50,000 visitors during Carnival 2026 and near-100% hotel occupancy: Itacaré is now Brazil’s hottest coastal destination.
The numbers speak for themselves: Itacaré, a small beach town on Bahia’s southern coast, welcomed 50,000 tourists during the 2026 Carnival season — surpassing last year’s figures, according to estimates from the Bahia State Tourism Secretariat (Setur-BA). Hotel occupancy hovered near 100% throughout the summer, the Municipal Tourism Secretariat confirmed. For a city of fewer than 30,000 residents, the scale of that influx is remarkable.
A destination that outgrew its surf-town roots
Itacaré built its reputation on world-class surf breaks, Atlantic Forest trails, and a lively nightlife scene. But what’s driving its current boom is infrastructure. The city now offers around 10,000 beds across resorts, boutique hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals — a capacity that has expanded dramatically over the past decade. Today, the destination attracts backpackers, surfers, families, and luxury travelers alike, supported by environmental preservation policies and a commitment to sustainable tourism.
Aguilar Lima Group bets on growth
The Aguilar Lima Group (GAL), one of the town’s leading hospitality operators, reported a 17% increase in January 2026 compared to the same month in 2025. The group manages four properties in the heart of Itacaré: Resende Imperial Hotel e Spa, Terra Boa Hotel Boutique, and the guesthouses Pedra Torta and Vira Canoa.
“In January 2026, we saw 17% growth compared to the same period last year. This loyalty and increase is due to the great experience our guests have in our accommodations, which cater to a wide range of tastes — alongside everything Itacaré represents as a truly Complete Destination.” — Pedro Aguilar Lima, Commercial Director, Aguilar Lima Group
Now, the group is pushing further. A new development with one hundred residential units is planned for completion in 2028 — a project its director frames as a statement of long-term confidence in the destination.
“This new development is not just a real estate project. It is one more consistent step within a structured growth plan for the Aguilar Lima Group. We continue to believe in Itacaré, in the destination’s potential, and in the power of tourism done right — with professional management, governance, and a long-term vision. Growth demands responsibility. And that is exactly how we are building.” — Pedro Aguilar Lima, Commercial Director, Aguilar Lima Group
Public strategy behind the surge
Municipal Tourism Secretary Patrícia Veras credits the surge to years of coordinated promotion between the local government and the tourism industry.
“This considerable increase in tourist flow is a reflection of promotional actions and investments made over recent years. Participation in trade fairs, training for agents and operators, famtrips, press trips, social media engagement, and the Top Operadoras Turísticas Itacaré event are examples of initiatives promoted by the trade and the Municipal Tourism Secretariat that contribute to this rise.” — Patrícia Veras, Municipal Tourism Secretary of Itacaré
With record visitor numbers, expanding private investment, and consistent public policy, Itacaré is cementing its place as a benchmark for sustainable, high-quality tourism in northeastern Brazil.
Photo: Divulgação
