Free spirits and adventurous hearts, the hippies who came here around the 70`s made Trancoso famous all over their world, but the place was going to be “settled” on the jet set international map by the Diesel designer, Wilbert Das, who, by designing the UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa has brought the lifestyle detail for the pretentious ones and has revolutionized the entire area for the last 8 years.

I can`t realize if the magic of Trancoso comes from the blend of simplicity, perfectly balanced by the paradise-like scenery or its inhabitants deserve being praised for their extraordinary merit of keeping this place unspoiled and yet, more and more crowded with tourists. It`s an extremely rare paradox which gives Troncoso its ultimate charm, leisurely and naturally emphasized by the sweet Bahian flavors, the dark green grandeur of the rain forests, the incredible savor of a guava or of a fresh coconut or a tapioca crepe that can`t be compared to anything else...

Trancoso colored list:

1. “Waste”your time in Quadrado, the place where everything happens, and includes the vibe of the city, the most important element, the quintessence, the central square bordered on both sides by colorful, little houses which were formerly fishermen`s homes and which are now turned into resturants, bars, shops and hotels in the most original way you could possibly imagine; there is also a church here, whose silhouette can be seen everywhere (on postcards, t-shirts, and many others…) and in front of which the locals are in the habit of playing football every afternoon. And if you happen to be here in the height of the festival, it`s even better, as you can see more of the local customs, while enjoying the holiday together with all the people (I caught Festa de Sao Bras)

2. Check as many wide beaches with beach clubs as you can-the most spectacular is Uxua Praia Bar, where you can have an uber-cool party on the beach, on the night of the Full Moon, with live music or you can choose Café de la Musique or Casa Clube, and if you want to share the typical Brazilian atmosphere, then go to Barraca do Jonas or to Silvana & Cia in Praia dos Coqueiros, as simple and authentic as possible

3. Go for some walks along the various beaches, such as Praia dos Nativos, Praia dos Coqueiros and all the others, toget back your (Brazilian) energy again

4. Riding a horse at dusk or during the daytime is a must, trustme, if you try, you won`t regret it…

5. Sit and unwind at the little tables of the bars in Quadrado, with a caipirinha in your hand, live music can be heard everywhere, every evening, therefore you are spoilt for choice. You can try to spend your time at Sagrado, where you can listen to live music and admire a simple and charming décor, at Uxua, at Champagnerie de Doña Lora (with a very chic design, actually being a small bar with local wines and frothy drinks) or  Monkey House,a 10 minute walk from Quadrado, located in an exotic garden with an exceedingly unique and charming air + live bossa nova

6. Try restaurants like Silvana & Cia, which offers you a lot of savory fish and seafood specialties, the best moqueca (in my colored opinion) is to be found at the Uxua restaurant, Vittoria is also renowned for its moquecas or Capim Santo, which is the most famous in Trancoso and it`s worth a visit, but also El Gordo, a relaxed, fresh and traditional spot

7. Don`t miss a capoeira on a Saturday afternoon in Quadrado, by the church (anyway you`d better check in advance the time when the performance takes place) or on Tuesday evening when they rehearse, at the club

8. Don`t fail to taste the handicraft chocolate that sells at the market stalls in Quadrado and the organic coffee to be taken at home, from Jacarre do Brasil. Mmmm… And enjoy a coffee with the locals at The Coffee Bar.

9. Go to the Saturday market, to take the pulse of the place, the local people come here with fruits, vegetables, fish and all kinds of other things

10. Go towards the Espelho Beach, 28 km away, with its famous Silvinha restaurant (the best thing for you is to make a reservation by your hotel, as there are only a few tables and the food is excellent)

Colored tip: Do NOT set off without taking an anti-mosquito spray, as you are going to meet them everywhere and they are very nasty!