shops in Praia Do Forte offer plenty of variety. The best stores sell products handmade by Brazilian artisans. Lively restaurants spill onto the streets and lure in patrons with colourful décor and upbeat music. Order local specialties like “moqueca” prawns sauteed in coconut milk.
Master the art of Capoeira, a high-energy form of Brazilian martial art. Lessons are a fun introduction to the practice, which combines dance, music, self-defence and acrobatics.
Getting around Praia do Forte
Praia Do Forte is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Brazilian state of Bahia, a 1.5-hour drive from Salvador. Salvador Bahia Airport is a one-hour drive away.