The town of Canavieiras, in the south of the state of Bahia, has an interesting and colorful past that contributs to it's present-day charm. Situated at the mouth of the River Pardo, the town truly flowered during the days when this region was one of the world's largest producers of cacao, the plant from which chocolate is made. The tycoons who ran the shipping-related businesses built extravagant homes in a colonial style, often with whimsical statues atop the structures. Today, most of the houses are brightly-colored restaurants, bars, and shops around the Old Port.
Canavieiras is connected with the island of Atalaia by a short bridge. First stop on the beach are several snack bars with thatched roofs over rough-hewn tables, serving local seafood dishes and ice-cold beer; it doesn't get more authentic than this! Heading south on the island will take you to the little village of Atalaia, populated mostly by local fishermen. If you happen to visit during a festival period, you'll encounter lively dancers, local seafood stews, and who knows what else! Going northbound on the island will take you to several beachside restaurants and, eventually, to Bem No Mar.
The weather in this part of Brazil is, in two words, delightfully tropical. During summer (January through March), the temperature can rise to the '90s and is generally dry. In "winter" (July and August), the weather is still pleasantly in the mid 70s and 80s. At Bem No Mar, there is a near-constant onshore breeze year-round.
Cuisine in most Canavieiras restaurants typically consists of delicious local dishes, featuring fresh fish and seafood prepared in Bahia styles. You can also find simple yet excellently prepared meat and poultry dishes. There's even a small place that features a dozen varieties of hamburgers and even more flavors of homemade ice cream.
Local sights of interest include the historic Old Port and surrounding streets, the main cathedral, and the tiny village of Atalaia. Many guests find the most interesting sights from the water. This region of Brazil contains extensive (and government-protected) areas of mangrove. You can even rent a boat to take you through a virtual forest of mangrove, including a stop at a natural mud bath!