Trancoso is a charming little village, some 40 minutes by ferry from Porto Seguro, the international airport of Arraial d'Ajuda. Its beautiful beaches (including the famous 'Praia do Espelho', one of Brazil's best), it's quietness and privacy, have long made it the favorite hideaway for what's called Brazil's "1% of the GDP" - the small elite that holds the key to most of Brazil's wealth.
Gisèle Bundchen, Naomi Campbell and many other celebrities own a summer house here; and it should be no surprise that the beach in Trancoso is among Brazil's most expensive, at prices of $8000 up to $10000 per linear meter of beach.
While in the Brazilian summer (Dec.-Feb.) it turns into a little hotspot with VIP parties and a little jet-set scene, most of the year Trancoso is extremely quiet.
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Trancoso also hosts the isolated "Outeiro das Brisas" resort, with private airstrip and polo fields; as well as the TerraVista/Club Med resort - although this, strictly speaking, is on the territory of Arraial d'Ajuda. Apart from that, there are cute interior design and souvenir shops on the famous "Quadrado", a quiet, car-free square with quaint little village houses that cost $4000 five years ago, but now are sold for $100000 and more. There's a few 'boutique' pousadas, like El Gordo , Estrela d'Agua etc., that have added some more to the reputation of Trancoso. |
Trancoso has started to garner international press lately thanks to its serene location and wide array of options for visitors. The town itself is small, and the descendants of the original inhabitants, the Pataxos Indians, still live there today. The historic central square is home to the São João Batista church, the second oldest church in Brazil, and the square comes alive at night when locals and tourists mingle. The first nine holes of Trancoso's new golf facilities are located in the Brazilian rain forest, while the final nine are located along the stunning cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, which actually looks green from that vantage point. Bahia Beach's rugged beauty has been enchanting Brazilians for years; now the rest of the world is starting to catch on.
Nearest Airport: Porto Seguro International Airport
Recommended Resort:
Club Med Trancoso
Fazenda Itaipe, Sn/Estrada Municipal KM 18
Trancoso, Porto Seguro
BACP 458 10-000
Brazil