Ó-paí-ó! Welcome to Salvador!
Salvador, the old colonial capital of Brazil, lies between broad beaches and tropical hills on the bay of Todos os Santos in the northeastern part of the country. Known as Brazil's capital of happiness, Salvador is characterised by its happy-go-lucky people, open air parties and, essentially, carnival. The urban part of Salvador is also the most affluent in the whole of Bahia, reflected in its impressive architecture and quality Salvador hotels and pousadas.
Salvador's colonial legacy and strong African influences give the city a distinct and exciting atmosphere.
With almost 2,250,000 people, Salvador is next only to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in terms of population, and the eighth most populous town in the whole Latin America. It's an artistic city filled with churches, culture, great local cuisine, and a number of great places to stay. Most of the pousadas and hotels in Salvador offer great value for money and are run by friendly locals.
Culturally, Salvador has a strong African influence, and almost 80% of the metropolitan area of the city is African. This Afro-Brazilian culture is more than evident in everything from the spicy food, which still retains its African names, such as caruru, vatapa and acaraje, to religious ceremonies which fascinatingly combine African and Catholic traditions. Even today the capoeira schools in Salvador teach a traditional form of African martial art.
São Salvador da Baía de Todos os Santos was the historic name for the town, which in English means ‘the Holy Saviour of All Saints' Bay'. Todos os Santos being a natural harbour, grew as a major port and was so named because it was discovered on 'All Saints' Day. Salvador itself is a triangular peninsula which separates the bay from the Atlantic. Between 1500 and 1815, diamonds and gold from the mines of the southeast and sugar from the northeast were traded in Salvador. In addition, the rich agricultural past of the Bahia state which falls in the Recôncavo Baiano region with fertile flat lands and rolling low hills contributed to trade in Salvador.
Express Hotel
BookLocation: Caminho das Árvores
From: BRL 146.00
Flat Victoria Marina
BookLocation: Centre
From: BRL 150.00
Hotel San Marino
BookLocation: Barra
From: BRL 120.00
Guests looking to stay at one of the best locations of Salvador should head to Hotel San Marino. Located on a paradisiacal beach, the hotel is only a few minutes away from several must-see landmarks.
[more info]Pousada do Pilar
BookLocation: Historic Centre
From: BRL 150.00
A charming colonial building nestled in the Historic Centre of Salvador! In the Pousada do Pilar Hotel you enjoy a warm atmosphere with comforting nights in their carefully decorated rooms, and begin the day with a delicious breakfast on the hotel’s terrace, with a great view of Baía de Todos os Santos!
[more info]Hotel Atlantic Towers
BookLocation: Ondina
From: BRL 173.00
Atlantic Towers boasts a great location - it is close to downtown and only a few steps from the most popular beaches and tourist attractions.
[more info]Marazul Hotel
BookLocation: Porto da Barra
From: BRL 180.00
Marazul is a very comfortable hotel with a privileged location, set in front of Baia de Todos os Santos and between Porto da Barra and Farol da Barra, one of the liveliest spots of Salvador.
[more info]
