Things To Do
in Capela

Capela is a small fortified town in Sergipe, Brazil, known for its warm hospitality and colonial charm. The streets wind around colorful façades, where shrines and markets echo with Bahian flavors and rhythms. Life moves at a relaxed pace, inviting visitors to linger in plazas, sip strong coffee, and sample regional seafood.

The surrounding landscape blends riverine scenery with lush greenery, offering easy access to nearby beaches and hills.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Brazilian pastries and fresh fruit. Afterward, stroll through the historic streets of Capela, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Capela Church, a stunning example of local craftsmanship.

afternoon
:

For lunch, enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant that serves regional dishes, such as moqueca or acarajé. Post-lunch, take a guided walking tour to learn about the history of the town and its significant landmarks, including the old slave market. End your afternoon by visiting local artisan shops, where you can find unique handmade crafts.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the town square where locals gather to socialize and enjoy live music performances. Try some street food from vendors, indulging in delicious snacks like pastel and coxinha. Finish your evening with a refreshing caipirinha at a local bar, soaking in the lively atmosphere.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Adventure
morning
:

Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast before departing for the nearby environmental reserve. Enjoy a guided nature walk, where you’ll have the chance to spot unique flora and fauna endemic to the region. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and monkeys as you trek through the lush trails.

afternoon
:

After your nature exploration, have a picnic lunch surrounded by the sounds of wildlife. Spend the afternoon kayaking on the serene river that flows through the reserve, taking in the breathtaking views and tranquility. If you're lucky, you might even spot some dolphins swimming alongside you.

evening
:

Return to Capela and unwind at your accommodation, reflecting on the day's adventures. For dinner, seek out a local restaurant that specializes in seafood, where you can enjoy fresh fish dishes. Wrap up your day by taking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the cool evening breeze.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$7-12
Coffee$1-2.5
🚕Local transport ticket$0.50-1.50
💧Bottle of water$0.80-1.50
🍽️Three-course meal for two$20-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Warm Bahian hospitality and approachable pace of life
  • Rich cultural experiences in a historic town center
  • Limited nightlife and fewer major tourist amenities
  • Smaller scale may require day trips for beaches and larger markets
  • "Olá, tudo bem?" - Hi, how are you?
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Capela

Visit one of these nice places.

Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição

A colonial church with a white façade and colorful accents, ideal for early-morning or late-afternoon light.

Praça Central da Capela

The town square framed by old buildings and palm trees, perfect for candid street photography.

Mirante do Rio Capela

River overlook offering sunset silhouettes and reflective water scenes.

Calçadão Histórico

Historic boardwalk with craft stalls and vibrant façades that photograph beautifully at golden hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Capela

Capela sits within Bahian culinary traditions, where seafood, dendê oil, cassava, and bright tropical fruits define everyday meals. You’ll encounter comforting stews, grilled fish, and street snacks that pair well with a mug of strong coffee or a cold caipirinha after a long day of exploring.

Capela Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moqueca Baiana

A fish stew cooked in dendê (palm) oil with coconut milk, peppers, and cilantro. Commonly found in Bahian seaside or riverfront eateries.

Must-Try!

Caruru

A flavorful mix of okra, shrimp, and toasted cashews often served with rice or acarajé lovers’ plates; look for it in family-run restaurants.

Acarajé

Fried balls of black-eyed pea dough served with vatapá and caruru; widely available from street vendors and markets.

Sarapatel

A spicy pork or lamb dish that appears on some regional menus; best for adventurous eaters.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Capela

A compact market offering fresh fish, tropical fruits, cassava flour, and regional staples.

Street Food Stands

Tapioca, fried plantains, and grilled corn are common close to the central square, especially in the evenings.

Climate Guide

Weather

Capela has a tropical climate with hot temperatures most of the year. The rainy season typically runs from April to July, with a drier period from August to November; humidity can be high and evenings are warm year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake or light cheek kiss among friends; address elders as Senhor/Senhora and use polite language.

Dining

Meals are social; wait for everyone to be served before eating and sample local specialties.

Religious Sites

Dress modestly when visiting churches; show respect during ceremonies and local events.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets and be cautious with valuables in busy areas. Use licensed taxis, stay in well-lit areas at night, and keep an eye on weather-related hazards during the rainy season.

Tipping in Capela

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; leave around 5-10% in restaurants if service charge is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely used; credit/debit cards common in larger venues; some smaller shops may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with regular afternoon showers; bring sun protection, light clothing, and plenty of water for outdoor activities.

Winter

Milder daytime temperatures with cooler evenings; perfect for city walks and outdoor exploring with light layers.

Nightlife Guide

Capela at Night

The nightlife in Capela is low-key and community-oriented, with small bars offering forró and sertanejo music, especially on weekends. Expect casual gatherings rather than club-style scenes, often with friendly voices and shared plates of street snacks.

Hiking in Capela

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Serra de Itabaiana National Park

A protected area with panoramic viewpoints, forest trails, and wildlife; suitable for day hikes near Capela.

Pico do Itabaiana trail

Challenging ascent offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys and coastline on clear days.

Airports

How to reach Capela by plane.

Aracaju International Airport (AJU)

Main regional hub serving Sergipe; about a 1-2 hour drive to Capela depending on traffic and route.

Salvador International Airport (SSA)

A larger international airport in nearby Bahia; more flight options but farther by road.

Maceió/Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport (MCZ)

Another option in the region with connections across Brazil; longer drive to Capela.

Getting Around

Walkability

Capela's town center is compact and walkable, with most sights reachable on foot. Side streets can be uneven; comfortable footwear helps. The central square and market area are particularly pleasant for easy exploration.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Afro-Brazilian communities

A significant portion of the population reflecting Sergipe’s diverse heritage, with strong cultural traditions in music and cuisine.

Ribeirinhos (river communities)

Communities living along the Capela River and nearby waterways, contributing to local markets and seafood cuisine.

Tourists and day-trippers

Visitors drawn to the historic town center, local beaches, and nature trails, especially on weekends.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

By far the most popular sport; local matches and informal play are common in parks and fields.

Beach volleyball

Popular near coastal areas and during weekend gatherings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light outside peak hours; roads can be narrow in the historic center and rural stretches may be slower. Public transport is limited, so taxis or rideshares are convenient for longer trips. Plan extra time for day trips during rainy season when weather can affect road conditions.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Capela.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options emphasize beans, rice, cassava, vegetables, and salads; ask for plant-based versions of traditional moqueca and vatapá when possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available locally through small clinics; for more comprehensive services, travelers should use facilities in larger cities like Aracaju. Brazil’s SUS system offers emergency care, with private clinics available in larger towns nearby.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide