In my humble opinion, the beach in Salvador is nothing to write home about. Sure, there are a variety of stalls and trendy bars, but that's about it. The water may be hot, but it's far from crystal clear and the waterfront is nothing special.
I had to shell out 10 reais just for an umbrella, and the average price for a beer was 8 reais. Even water costs around 4 reais, making it an expensive outing.
Sure, the beach is beautiful, but it's located twenty-six miles away from the center of Salvador, which makes it quite a trek to get there. And while the strip of sand may be extensive, it's also quite deserted in several points, even during high season.
The quiet neighborhood next to Stella Maris and Itapuã may seem appealing, but the services offered such as restaurants, markets, and cafeterias are nothing to write home about. The only saving grace is the shop