A cove next to Prainha, on the most unspoiled stretch of Itacaré's coast: reached by a short or long trail, or by car through the condominium, with strong surf and a day use with restaurant.
Early in the morning, the forest still holds its shade over the path, and the sea arrives before the view does: a deep, steady rumble that grows with every bend. Then the vegetation opens up and the São José cove appears, with its clean strip of sand and the forest running down almost to the water. Between two of Itacaré's famous beaches, it is usually the emptiest one, and the silence is part of what you come here for.
Between Prainha and Jeribucaçu
São José sits on the most unspoiled stretch of Itacaré's coast, squeezed between Prainha and Jeribucaçu. That position explains the calm: anyone in a hurry to reach one of the famous neighbors walks straight past, and the cove is left to those willing to go a step further.
All around, the forest shares space with vacation homes and upscale pousadas. The beach is next to Prainha, and what you see of it is mostly green and open sea.
The way to the cove
There is more than one way to get there. The shortest starts at the right-hand end of Prainha, along a quick trail. You can also drive through the Condomínio Villa de São José. For those who want a proper hike, there is the long trail route, from Prainha or from Jeribucaçu, taking about 1 hour. If you choose it, go early and bring water.
From the center of Itacaré, the beach is 5 or 6 km away, depending on the starting point.
Open sea, tide pools
The sea at São José is open and strong, and swimming calls for caution. Compared with Prainha, it tends to be calmer, and depending on the tide, natural pools form among the rocks. It is worth checking the tide before deciding whether the afternoon will be for shallow swimming or just for taking in the view.
For surfing, the waves are short and powerful, suited to intermediate or advanced level, and they work with southeast or east swell.
Day use and a table set
The beach has a restaurant and a day use service. Through Itacaré Eco Resort, the day use costs R$ 200, of which R$ 100 is credit for food and drink. Day use reservations can also be made at Restaurante Grauçá, inside the condominium, by phone at (73) 98854-5989.
Who it's for
For those who prefer a beach with few people and forest all around, and don't mind walking a bit to get there. Also for those who want to combine the hike with lunch at the restaurant or a day use. It is not the choice for those looking for calm swimming water for small children, nor for those who dislike trails and prefer the stretch by car: the sea is strong and demands attention. Beginner surfers should stay away; the waves are for intermediate or advanced level.
Practical info
- Getting there: short trail from the right-hand end of Prainha; by car through the Condomínio Villa de São José; or the long trail, about 1 h, from Prainha or Jeribucaçu.
- Distance from the center: between 5 and 6 km.
- Sea: open and strong, swim with caution; calmer than Prainha, with natural pools depending on the tide.
- Surfing: short, powerful waves, intermediate/advanced level, southeast/east swell.
- Facilities: restaurant and day use service.
- Day use: R$ 200 through Itacaré Eco Resort (R$ 100 in food and drink credit). Reservations also at Restaurante Grauçá, (73) 98854-5989.
- What to bring: water, whatever you plan to eat, and a bag to carry your trash back out.
- Safety: start the long trail early and enter the sea with caution.
Before you go
- Getting there
- By trail, from Prainha (about 1 hour more) or from Jeribucaçu. Long route: go early and bring water.
- Next to Prainha; reached by a short trail from the right-hand end of Prainha or by car through the Condomínio Villa de São José. Melhores Destinos (Guia de Destinos)
- Trail
- By trail only: about 1 h past Prainha
- Distance
- About 6 km from the center along the trail; on foot only.
- 5.3 km from the center of Itacaré. Viciada em Viajar
- Price
- Day use via Itacaré Eco Resort at R$ 200 (R$ 100 in food and drink credit). Viciada em Viajar
- Sea
- Open, strong sea; swim with caution.
- Sea calmer than Prainha, with natural pools depending on the tide. Prefeitura de Itacaré
- For surfing: short, powerful waves, intermediate/advanced level, southeast/east swell. Surfguru
- Facilities
- None. Bring everything and carry your trash back out.
- Restaurant and day use service; surrounded by vacation homes and upscale pousadas. Prefeitura de Itacaré
- Good to know
- It lies on the most unspoiled stretch of Itacaré's coast, between two famous beaches, and for that reason it is usually the emptiest of them.
- Who runs it
- Day use reservations at Restaurante Grauçá (inside the condominium) by phone at (73) 98854-5989. Melhores Destinos (Guia de Destinos)
Practical info
- Address
- Itacaré - BA, Brasil
- Opening hours
-
- Segunda-Feira 07:00 – 04:30
- Terça-Feira Fechado
- Quarta-Feira Fechado today
- Quinta-Feira Fechado
- Sexta-Feira Fechado
- Saturday Fechado
- Sunday 07:00 – 04:30
- Type
- beach
Location
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Praia de São José?
By the short trail from the right-hand end of Prainha, by car through the Condomínio Villa de São José, or by the long trail, about 1 hour, from Prainha or Jeribucaçu.
How far is it from the center of Itacaré?
Between 5 and 6 km from the center, depending on the starting point.
Can you swim in the sea?
The sea is open and strong, so swimming calls for caution. It tends to be calmer than Prainha, and depending on the tide, natural pools form.
How much does the day use cost and how do I book?
Through Itacaré Eco Resort, R$ 200, with R$ 100 in food and drink credit. Reservations can also be made at Restaurante Grauçá, inside the condominium, by phone at (73) 98854-5989.
Can you surf at São José?
The waves are short and powerful, suited to intermediate or advanced level, with southeast or east swell.
Do you manage this place? Correct details, send photos or request removal.
