Praia da Costa

The trail leaves Tiririca and, five minutes later, the forest opens onto a cove among the rocks. The sea arrives churning, breaks hard at the entrance and only then reaches the sand. Most people hiking the four-beach trail walk straight past, on their way to Ribeira. Those who stay find Praia da Costa almost empty, and quickly understand that it exists to be looked at.

Five minutes past Tiririca

Praia da Costa (beach) sits in the middle of the four-beach trail, between Tiririca and Ribeira. It can only be reached on foot. From Tiririca it is a five-minute walk, short enough that the beach slots into your itinerary at no cost.

From the town center, the distance is about 2 km, which means 20 to 25 minutes on foot. It makes a morning or afternoon outing, at the pace of someone walking without a watch, and Costa works well as the stop in the middle.

A sea for looking at, not for getting into

Among Itacaré's town beaches, this one has the roughest sea. The water is choppy, there is a current and there are rocks at the entrance. The city government and the guides do not recommend it for swimming, and that advice counts double for children: avoid getting in the water, especially with them.

What the beach offers in return is something else. It is a place to contemplate, rest and watch surfing, sitting on the sand with the whole cove in front of you. For swimming, Ribeira, just ahead on the same trail, is the right choice.

No kiosks, no rush

There are no kiosks or stalls at Costa. That partly explains the quiet: those hiking the trail usually walk straight through, and those who stay have the cove almost to themselves. Bring water and sunscreen, and take back whatever you bring.

It is also worth stopping for the photography. The cove among the rocks, seen from the sand, is the best shot along this stretch.

Who it's for

For those hiking the four-beach trail who want a break with a view, for those who like watching surfing and for those who prefer to rest away from the crowds. It is not the right beach for anyone who wants to swim, for families looking for calm water where children can play, or for anyone expecting a kiosk and rental chairs. In those cases, Ribeira will make your day.

Practical info

• Getting there: on foot, along the four-beach trail, between Tiririca and Ribeira.
• Trail: five minutes from Tiririca.
• Distance from the center: about 2 km; 20 to 25 minutes on foot.
• Sea: rough, with a current and rocks at the entrance; not recommended for swimming by the city government and the guides.
• Facilities: no kiosks or stalls.
• What to bring: water and sunscreen.
• Safety: avoid getting in the water, especially with children; for swimming, Ribeira, just ahead.