Luxury holidays in Bahia

When to go

There’s never really a bad time to go to Bahia as temperatures are high all year round. The summer months of December to February are probably the most fun, as Bahians build up to the big Carnival celebrations; though winter is lovely and sedate, and you won’t have to jostle for space on the beaches.

Getting there

• Planes

  The state’s main international hub is at Salvador de Bahia | around 20 miles outside the city centre. European flights tend to arrive via Lisbon in Portugal | while US travellers generally have to change planes in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. Flights from Lisbon also land at Porto Seguro in the south of the state.

• Trains

  Brazil’s rail network suffers greatly from a lack of investment, so it’s not the most reliable way of getting around Bahia. However, journeys – especially along the coast and through the interior – can be beautiful.

• Automobiles

  If you want to get a real feel for the state | then hiring a car is absolutely essential. Buses outside the major urban hubs are irregular and frustrating | so it’s much better to have your own wheels. Make sure you ask for air-conditioning.

• Taxis

  Cabs are abundant and cheap in the big cities and major resorts, but much harder to find in rural areas. Ask your hotel to book them for you.