Praia da Amaralina (Amaralina Beach), Salvador

Just past Rio Vermelho Beach, you’ll find Amaralina, a favorite hangout for Salvador’s swimmers and surfers. The beach’s character comes from its sea-scattered boulders, which have appeared over the years like nature’s own avant-garde art installation. Depending on the season, parts of the shoreline become a funky tapestry of algae and coral pools, providing one-of-a-kind seaside visuals. The wide stretch of soft white sand invites impromptu soccer and beach volleyball matches, while the waters call out to sport fishers.

If you’re just looking to dip your toes in the ocean, aim for the area near the Quiosque das Baianas-anywhere else, the waves might treat you more like a surfboard than a swimmer. Amaralina got a glow-up in 2005 with some much-needed improvements, and today it’s lined with shops, apartments, and a lively avenue that sees more traffic than a Salvador carnival parade. A breezy boardwalk hugs the beach, complete with benches and palm trees that give off major vacation vibes.