Farol de Itacaré

At the end of the day, anyone on Praia da Concha (beach) looks to the right-hand corner. That is where, next to the lighthouse, people wait for the moon. The tower is square, all straight lines, rising at the mouth of the Rio de Contas, where the river gives its waters to the sea. When the moon climbs, this stone silhouette is the first thing it lights up.

An unusual tower

The Farol de Itacaré is square, which makes it a rarity in Brazil. Lighthouses of this design are few, and most of them are in Bahia. Its almost geometric shape is why it is recognizable from afar, even to someone who has never seen it.

Its purpose is an old one: the lighthouse has guided boats since the cacao era. Today the traffic at the river mouth is different, but the light is still in the same place, with the same task of pointing the way to those arriving by water.

The path over the rocks

At low tide, it is possible to walk to the lighthouse over the rocks. This is the route for anyone who wants to reach the foot of the tower, and what makes it special is precisely that it depends on the sea: at high tide, the path is not available in the same way.

The crossing, however, can be difficult. Many visitors prefer not to risk it and photograph the lighthouse from a distance, from the sand of Concha itself, where it appears in full, with the river behind it. Choosing this option is not giving up on the outing: the view is good either way.

The moon over Concha

The right-hand corner of Praia da Concha, next to the lighthouse, is the recommended spot to watch the moonrise. The moment asks for little: arrive early, pick a place on the sand and let the sky do the rest. With the tower alongside, the scene gains a reference point and a sense of scale that the beach alone would not have.

The lighthouse is listed as open 24 hours, every day of the week, which leaves the visit free of schedules for those who prefer late afternoon or night.

Who it's for

For those who like landscapes with history, photography and a relaxed outing on Praia da Concha. The place is described as ideal for children, and Concha, with the lighthouse in view, is a good reason to stop with the little ones. The walk over the rocks, though, calls for care and is not for everyone: anyone who has trouble with balance, or does not want to take risks, does well to stay on the sand and look from afar. Those who prefer action activities or long trails will find this outing short.

Practical information

• Where: Praia da Concha, at the mouth of the Rio de Contas, in Itacaré, Bahia.
• Hours: open 24 hours, Monday to Sunday.
• How to reach the lighthouse: on foot, over the rocks, at low tide.
• Best time for the moon: right-hand corner of Concha, next to the lighthouse, at moonrise.
• Safety: the walk over the rocks can be difficult; many prefer to photograph from a distance.
• Children: described as ideal for children.