Trancoso, Bahia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Trancoso is a small town in the municipality of Porto Seguro in the state of Bahia, Brazil. It was the landing point of the Portuguese explorer, Pedro Alvares Cabral in Brazil, on April 21st1500. It was founded by the jesuits priests, on 1583, with the name of Saint John Baptist of the Indians.
The town is in a rectangular shape, with houses in the original style. It is famous for its beaches, such as Praia dos Nativos, Praia dos Coqueiros and Praia do Espelho. In recent years the location has been developed by the hotel industry, including the French Club Mediterranée. This has pushed up property values. Amidst the many rich and famous people that live in or visit the town, Trancoso continues to retain its rustic charm, with its extensive pristine beaches, exuberant nature and friendliness of the locals. It offers a wonderfully warm and sunny tourist destination for its diversified visitors from Brazil and abroad, a place to slow down and relax. Services range from modest and economical accommodations and meals to the most luxurious and sophisticated.
The federal Ministry of the Environment is currently expanding several National Parks and Natural Reserves nearby with the goal of preserving remaining areas of Atlantic Rain Forest. In addition, Trancoso is located at the starting point of a state Environmental Protection Area, the APA Caraíva-Trancoso, whose goal is to discipline touristic and economical development in the region, thereby minimizing negative impacts that may harm this sensitive and rare biosphere.
The population is formed of indigenous and afro people and those of Portuguese origin. In recent years many foreigners have also moved to the town.
The main square is known as 'Quadrado', although it is rectangular. To its east is a sixteenth century Catholic Church dedicated to St. John.
On January 20 the `Quadrado´ celebrates a popular party in recognition of its patron, Saint Sebastian, during which the natives sing and play drums and guitars. The main verse is: "São Sebastião, hoje chegou o dia, vinhemos festejar com todo alegria".
[edit] Beaches
Praia dos Nativos (Natives Beach):
It is the main beach in Trancoso, and also one where you will find most people. It has big restaurants but, due to its great length, you can always find quiet places just by walking a bit. It has more than 3 kilometres of sand where every step is better than the one before. You can rent horses by the river outlet, and can also take a river bath without worrying about contamination. It is also interesting to take a river ride by boat or rent a kayak.
Praia dos Coqueiros (Coconuts Beach):
It is a beach with few and small waves. There are coral reefs 100 meters into the sea and a lot of coconut trees. In the summer you can ride a banana-boat. During the nlow tide there are Natural Pools where you can Dive with just a mask.
Between the outlet of the Trancoso River and the restaurants of Coqueiros beach you can find small places, each of them with its own beauty.
Praia da Pedra Grande (Big Rock Beach):
After Coqueiros, 500 meters. It is thinner than the other beaches, with much fewer tourists. It is difficult to walk in the sand during high tide because there is not enough sand. These are the last restaurants on the beach.
After Pedra Grande the restaurants stop and what is known as Nude's Beach begins. If you plan on walking on to the south remember to take water and sun protection. You can walk up to 2 hours eventually arriving to Praia de Itaquena and the outlet of the dos Frades River, a beautiful deserted beach with sand dunes and small lakes during low tide. It is also a very good place for a motorbike excursion, because you can not get there by car.
[edit] External links
 |
The external links in this article may not follow Wikipedia's content policies or guidelines. Please improve this article by removing excessive or inappropriate external links. |
Trancoso Portal:
TrancosoBahia.com.br Great content about Trancoso
Social Projects
 |
This Brazil location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
