Things To Do
in Nordestina
Nordestina is a small inland town in Bahia set among rolling hills and agricultural fields. The town exudes a warm, rural charm with a friendly, welcoming community and a relaxed pace of life. Its Centro Histórico blends colonial elements with colorful, lived-in streets that are great for spontaneous photography.
Rich in regional culture and crafts, Nordestina acts as a gateway to the Bahia interior and its rural traditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with an early flight arrival in Salvador and check into a cozy pousada near the historic center. Sample a traditional acarajé at a street stall while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Stroll along colorful colonial facades as locals set up shops for the day.
Dive into the heart of Pelourinho, exploring its UNESCO-listed cobblestone streets and baroque churches. Visit the São Francisco Church and marvel at its gilded woodwork and intricate azulejo tiles. Stop by a local café to taste a refreshing cup of Bahian coffee.
Attend a live capoeira performance in a sunlit square where dancers showcase acrobatic moves to traditional berimbau rhythms. Savor a Bahian moqueca dinner at a churrascaria with ocean views. End the night with caipirinha cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the bay.
Board a traditional escuna for a scenic cruise across the shimmering waters of All Saints Bay. Feel the sea breeze as you glide past verdant islands and hidden coves. Capture panoramic views of Salvador’s pastel-colored skyline from the deck.
Drop anchor near Ilha dos Frades for a beachside lunch featuring freshly grilled fish and coconut-infused rice. Swim in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish and gently swaying algae. Relax on the sun-warmed sand listening to the distant calls of seabirds.
Return to the city just in time to watch a fiery sunset over the bay. Enjoy a seafood risotto paired with a chilled white wine at a waterfront restaurant. Wander along the lighthouse promenade to admire the illuminated Fort of São Marcelo.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Lodging per night (budget hotel) | $20-40 |
| 🚌Public transport ticket (one-way) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm Bahian hospitality and welcoming communities
- Rich local culture, crafts, and countryside scenery
- Limited large-scale nightlife or urban amenities
- Rural transport options may require planning and patience
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Fale mais devagar, por favor" - Please speak more slowly
Places to Visit in Nordestina
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively square framed by colorful colonial buildings and the town church, ideal for candid street photography and golden-hour portraits.
The main church with surrounding houses painted in bright hues provides classic Bahian architectural photography opportunities.
A lookout point offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and farmlands, especially striking at sunrise.
Food in Nordestina
Nordestina Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting mix of rice, beans, dried meat or pork, and cheeses, often served with a side of greens or plantains.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried bean balls topped with vatapá or caruru; look for stalls offering vegetarian-friendly fillings if available.
Okra and shrimp stew with toasted nuts and spices, commonly enjoyed with arroz de leite and yuca or farofa.
A vegetal variation of fish stews featuring plantains and coconut milk, reflecting coastal Bahia flavors in a home-style version.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can taste fresh produce, regional cheeses, cassava flour, and small snacks from stalls along the aisles.
Quaint street vendors offering fried snacks, grilled corn, and fruit cups; great for a quick bite between sightseeing.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a friendly hello or bom dia. Handshakes or a kiss on the cheek may occur among friends; greet elders with courtesy.
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Remove hats and speak in a respectful tone inside sacred spaces.
Bahian culture values warmth and conversation; avoid rushing others and listen attentively during chats.
Safety
Tipping in Nordestina
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is customary if service is not included. Small tips to guides or drivers are appreciated but not obligatory.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and smaller eateries. Cards are increasingly accepted in larger establishments and hotels. ATMs are available in town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect hot days with high humidity and frequent afternoon showers. Hydrate well, wear light clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Pleasant temperatures with milder evenings; a good time for outdoor walks and photography without the peak heat.
Warm days and cooler nights; however, it remains generally mild. Nights can be chilly, so bring a light jacket.
Balanced weather with blooming flora; excellent for outdoor activities and markets without heavy rain.
Nordestina at Night
Hiking in Nordestina
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic hillside routes with viewpoints overlooking valleys and farms; suitable for easy to moderate hikes.
Short trail along a river with shaded sections and opportunities for photography and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Nordestina by plane.
Main gateway to Bahia; road transfer to Nordestina typically takes several hours depending on traffic and route.
Regional option with more flight connections; longer road transfer to Nordestina.
Farther away but sometimes convenient for certain flight options; expect a longer transfer to Nordestina.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Afro-Brazilian, mixed heritage, and rural families with strong cultural traditions.
People traveling from other parts of Bahia and Brazil for markets, crafts, and regional experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and informal games are common in plazas and fields.
Casual swimming, kayaking, and small-scale outdoor sports are common around rivers and ponds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nordestina.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Bahian dishes rely on beans, rice, cassava, and vegetables. Look for plant-based versions of stews and ask for no shrimp or animal stock. If in doubt, request dishes prepared with oil instead of lard and confirm no meat-based broths are used.