Ponta de Nossa Senhora: Beach, Church and Viewpoint

Praia de Ponta de Nossa Senhora lies in the northern part of Ilha dos Frades, in Salvador, in the state of Bahia. The beach, the Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe Church and a viewpoint above the church give the place different points of interest: coastline, history and views over Baía de Todos os Santos. There are also opportunities to get out on the water, ride a bike and explore on foot. One important detail for planning your visit: the beach can only be reached by sea.

Beach scenes along Baía de Todos os Santos

Praia de Ponta de Nossa Senhora has been awarded the Blue Flag. Its certification status may vary by season; if the award is important to your choice of beach, check its current status. Praia de Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe is also located in an area of cultural and landscape protection (APCP) along Baía de Todos os Santos.

Beach kiosks at Praia de Ponta de Nossa Senhora serve seafood and fish. By contrast, Praia de Viração near Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe is considered a more secluded beach without kiosks or vendors. The two beaches therefore offer different experiences: one shore with food options and another described as quieter and without stalls. Individual beach businesses may change. If you plan to visit the kiosks, check in advance that they are currently open.

Church, history and views

The Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe Church was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and fully restored by Fundação Baía Viva in 2007. Its history thus includes two distinct chapters: its Portuguese construction and its later restoration. The large staircase leading to the church was also rebuilt.

Above the church, a viewpoint on the summit looks out over Baía de Todos os Santos. Visiting the church and taking in the view over the bay appeal to different interests: those interested in the history of the place can find a tangible connection in the building, while those who want to focus on the landscape can make the viewpoint a destination in its own right. Both help shape the character of Ponta de Nossa Senhora, without requiring the beach and culture to be combined into a single focus for your visit.

Activities on the water and on land

Snorkelling and scuba diving are offered at the Centro de Mergulho Recreativo near Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe. A free bike tour runs from Loreto across the island to Ponta de Nossa Senhora and is available by prior appointment. Since availability may change, arrange a time before adding the tour firmly to your plans.

You can also take walks in the village and along the beach promenade. Stand-up paddleboarding is listed as a sport available at Praia de Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe. The options range from water activities and a ride across the island to walks around the village. If you enjoy varying the pace of your days, you can choose between these options according to what you feel like doing, rather than planning every day the same way.

Find the right holiday apartment for your plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ponta de Nossa Senhora, it helps to first decide which outings matter most to you: do you want to focus on the beach, are you especially interested in the church and viewpoint, or would you like to arrange a bike tour? For a day at the beach, remember that access is only possible by sea. Check current routes and conditions in advance, as they may change. The bike tour requires an advance appointment.

This makes it easier to choose where to stay based on the experiences that matter most to you: coastline, architectural history, views or getting active. Your holiday apartment is the starting point for planning each day your way; be sure to take the current local conditions at the beach and for the bike tour into account, according to your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Porto Do Sauípe, Serrinha, Jiquiriçá, Caetité, Salvador Da Bahia, Tabocas, Terra Nova, Sobradinho.

Go to the main travel overview: Bahia.