Santo Antônio Sanctuary ecological park
Visitor guide

Santo Antônio Sanctuary ecological park

Santa Cruz Cabrália · Bahia

Visitor guide

Organising your visit

Atop a hill, the Sanctuary Ecological Park has the world's largest statue of Saint Anthony, beside a small chapel dedicated to the same saint. It is also a lookout over the Santo Antônio River and the river mouth where it meets the sea. It is an Environmental Protection Area (APA), amid the Atlantic Forest.

Open location on the map

About this place

In Vila de Santo Antônio, Santa Cruz Cabrália, the park brings together faith, Atlantic Forest and a lookout over the Santo Antônio River and its mouth. The large white statue of Saint Anthony—described as the world's largest dedicated to the saint—is the complex's visual landmark and stands beside the chapel. A visit combines contemplation, scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of Cabrália's northern coast.

Getting there

From the town of Santa Cruz Cabrália, take the ferry to Santo André and follow the coastal road toward Vila de Santo Antônio. Use the sanctuary's full name on your map and confirm access, hours and road conditions in advance.

Things to do

View the statue at its full scale, visit the chapel respectfully, enjoy the lookout over the river and sea, and allow time for the surrounding Atlantic Forest landscape. Combine the visit with Santo Antônio and Guaiú beaches if there is enough time to return safely.

Travel tips

Avoid the hottest hours, use sun protection and respect religious celebrations. Facilities and access may change; confirm your visit before crossing by ferry.

Practical planning

Suggested duration
1 to 3 hours
Best time
Morning or late afternoon
Costs
A contribution, admission fee or guided visit may apply
Accessibility
May include hills, natural paths or historic paving
Advance booking
Recommended for guided or community visits
Seasonality
Check local hours, celebrations and rules

Approximate distances

Porto Seguro airport
approx. 30–48 km
Porto Seguro town centre
approx. 27–45 km
Bus terminal
approx. 30–48 km
Coroa Vermelha
approx. 12–30 km
Mundaí
approx. 21–39 km
Arraial d’Ajuda
approx. 39–57 km via ferry

Distances are estimates, not journey times. Confirm the route and any ferry crossings before departure.

Free travel guide · Rede Bem Bahia accommodation

Choose your base for exploring Porto Seguro and Cabrália

You can use the entire guide without booking with us. It is produced by Rede Bem Bahia, which brings together these three properties. Compare their locations with your itinerary and discover our hotels.

Mundaí · Porto Seguro

Bahia Beira Mar Hotel

A pool, accommodation and outdoor spaces in Mundaí: a base for exploring Porto Seguro and the northern waterfront.

Coroa Vermelha · Santa Cruz Cabrália

Bem Bahia Hotel

A pool, guest rooms and breakfast in Coroa Vermelha: explore the property before planning your stay in Cabrália.

Photos from the Rede Bem Bahia collection. Confirm your room category and stay conditions with the team.

Plan your stay with Rede Bem Bahia

Tell us when you are travelling and who is coming. Our reservations team can help you choose accommodation for your trip.

This form’s details are not saved on the portal. You choose whether to send them to our team through WhatsApp.

Prefer to book online? Check the Rede Bem Bahia booking engine.

Select your hotel and dates in the booking engine. Rates, availability and conditions are confirmed there. Tours are booked separately with their operators. External hotel and booking websites may use a different language.