Ilhéus has beaches on both sides of the city. The urban beaches immediately north and south of the centre are serviceable but not the main draw. The best beaches are further out.
Praia do Norte (also called Praia dos Milionários) is a long stretch of sand about 4km north of the centre, named for the cacao barons who built mansions along it during the boom years. It is calmer than the city beaches and has good infrastructure.
Praia da Avenida runs along the south side of the city and is the most accessible urban beach, with bars and food stalls along the seafront avenue. Reasonable for a dip but not for a quiet afternoon.
Praia de Olivença, about 18km south, is the beach worth making an effort for: a long, wide stretch with natural springs of fresh water emerging from the sand and a more relaxed atmosphere than the city beaches. Buses run from the rodoviária.