Salvador vs. Itacaré for my last solo days in Bahia worth the trek?
Hi everyone! Just arrived in Salvador with family, here until Wednesday. After that I’m solo until my flight home Sunday night (22h).
Two options I’m torn between:
1. Stay in Salvador the whole time, explore solo (Pelourinho, Rio Vermelho, maybe a day trip to Praia do Forte or Morro de São Paulo for a beach fix).
2. Go to Itacaré: ferry + 6h bus each way, arrive Wed evening, 2 full days there (Thu/Fri), then either rush back Sunday (risky with a 22h flight) or come back Saturday (safer, but only ~1.5-2 days on the beach for 12h of travel).
Everyone says both places are amazing so I can’t decide. I love good beaches but I’m also a bit nervous about the safety reputation of Salvador solo (probably overblown?). Is Itacaré worth 12h of transit for such a short stay, or should I just find a closer beach and enjoy Salvador properly? Would love to hear from anyone who’s done either as a solo traveler