Making the most of Ilheus
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth at Porto de Malhado, within walking distance of downtown.
Ilhéus is best explored through its old streets.
A printable map to take along.
Key sightseeing:
On the Atlantic coast just south of Salvador, Ilhéus pairs beautiful beaches with Portuguese heritage visible in architecture and culinary treats. Its beaches suit swimming, fishing, water sports, snorkelling or relaxing beneath a palm tree. In town, see Saint George of Ilhéus Church and adjacent Sacred Art Museum, which holds sacred documents and important 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century objects. Town beaches can be dirty; travel south for cleaner ones.
Getting around
Local travel agencies can arrange visits to a chocolate factory and Primavera Fazenda, including an introduction to the cacao-production process.
Tours also visit Lagoa Encantada, a state-protected Atlantic rain-forest area with wildlife and waterfalls.
Nearby places
Visit an old-time cacao plantation beyond town for a little chocolate heaven. After seeing the process and tasting samples, it is easy to understand why Ilhéus is called the Cacoa Coast.
Olivença's healing hot springs are a place to take a dip.
At Casa de Jorge Amado, learn about the life of the celebrated Brazilian novelist.
Food and shopping
In downtown llheus, Mercado de Artesanato sells almost anything imaginable, including hammocks, purses, landscape paintings, electronics and tiles. These are only some examples of the goods available. Bargain for purchases because many items are initially priced exorbitantly.
Money
Payments use the Brazilian Real.
Staying connected
Portuguese is spoken locally.
Only scattered cafes offer customers free WiFi.
Opening Hours and
Normal hours for most stores and businesses run from 9am to 6pm, with a longer lunch period around noon to 2pm.
Many museums are shut on monday.
Festival highlights include early-January Gincana da Pesca; Festa de São Sebastião, with much samba and capoeira, January 11 to 20; Festa de São Jorge on April 23; and Festa das Águas in December.