Arraial D'Ajuda lies on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in southern Bahia. This tropical paradise was first discovered by hippies in the early 70s, a post-Woodstock generation that traveled the world and found in Arraial an alternative way of life with new values. The streets of the town are unpaved, and lined with small, rustic inns and charming restaurants, that blend perfectly with the town's carefree ambience. A pedestrian district known as "Broadway" is a must in Arraial with its many bars and restaurants where tables are set up right on the sidewalk.

The variety of foods available is almost as great as the variety of music. The shops only open in the end of the afternoon and close at about midnight.

People dress very informally and it's considered completely normal to go shopping in a bikini or even to go to a nightclub wearing shorts. And just when you think the town is settling down for the night, the party is just beginning with luaus on the beach and dancing until the early hours of the morning.