Ilheus Cruises
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0800 035 5130
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Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 20:00
Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00
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The Brazilian city of Ilhéus sits on the banks of the Cachoeira and Almada Rivers, and is known for its fine colonial architecture and beaches, like the palm-tree-lined Millionaires Beach, with its parade of delicious food stalls.
Ilhéus’ beaches each have their own unique landscape and history: the enormous waves of Back Door Beach attract surfers and other water sports enthusiasts; the stunning white sands of Acuipe Beach, is ideal for walkers and sun bathers; a statue of Christ watches over central Christ Beach; and Praia da Avenida Beach offers views toward the imposing spires of St. Sebastian Cathedral.
Birthplace to the famous Brazilian novelist, Jorge Amado, Ilhéus is one of north-east Brazil’s most popular and important tourist destinations – the town’s fame comes from its history as a prosperous cocoa port. While there are many traditional Portuguese buildings, the bright, early-20th-century architecture and oddly angled streets, make Ilhéus a joyous, vibrant city to explore.
Destination Highlights
Cocoa
Nicknamed the Cocoa Coast, Ilhéus was the most important cocoa production centre in the 1930's. The still prosperous farming community evokes the days long ago when cocoa was king and was exported from this port. Still today, most of Brazil's cacao is grown in the region and Ilhéus holds a busy port where cocoa products are exported. While Ilhéus remains the traditional centre for Brazil’s cocoa cultivation and bean, processing the planting of cocoa is no longer the main source of income.
Jorge Amado
Jorge grew up on a cocoa plantation outside of Ilhéus. He died in 2001 however remains the best known Brazilian writer, having his work translated into 49 languages and published in 52 countries. His books reflect Brazil's culture, inequalities and contradictions. Ilhéus was the setting for one of his best novels, Gabriela, Cravo e Canela (Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon). There are signs of Jorge Amado around Ilhéus, from museums, to street names, cafes and statues.