Things To Do
in Itaparica

A fragrant fish stew made with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and dendê oil; widely available at beach restaurants and marisqueiras.

Must-Try!

Deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters split open and filled with vatapá, caruru and shrimp — a must-try from street vendors in the afternoon and evening.

Creamy shrimp dish made with manioc (yucca) purée and coconut milk — hearty and ubiquitous at local eateries.

Coconut or savory-stuffed tapioca pancakes sold at kiosks and cafes for breakfast or snacks.

Weekly open-air markets and the local market in Vila de Itaparica sell fresh fish, fruits, coconut water and regional snacks — great to sample local ingredients and street food.

Scattered along beaches, these casual stalls serve grilled fish, cashew drinks, cold beers and small plates ideal for a seaside meal.

Friendly greetings are important—say 'bom dia' (good morning), 'boa tarde' (good afternoon) and use a handshake or light cheek kiss among acquaintances.

Beachwear is fine at the shore, but cover up when entering shops, churches or restaurants in town; modesty is appreciated indoors and in religious sites.

Bahian culture is proud and rooted in Afro-Brazilian traditions—ask before photographing people in close-up and show respect at religious sites and local ceremonies.

Use polite phrases like 'por favor' and 'obrigado/obrigada'—locals respond warmly to attempts at Portuguese.

Restaurants often add a 10% service charge to the bill; if no service is included, a 5–10% tip is appreciated for good service. Tipping small amounts to beach servers, drivers or guides is common but discretionary.

Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used, especially at small kiosks and markets. Credit cards are accepted at many restaurants and hotels, but network reliability can vary—carry cash for ferries, taxis and street food.

Hot, sunny and humid with frequent afternoon showers possible; ideal for beach days, swimming and boat trips, but pack sun protection and light rain gear.

Transitional period with increasing rain starting in April; still warm, but some boat trips may be affected by rougher seas on rainy days.

Mild and slightly drier—temperatures remain warm compared to temperate climates, making it a pleasant time for walking and exploring without extreme heat.

Warming up toward the summer; good weather for swimming and fewer heavy rains than the autumn months—ideal for outdoor activities and photography.

Vegetarian options are available but less common; look for tapioca, salads, vegetable stews, rice & beans and some vegetable versions of vatapá. Ask for meals without dendê oil if you prefer milder flavors.

Vegan choices can be limited—stick to fruit, salads, tapioca with vegetable fillings and rice & beans; communicate clearly in Portuguese or use a translation app to ask about fish stock and dairy.

Many Brazilian staples like rice, beans, tapioca and grilled fish are gluten-free, but check for cross-contamination in busy kiosks and sauces that may contain wheat-based thickeners.

Seafood is central to the island’s cuisine—inform servers about allergies in Portuguese and consider choosing vegetarian or meat dishes when possible.