Maraú is an inhabited paradise located on the peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Camamu bay, which has a maze of about 90 islands of all sizes. It is an accessible paradise, having more than 40 km of beaches, comparable in beauty but less pricey than its archipelago sibling – Fernando de Noronha. As a fact, by Marau the indigenous mean “sunlight at dawn”. It’s a place where no matter the photographer’s skills, the colors will impress the viewer. The first step to blend in with the locals is to reach Marau by crossing the gulf by ferry from the city of Camamu, right from the BA 001 highway.
Our destination, Barra Grande is a seasonal fishermen village which is slowly turning into an ecological resort, helped by its stunning beach with fine sand and bordered by tall palm trees. The place of our choice to crash and relax is Dreamland bungalows, a brand-new pousada (guest-house) launched in December 2010. The friendliness of its staff, as reviewed by many visitors sounds like a good service promise to us. You’ll meet for sure locals who are living a tranquil life and will make you wonder why go home and not stay for a few years more and return younger thanks to the sun, ocean breeze, blue water and healthy sea-food.
After walking the almost 2 miles of fine sand of the Barra Grande beach, enjoying the hammocks hanging between the palm trees or swimming in the light blue water a more adventurous activity would be to rent a bike and take the dirt road up north to the cape of Ponta do Muta and see the lighthouse, after passing by the remains of the Portuguese fort.
A pleasant way for experiencing the calm waters of the gulf (except the ferry) is renting a boat and visiting the islands – first the Ilha de Pedra Fourada (ilha is island in Portuguese) which is a natural monument of erosion and a cradle for a rare species of mollusks feeding with minerals and leaving behind intricate hollows in the shapes, including a famous stone gate. Next, you can visit the largest island in the Gulf named obviously… Ilha Grande. You won’t find a single car on the island but you’ll find some good spots to sample some fine Pitu or Coconut desert.
Marau is the finest Bahia can offer to the blue-avid traveler. Also, the peninsula is a place you’ll find peace of mind, even if you stay only for one day. But we’re 100% positive you’ll stay longer.