Mirante do Xaréu

Late in the afternoon, the little hill fills with people climbing slowly, watching where they step. Tourists and locals meet here almost every day, pick a rock and settle in facing the mouth of the Rio de Contas. Vendors wander through with drinks and food. Conversations drop to a murmur as the light changes. The Mirante do Xaréu is small and made of stone, and it works as Itacaré's grandstand.

The climb among the rocks

The viewpoint sits on a small rocky hill between Praia da Coroinha (beach) and Praia da Concha (beach). You get there on foot, and there are two routes. The first starts on Rua Castro Alves, on the Coroinha side. The second follows Rua Pituba to Concha. The reference address is Ladeira da Concha, s/n, at Praia da Concha.

The trail is short and easy to follow, with no confusing forks. But the ground is rock, and that calls for attention: proper footwear, a steady step and extra care on the way down, when tiredness and hurry tend to go hand in hand.

What you see from up there

The view opens onto the mouth of the Rio de Contas and takes in Coroinha, Pontal and Concha with the Farol in a single glance. It is a good place to get a sense of the town's geography before setting off to explore it. You can pick out the beaches, see where the river ends and notice how the center folds over the water.

There is no built-up infrastructure. The viewpoint is a piece of hillside, and that is where its charm lies: you choose a rock, sit down and look.

Sunset time

Sunset is the most sought-after time. Locals and visitors are in the habit of gathering here at the end of the day, and the best spots on the rocks fill up early. The advice is to arrive ahead of time, so you can climb without rushing, choose where to sit and wait for the light to change.

Access is free. There are no bars at the viewpoint, but there are usually vendors selling drinks and food. It's worth bringing water from home, in case your preferred drink doesn't come by just when thirst strikes.

Who it's for

For anyone who wants a simple, free, unplanned outing at the town's own pace: couples, friends, solo travelers and families. The viewpoint is described as ideal for children, and the short trail helps. Even so, the rocks mean little ones should climb holding hands, in closed shoes and with close attention. It isn't the best choice for those who have difficulty walking on uneven ground or who prefer to watch the sunset from a table with a menu: here, the seat is the rock.

Practical info

• Where: Ladeira da Concha, s/n, Praia da Concha, Itacaré (BA), on a small rocky hill between Praia da Coroinha and Praia da Concha.
• Getting there: on foot, via Rua Castro Alves (through Coroinha) or via Rua Pituba to Concha.
• Trail: short and easy to follow, with rocks; wear proper footwear and take care going up and down.
• Hours: open 24 hours, every day of the week.
• Price: free.
• Facilities: no bars; there are usually vendors selling drinks and food.
• Best time: sunset, which is busy; arrive early.
• What to bring: proper footwear and water.
• Children: described as ideal for children, with attention to the rocks.