Ilhéus is located in state Bahia, on the eastern shore of Brazil, by the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most important touristic centres in this part of the country and one of the most important exporters of cacao seeds. The best way to get to the city is by air.
The city’s economy is almost entirely based on profits from tourism, which is due to various beaches located in the city’s neighbourhood and its buildings and cultural heritage, connected to its Portuguese history. Beaches are everything you imagine while thinking about paradise beaches – coconut trees, clear sand, still water. Among them are beaches Do Norte, São Miguel (da Barra) or Dos Milionário.
The closest airport - Aeroporto de Ilhéus – is located 3 kilometres from the city’s centre and handle connections to big, Brazilian cities. The closest international airport is Aeroporto Internacional de Salvador, from which every day you can also get to Ilhéus. The other way to travel between those cities is by ferry, as in Ilhéus there is one of the most important ports in Bahia – Porto de Malhado.
While staying in the city, go to a local cacao farm. You will get to know there everything about growing of that plant and how to make chocolate out of it. Take a walk through a boardwalk Calçadão Jorge Amado, where you can make shopping, and also to the longest street in the city located by the cathedral - Avenida Soares Lopes. Quite a treat for lovers of writing of novelist Jorge Amado, can be a possibility to visit his house.
After sightseeing, you will definitely want to go for a dinner to a restaurant. Travelers recommend for instance Bataclan at Avenida Dois de Julho 77 or Cabana da Empada at Rodovia Ilheus-Itacare (at its 28. kilometre), where you can try local cuisine. Fancy some ice-cream? Go to Sorveteria Ponto Chic at Praça Dom Eduardo.
