Located on the archipelago of Tinharé (just a short boat ride from Salvador), is the small island of Morro de São Paulo.
From the looks of the vibrant island, with its white sandy beaches and lush forests, there’s no question why this village receives a lot of attention. It’s a prime spot for any vacationer. But the spectacular nature isn’t what distinguishes this small islet from the other 31 islands (including their islets) in Brazil.
What makes Morro de São Paulo so special is the spirit of the place that you can feel emanating from the time your foot hits the sand… and it has some really interesting culture norms!
What Makes The Culture Of Morro De São Paulo So Interesting? Well,…
1. There are no cars
Morro de São Paulo is a car-free island.
You can only arrive by boat and once you’re there you only have 2 forms of transportation: by boat or by foot.
So you should be prepared to walk a lot on foot, but don’t worry, the island isn’t that big and the omission of the unnecessary pollution and noise makes for an even more relaxing ambient.
2. But there are wheelbarrows…
While there are no taxis permitted on land to help move your luggage around, Morro de São Paulo has a more environmentally friendly way to get the job done: wheelbarrows!
You’ll see them lined up on the dock from the moment you step foot on the island.
Make sure to negotiate your price prior to accepting the help.
3. Artisanry is everywhere – a most of it is from Argentinean culture
Like many other islands in Brazil, Morro de São Paulo has a large population of Argentinian immigrants.
Many of the shops and craftspeople you find at the daily craft market will be from Argentina.
That doesn’t make the artwork and jewelry you find there any less beautiful, though – I actually found some of my favorite pieces on this island.
4. Israeli summers
Walking through the streets of Morro de São Paulo, you can’t help but notice the influence of Israeli culture.
Hostels, restaurants, tourist agencies, a club, and even a pizza place all have signs written in Hebrew. There are some Israeli flags displayed. You may even start to notice some of the locals names are Israeli as well. And when it comes to summertime, well, you should expect to see a huge influx of Israelis on the island.
Don’t be surprised if you hear songs like “Tetaaru Lachem Olam Yafe” blasting through the island air.
5. The beaches aren’t named, they’re numbered
That’s right! Because names just get confusing to remember and we’re here to relax – not to think.
That’s why on this island, things are kept simple.
Here you’ll find Beach 1, Beach 2, Beach 3, and Beach 4.
Ready to see more of Brazil?
The 3 Most Popular Weekend Getaways From Rio, my Ultimate Guide to Rio, and Itaipava.
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