Things To Do
in Matina
Matina is a coastal town in Bahia, Brazil, tucked between mangrove-lined estuaries and tropical forests. Its Afro-Brazilian heritage shines in music, cuisine, and crafts, while its shoreline offers calm beaches and vibrant fishing culture. The town center is a mosaic of colorful colonial buildings, markets, and warm, welcoming residents.
Visitors can savor Bahian flavors, snap dramatic sunsets, and use Matina as a base to explore nearby natural reserves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Matina and settle into your accommodation. Take some time to refresh and prepare for your first exploration of the town. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at a local café to experience the flavors of Brazilian cuisine.
Join a guided tour to learn about Matina's rich history. Visit the local museum and immerse yourself in the stories that shaped the town. Don’t forget to take photos of the historical architecture and beautiful landscapes.
Savor a traditional dinner at a restaurant that features regional dishes. Engage with locals and share stories over a shared meal. End your night with a stroll through the lively town square, where you can enjoy live music performances.
Start your day with a visit to the nearby parks and natural reserves. Take a guided nature walk to appreciate the lush flora and fauna unique to Brazil. Capture stunning photographs of the serene environment.
Have a picnic lunch in a scenic spot surrounded by nature's beauty. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or simply relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere. Engage with your fellow adventurers as you share your experiences.
Experience a sunset hike in the mountains that offer breathtaking views of Matina. As the sun sets, gather around a campfire and enjoy local snacks while connecting with nature. Return to town for a cozy night at your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-3 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5L) | $2-4 |
| 🚖Taxi start fare | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two in mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming culture and delicious Bahian cuisine
- Beautiful beaches and mangrove scenery
- Good value for money and friendly locals
- Limited infrastructure in remote areas
- Seasonal rain can affect outdoor plans
- Tourist crowds in peak season
- "Pode me indicar um bom restaurante?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a praia?" - Where is the beach?
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
Places to Visit in Matina
Visit one of these nice places.
Cliff-edge viewpoint with golden hour over the Atlantic; best for dramatic colors.
A rainbow-hued street with colonial facades; great for portrait and street photography.
Colorful stalls, spices, and fishermen with boats; capture daily life and textures.
Viewpoint overlooking mangroves and the coastline; panoramic photos.
Food in Matina
Matina Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich fish stew simmered in dendê oil, coconut milk, peppers, and herbs; best with white rice and farofa.
Must-Try!
Crisp bean fritters filled with vatapá and optional shrimp; try it at street stalls or dedicated acarajé houses.
Creamy shrimp, peanuts, coconut milk, and dendê sauce; often served with rice or tapioca.
Shrimp stewed in manioc milk with coconut and dendê; a Bahian classic.
Okra-based dish with shrimp or palm oil; typically part of festive meals and served with rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market hall where you can taste fresh fruit, coconut water, and local snacks like acarajé and tapioca.
Evening street stalls along the harbor offering grilled fish, tapioca, and coconut desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake or cheek kiss (one kiss in many social circles). Use polite phrases like bom dia/tarde.
Ask before taking photos of people; dress modestly in religious sites; show patience in lines.
Safety
Tipping in Matina
Ensure a smooth experience
In Brazil, tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. A 5-10% tip is common in sit-down restaurants if service is not included. For street food and casual places, rounding up is fine.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in restaurants and shops, with contactless payments increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and bring sunscreen.
Pleasant temperatures; fewer crowds; good for outdoor photography and market visits.
Mild to warm days, cooler nights; seas calmer near some beaches; sweater nights in town.
Dry season with comfortable temperatures; ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
Matina at Night
Hiking in Matina
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike along the cliff tops with ocean views and sea spray.
Flat, accessible boardwalk through mangroves with birdwatching opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Matina by plane.
Located near Salvador; international flights and domestic connections; from Matina take a regional bus or taxi to Salvador and then connect.
Ilhéus-Itabuna regional airport; closer than SSA but less frequent international service; good option for regional trips.
Coastal airport offering limited international flights and domestic connections; longer drive to Matina but a viable option for arrivals.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing community of people who rely on the sea for livelihoods.
Strong cultural influence in music, cuisine, and crafts; many residents have deep roots in Bahian traditions.
Growing population in town centers and cultural hubs with educational institutions nearby.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and casual games on weekends.
Folk martial art inspired dance; often performed in squares and cultural centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Matina.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Bahian dishes can be made vegetarian by using palm oil and coconut milk; look for vegetarian moqueca, acarajé without shrimp, and caldos.