Esplanada: Beaches, Lagoons and Tradition

Esplanada combines a long-standing cultural tradition with Baixio’s diverse landscapes. A Passion of Christ performance has been held in the municipality since 1997; Baixio is also part of the municipality and offers beaches, lagoons and dunes. This creates different travel experiences: community-based culture and nature and water activities. If you are looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first decide which focus you want your trip to have.

Culture and History

The Passion of Christ performance began in 1997 as a voluntary community project. It takes place in the municipality of Esplanada and was later moved to a new venue in Timbó. Individual productions may vary. If you plan to include a performance in your trip, check the specific dates and venue in advance.

Another historical landmark is the Convento Nossa Senhora do Rosário: Capuchin friars opened it in 1908, before the municipality of Esplanada was established. The two cultural topics therefore have different historical points of reference—the convent opened before the municipality was founded, while the Passion of Christ performance grew out of a voluntary community project.

Baixio’s Landscapes and Lagoons

Baixio is part of the municipality of Esplanada. Its landscape includes an expansive beach, lagoons, dunes, rivers, viewpoints and waterfalls. At Barra do Inhambupe, the river and sea meet at the mouth of the Rio Inhambupe; mangroves and coconut palms complete the landscape. The natural area thus stretches from the beach to the river mouth and includes a variety of water and landscape features.

Swimming, photography and paddling are possible at Lagoa da Panela. Lagoa Azul, by contrast, is surrounded by dunes and vegetation. Its water changed colour naturally because of the pigmentation of a native plant. If you are choosing between the two lagoons, you can use these differences as a guide: water activities at Lagoa da Panela or the dune and plant surroundings of Lagoa Azul.

Getting There and Access

Access to the lagoons is by authorised 4WD vehicle, as they are located on private land. 4WD tours along sandy tracks and through restinga areas are also offered in Baixio. Since access rules may change, check the current options before your visit. The usual route from Salvador to Baixio follows Estrada do Coco and Linha Verde and takes about two hours. Check the current route and conditions before setting off.

When looking for a holiday apartment or house in Esplanada, you can use these differences as a starting point: do you want the cultural tradition to be the reason for your trip, or would you rather focus on Baixio’s beaches and lagoons?

Discover More Destinations

Praia do Forte, Teixeira De Freitas, Subaúma, Retiro São Francisco, Ribeira do Pombal, Santa Cruz Cabrália, Angical, Indiaroba

For the main travel overview: Bahia.