This Stunning City In Brazil Boasts Lively Nightlife, Rich History, And Beaches For Days

Coastal towns reign supreme in Brazil, South America's largest country and a famed tourist haven. Be it Ceará's pink sand dunes, Rio Grande do Norte's pristine reefs, or Rio de Janeiro's iconic shoreline, you have 4,655 miles of the Atlantic coast to experience — and every single inch is worth discovering. Narrowing down your visit to just São Paulo and Rio doesn't do it justice. If you shift your focus to the northeast region, specifically the state of Bahia, you'll find more immaculate beaches and vibrant nightlife in Porto Seguro. Perhaps the average tourist thinks this city is a hidden gem, but for high school graduates in Brazil — it's a rite of passage.

When Portuguese colonization came to the continent in 1500, they first set foot in Porto Seguro and made contact with the Tupiniquim tribe. Many of the colonial buildings still stand in the historic center, which is rightfully a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Culturally, Porto Seguro hosts some of the coolest Carnaval (or Carnival) parties in the country, blasting Afro-Brazilian Axé beats throughout the entire celebration. Even if you don't plan your trip around Carnaval, your time in Porto Seguro will be full of drinking and dancing at Passarela do Álcool, then dealing with your hangover by listening to the ocean waves.

If you're using Rio as your reference to get to Porto Seguro, don't even think about driving there — unless you want to have a multi-day journey. Instead, fly directly to Porto Seguro Airport and head straight to your accommodation. Since it's a resort town, you can book a stay right on the coast at Portal Beach Hotel, Porto Seguro Praia Resort, and Best Western Shalimar Praia Hotel, to name a few. To be closer to the historic center, Eco Bahia Hotel Porto Seguro is a top choice.

Beach bummin' in Porto Seguro is a given, and Praia do Espelho is the most popular one in town. This stretch of sand is at its most breathtaking at low tide, when the water perfectly reflects the sky just like a mirror — which is what "Espelho" means in Portuguese. When spending the day here splashing around, make sure to stay until sunset for remarkable afterglow views. For water sports opportunities, Praia do Mucugê is the place to be. Many people come here to try kitesurfing and windsurfing. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, so you can enjoy a delicious waterfront lunch.

If you're looking for beach bars and parties, make your way to Praia de Taperapuã. This is where most of the high school graduates come to celebrate their milestone — all the fun beach huts are found right here. When it gets too loud, head to Praia de Mutá for a much-needed respite. The water here is calm, ideal for lounging under the sun with a good book in hand.

You can't visit Porto Seguro and skip the historic center. The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful homes, which lead you to Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Pena. Dating back to the 16th century, the church boasts a white exterior with yellow accents. Nearby is another chapel, Capela de São Benedito, with its humble facade and blue door. A short walk will bring you to the Museum of Discovery, where you'll come across the Marco do Descobrimento — a stone column marking the arrival of the Portuguese. The museum houses exhibits about the indigenous tribes that lived in the region, as well as the post-settlement period. Don't forget to stop by the lookout for scenic vistas of the Porto Seguro Lighthouse.

Walking down the Passarela do Descobrimento, you'll eventually arrive at Passarela do Álcool — exactly where you want to be for nocturnal vibes. The liveliest bars and pubs are located there, with musicians filling the streets with raw energy. Whichever spot you end up in, order the Brazilian specialty caipirinha, capeta, or neat cachaça. Morocha Club is the best place for good music and lots of dancing. Whether it's a live band or a DJ playing, something is happening here any day of the week. For a beach club kind of night, check out Trancoso Music Cafe — the cocktails taste even better by the sea.

For a refreshing pint of beer, Cervejaria Kabral will take care of your needs all night. Sip on your IPA with a mouthwatering burger, and you have yourself a decent meal. The spirits are always high at Casa 30eUm — it's a great spot to indulge in fruity cocktails, hang out with friends, and make new ones too. Expect the same atmosphere when you swing by Astrolábio Bar. Play a round of billiards with your drinking buddies, crack open a cold one, and toast to a night well spent. As for one last blast, Tôa Tôa knows how to leave an impression that'll make you want to come back to Porto Seguro every summer.

Falling in love with Brazil's coastal cities is the easiest thing you'll ever do — the hard part is picking favorites. How can one compare Porto Seguro's delights to Paraty's scenic beaches that offer year-round warmth? Or with the country's "Pearl of the Atlantic" just outside of São Paulo? Your bucket list is only going to grow when you're traveling in South America.