When people dream of Brazil (as we too often do), images of Rio de Janeiro’s famous beaches and lively city life often come to mind — after all, it’s Bianca Brandolini’s home away from home. But further up, along the Bahia coastline, there’s a quieter destination that locals and insiders whisper about: Trancoso. Unassuming and full of natural beauty, this tiny beach town has become a well-kept secret among in-the-know travelers — and after a short visit, it’s easy to see why.

We caught up with Olivia Hamers, a well-traveled fashion enthusiast and content creator with a knack for finding places that blend culture and cool in equal measure. Fresh off her recent trip to Trancoso, Olivia shared her favorite finds and tips for exploring one of Brazil’s most captivating corners.

“Trancoso was brief but absolutely delightful,” Olivia tells us. “It’s not like Rio or São Paulo. It’s slower, simpler — and that’s exactly its charm.”

Trancoso sits on a cliff above golden beaches, where jungle meets sea and cobblestone paths lead to colorful rustic homes. At the center of it all is the Quadrado, a grassy town square flanked by boutiques, restaurants, and a small whitewashed church with a postcard-perfect view of the ocean.

Whether you’re lounging on nearly deserted beaches, wandering through artisan shops, or sipping something sweet under a palm tree, Trancoso offers a laid-back version of Brazilian paradise.

In Trancoso, the food is just as memorable as the scenery — simple, fresh, and made with love.

• Praia das Tartarugas Restaurant – Set along the beach with cabanas and panoramic views. “We ordered moqueca, a traditional Bahian fish stew, and it was divine.”
  
  

• Maritaca Pizzeria – Light and cozy, this local spot is ideal for a low-key dinner after exploring town.
  
  

• Murú Bar – Hidden in a narrow street just off the Quadrado, Murú is a lively, unpretentious bar with great music and even better cocktails.

• Santo Café – Ideal for a coffee break between shops or after the beach.

The beauty of Trancoso lies in its slow rhythm. You don’t need an itinerary — just curiosity and a luxury bikini from ViX to keep you well prepared.

• Beach Days – Trancoso’s beaches are uncrowded. Olivia recommends Praia de Trancoso (also known as Praia dos Nativos) for its peaceful vibe and calm waters, perfect for swimming or a beach walk at sunrise.

• UXUA Praia – For a day with more structure and things to do, book a spot at UXUA’s beach club for elevated lounging, lunch, and cocktails.
  
  

• The Quadrado – This is the heart of Trancoso. Shops are small, locally owned, and full of personality. Olivia loved Almesca (a pharmacy with a curated mix of beauty and fashion), Figah (for handmade jewelry), and boutiques like Orí, Divinos Trancoso, and Nomad.

While Olivia stayed in a local Airbnb near the Quadrado, she also recommends:

• UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa – A boutique stay made up of restored fisherman homes with design pedigree (no surprise it’s co-founded by the former Diesel creative director).
  
  

• 6:30 Inn – A smaller, charming guesthouse with a warm, authentic feel.

And that’s Trancoso. From its raw, natural beauty to its welcoming spirit, Trancoso is a place that lingers with you, long after the trip ends. As Olivia put it: “A place that captivates with its beauty, energy, and the little details that stay with you. I highly recommend it.” If you’re looking for a lesser-known destination that blends beach bliss with cultural charm, let this be your sign to explore Brazil beyond Rio. Trancoso is waiting.