Valença in Brazil

Although Valença has a few colonial buildings and two moderately interesting churches, it is essentially an ugly town. The best reason to come here is to take a boat to/from Tinharé, taking an hour or two perhaps to stroll around the dirty market and visit the church of

, from where there are good views out over the town, the estuary and the surrounding mangroves. Valença is in the middle of an area that produces black pepper, cloves and

(used in making brushes and mats) but it markets itself as the prawn capital of Brazil, and smells the part. Other industries include the building and maintenance of

(fishing boats).

Long-distance buses arrive at the

is for local buses. There are frequent buses between Valença and Salvador. The fastest go via the island of Itaparica (two to three hours including the ferry). Avoid touts at the

; it's better to visit the friendly

, which has maps and transport information. Boats arrive from Tinharé..