Salvador, one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas Salvador

Salvador is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Bahia, formally and originally known as Cidade de São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos. This city is characterised by its friendly, warm atmosphere, its welcoming locals and fun and fancy atmosphere.

However, it is not only popular because of its laid-back setting. Rather, it is also one of the oldest established settlements in  Brazil. This gives it an authentic charm and complexity that cannot be found everywhere. Its culture and heritage is fascinating, drawing visitors in as they explore the city centre and the rolling hills.

Salvador is a place well known for its natural beauties and for the strong influence of the African culture. The moves of capoeira - a martial art that looks like a dance - the smells and flavors of the delicacies, the religious mix and the cultural diversity are samples of the happiness of a people that knows, maybe for it is surrounded by natural beauties, the true meaning of life. The city is also the location of one of the country’s most vibrant and disputed carnival parties.

Salvador has about 35 kms (22 mls) of beach along its coast, beginning in Barra and ending in Flamengo. 

Brazil’s first capital preserves an important historical city center, listed as Unesco’s Cultural Heritage Site: the Pelourinho, which gives the visitor the opportunity to visit Brazilian Baroque Churches and century-old manors.

There are more than 300 churches in Salvador. One of them is the São Francisco Church, recognized by its grandiosity. Another important attraction is Senhor do Bonfim Church, one of the biggest symbols of the religious mix in Bahia.

The main soccer matches take place at Fonte Nova Arena. Firstly built in 1951, it was rebuilt in 2013, with capacity for 50 thousand people, now it hosts concerts and events.

Salvador is a great entrance for those intending to go to Costa dos Coqueiros, Costa do Dende and Chapada Diamantina. In Bahia, there are places where nature is beautifully preserved; the State also has several resorts and lodges, with a nice structure for receiving tourists.

Bahia is famous for its cuisine, with its strong african influence, based on shrimps and fish and it is very spicy. Besides chilis the Bahian kitchen uses a lot of azeite de dendê, an oil extracted from a palm tree, that was imported from West Africa during colonial times. Also milky coconut juice has its place in the kitchen.

Famous dishes which you should try are the brazilian fish or shrimp stew moqueca, acarajé and abará. Acarajé is a dish made from peeled black-eyed peas formed into a ball and then deep-fried in azeite de dendê. Abará is also made from peeled black beans, but wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. You can try both, acarajé and abará at many places in the city, also along the beaches. Further, there are many other typical dishes to taste, most of african or slavery influence.