South of the Marau Peninsula, Bahia’s coastline showcases picture-postcard Brazil where beautiful beaches are framed by cocoa plantations and large tracts of virgin Atlantic Rainforest. The stunning shores have long attracted hippies, surfers and environmentalists alike and created a burgeoning tourism industry around the once sleepy, fishing town of Itacare. Today, the cobbled town buzzes with restaurants, tour agencies and rustic guesthouses and is the ideal base for exploring the beaches, rivers and hidden coves. Travel further along the coast and simple, family-run “pousadas” are replaced by tasteful eco-resorts and sumptuous boutique hotels.