When planning our inspiration trip to Brazil, our friend and this season’s talented location photographer, Pri Gragg, pointed us to her favorite beach town: Trancoso. Tucked away in Bahia’s lush northern coast, it’s a place where time slows down and color takes center stage.
After soaking up the buzz of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, we landed in Porto Seguro and took a 45-minute cab ride into the jungle-fringed haven of Trancoso. The moment we arrived, we knew we were somewhere special.
What We Loved
Trancoso feels like a painting brought to life. Hand-painted signs in rainbow stripes point the way to shops, beaches, and cafés. Woven straw lanterns, shaped like giant jellyfish, sway above sandy paths lit by moonlight. Coconut-shell phone booths, weather-worn shutters, and walls in hot pink, seafoam, and sun-faded yellow—all added to the visual magic.
The Quadrado de Trancoso—a grassy square anchored by a charming whitewashed church—is the heart of the town. By day it’s peaceful; by night, it hums with conversation, candlelight, and the occasional guitar strum. Many of the shops in the square are open for late night shopping, which is a great way to walk off a large meal.
Where We Ate
We started every day at Rêver Café with AeroPress coffee and fruit-packed açaà bowls. In the afternoon, we re-caffeinated ourselves at Santo Café and got some tasty snacks at Le Marché Emporio. For dinner, we wandered between candle-lit spots like Ali na Janete, Silvana e Cia, and Ginger Trancoso, each offering a warm welcome and dishes that celebrated local ingredients. Food was definitely pricier in Trancoso than we had experienced in Rio and Sao Paolo, but the fresh flavors made it worth it!
Where We Shopped
Trancoso’s shops are small, colorful, and packed with personality. Chochuá is a must for the littles, while Ôxe offers an eclectic mix of secondhand treasures and new pieces. There are designer stores as well, including Brazil’s favorite swimwear designer Lenny Niemeyer, and Osklen, a sustainable streetwear brand founded in Rio.
What to Do
Spend an afternoon stretched out on Nativos Beach, or sip something cool at UXUA Praia Bar. Wander the streets, hop on a moto-taxi, chat with locals, and follow the hand-painted rainbow signs—you never know what hidden gem you’ll discover next.
Trancoso helped us slow down and truly savor the moment. With its unhurried rhythm, lush scenery, and effortlessly cool beaches, it’s a must-stop on any Brazilian adventure