Things To Do
in São Mateus
São Mateus is a small coastal city in Bahia known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and Afro-Brazilian cultural influences. The town serves as a gateway to nearby mangrove forests, estuaries, and historic sites along the Atlantic coast. Local markets and waterfront eateries offer a flavorful introduction to Bahian cuisine and seafood.
Visitors should expect warm hospitality and a tropical climate with seasonal rain and sun.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through the historic center of São Mateus, where you can admire the colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Stop by the beautiful Igreja Matriz de São Mateus, an iconic church that dates back to the 18th century. As you walk, take in the local atmosphere and perhaps grab a pastel from a nearby street vendor.
After lunch at a traditional restaurant, visit the Museu Histórico de São Mateus to learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The museum showcases various artifacts and exhibits that narrate the story of the city and its people. Spend some time in the nearby Praça do Mercado, where you can experience local life and shop for handicrafts.
As the sun sets, head to a local eatery to enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood, a specialty of the region. Engage with locals and enjoy traditional live music performances that often take place in the squares. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely walk along the waterfront, soaking in the serene views of the bay.
Start your day at Praia de Guriri, a stunning beach known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the tranquil coastline and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. After some water fun, relax on the beach with a good book and a refreshing coconut water.
For lunch, indulge in a beachside meal featuring grilled fish and tropical fruits, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Spend the afternoon trying your hand at windsurfing or taking a beginner’s surfing lesson, with experienced instructors available to guide you. Enjoy the thrill of catching waves as you embrace the beautiful Brazilian coastline.
As evening approaches, find a cozy beach bar to unwind with a caipirinha, Brazil’s famous cocktail. Watch the sunset paint the sky with colors while enjoying some live music performed by local bands. Savor a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties as the stars begin to twinkle overhead.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for 2 in mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🥤Coffee or soft drink | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (one night) | $30-60 |
| 🚗Taxi start (1 km) | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed beach-town vibe with friendly locals
- Rich Afro-Brazilian culture and cuisine
- Good access to nature (mangroves, beaches, viewpoints)
- Compact city center is easy to explore on foot
- Fewer big-city amenities and nightclubs
- Seasonal rain can affect some outdoor activities
- Limited English proficiency in some areas, so basic Portuguese helps
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Eu gostaria de..." - I would like to...
Places to Visit in São Mateus
Visit one of these nice places.
Long sandy beach with a scenic shoreline and golden hour lighting ideal for horizon and reflection shots.
Elevated vantage point over the historic center and river delta, perfect for cityscape and sunset photography.
Industrial-meets-coastal vibe with boats, nets, and colorful waterfront hues ideal for candid maritime photography.
Public murals and cultural street art that showcase local arts and Afro-Brazilian themes.
Food in São Mateus
São Mateus Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich seafood stew cooked with dendê oil, coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and peppers. Commonly served with rice and farofa at seaside restaurants.
Must-Try!
Crispy black-eyed pea fritters fried in palm oil, typically filled with vatapá and caruru; widely available at street stalls and markets.
Shrimp purée cooked with cassava, coconut milk, peppers, and dendê oil; creamy, fragrant, and perfect with white rice.
A creamy paste of bread, coconut milk, dendê oil, peanuts or cashews, and spices; often paired with acarajé or served with seafood.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market where you can sample fresh fruit, regional snacks, and ready-to-eat seafood at affordable prices.
A seaside street market offering grilled fish, coxinha, pão de queijo, and other quick bites perfect for a waterfront stroll.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly
Dress modestly for churches and religious sites; beachwear is appropriate only at beaches and pool areas.
Keep conversations respectful and avoid loud, confrontational disputes in public spaces; it’s customary to show patience in queues and shops.
Safety
Tipping in São Mateus
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If service charges are not included, leaving 5-10% in full-service restaurants is common.
Cash in local currency (BRL) is widely accepted; debit and credit cards are common in larger establishments; Pix (instant payment) is increasingly used for quick transactions, especially in markets and smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with strong coastal sun; expect afternoon showers. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Still warm but with increased humidity and sporadic rain; great time for beach walks and cultural events outdoors.
Milder evenings with comfortable daytime heat; light jacket may be needed after sunset on coastal nights; rain is less frequent on the coast.
Pleasant temperatures and moderate humidity; ideal for hiking, coastal drives, and outdoor markets.
São Mateus at Night
Hiking in São Mateus
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate trails along mangrove channels and coastal cliffs with birdwatching and ocean panoramas.
Forest trails that connect scenic overlooks to seaside viewpoints, suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach São Mateus by plane.
Regional airport serving the Bahia coast with connections to major Brazilian hubs; typically a few hours by road from São Mateus.
Major international gateway in Bahia with broad connections; longer drive or transfer required to reach São Mateus.
Popular gateway for the Costa do Descobrimento; seasonal flights and reasonable transfer options to coastal Bahia towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse mix of Afro-Brazilian, European, and Indigenous heritage.
Local residents plus tourists attracted by beaches and nature.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; informal games can be found in public spaces and beaches.
Coastal beaches offer beginner-friendly waves and local surf schools.
Common on beaches and seaside promenades, often organized by locals.
Afro-Brazilian martial art performed in public spaces or studios; a cultural staple.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São Mateus.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Bahian dishes center on seafood or meat, but you can find vegetarian options such as rice and beans, grilled vegetables, fécula (cassava) dishes, and salads. Request dishes without dendê oil or ask for versions prepared with olive oil or coconut milk where possible.