Map - Cairu

Cairu is a municipality in the state of Bahia in the North-East region of Brazil. The municipality has a population of 18,427 with a population density of 33.3 inhabitants per square kilometer. The municipality consists of three islands: the Island of Cairu, which is only separated from the mainland by a narrow river; Tinharé Island, which has the dense tourist settlement of Morro de São Paulo to the north; and Boipeba Island.

The municipality contains part of the 230296 ha of the Caminhos Ecológicos da Boa Esperança Environmental Protection Area, created in 2003.

The Cairu region was home to a large population of Aimoré people. The Portuguese arrived in the area early in the 16th century and soon established a sugarcane plantation. Francisco Romeo, administrator of the Captaincy of São Jorge dos Ilhéus founded a small settlement in Cairu based on its mild climate. The settlers displaced the Aimoré and the settlement, known as the Vila de Nossa Senhora do Rosário do Cairú, was established in 1608. It was located on an elevation overlooking the Tinharé Channel, which leads directly to the Atlantic Ocean. The Franciscans arrived in 1654 to build the Convent and Church of Saint Anthony on another high point in the settlement. Cairu became a major producer of manioc flour and timber in the 17th century. The town was forced to contribute 166$000 annually for three decades to fund the rebuilding of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake.

By 1911 the village consisted of five districts: Cairu, the village seat; Galeão; Gamboa; Morro de São Paulo; and Velha Boipeba. It was raised to city status in 1938.