Salvador da Bahia experiences a humid tropical climate, with
average highs reaching 77°F (25°C) all year round. The coldest
months are June through August, when temperatures are at their
lowest, ranging between 70°F (21°C) and 79°F (26°C). The warmest
months stretch from December through February, with average daytime
highs reaching 86°F (30°C). The rainy season typically spans April
and June.
Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International
Airport
Location: The airport is located 14 miles (22km) north of downtown
Salvador de Bahia.
Time: Local time is GMT -3
Getting to the city:
Public buses run from the airport to the city centre. Two kinds
of buses are available: the 'executivo' and the urban bus. The
buses provide transportation to the main city sights such as
Pelourinho, Barra, Mercado Modelo, and the Lacerda Elevator.
Tickets can be bought on the bus or within the terminal and the
trip takes approximately 90 minutes.
Car Rental:
Avis, Thrifty, Europcar, and Hertz all have desks in the
arrivals hall.
Airport Taxis:
Coometas taxis are available at the airport, and wait outside
the terminal.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a comfort station, hairdresser,
information desk, medical post, tourist service centre, banks and
ATMs, currency exchange, restaurants and coffee shops, a post
office, gift shops and newsagents, and duty-free shopping.
Parking
Parking is available at the airport.
City buses are frequent in Salvador, but the system can be
confusing. Air-conditioned minibuses cost about twice the normal
fares, and most major tourist destinations and shopping areas have
their own stops. Passengers board buses from the back and disembark
from the front. Busses generally run between 6am and 11pm.
Driving on the narrow streets of Salvador's old city centre can
be stressful and confusing. Cars are only recommended for
travellers intending to explore outside the city. Taxis are a
better option. Passengers should negotiate a price if they aren't
metered.
Salvador de Bahia is the former capital of Brazil, and a
vibrant, colourful mix of African, Native-Indian, and European
culture. Its history is evident in its cuisine, music and
architecture. Founded in the 16th century as a Portuguese colony,
its historic district, also known as Pelourinho or the Cidade Alta,
has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city has over a
thousand sacred houses, including churches like the Cathedral of
Salvador, the Church of Nossa Senora do Rosário dos Pretos, and the
Convent and Church of Sao Francisco. Another building worth seeing
is the donut-shaped São Marcelo Fort, built in the 17th
century.
Salvador is also known as the 'Capital of Joy', and locals
certainly know how to have a good time. The Mercado Modelo is the
city's bustling market area, where visitors will find arts and
crafts stalls, and a variety of bars and restaurants. One of the
main reasons to visit Salvador is the city's continuous line-up of
wild festivals and celebrations. Set on beaches and in plazas, they
fill the city with music and dancing.
The coastline spans over 50 miles (80km), making it one of the
longest in Brazil. Each beach has a unique draw. Porto da Barra is
popular for swimming, as it faces the bay and has calm waters.
Farol da Barra's rocky pools and reefs are perfect for kids to play
in. Farol de Itapoan has strong currents suited to experienced
swimmers and surfers, while the scenic Flamengo is home to several
fun barracas, or beach bars. Visitors can also visit Projeto Tamar,
which is a sea turtle conservation project at Praia do Forte.
Visitors can get spectacular views from Farol da Barra. The
lighthouse is situated where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bay of
All Saints. Unlike Farol da Barra, Forte de Monte Serrat offers
wonderful views of the city itself.