Praia do Porto da Barra

After a day's work this is where I like to go with friends to watch the sun set over the bay. It is overlooked by two forts and it might be small but it's perfectly formed.

Praia Pituaçu

Ten minutes along the coast, but still in central Salvador, this is the place to have a good time. There are bars and clubs and lots of people really up for some fun.

Praia Boca do Rio

This is right by Pituaçu, but a completely opposite vibe: it is totally peaceful. I used to come here to chill out and relax.

The rest of my favourite beaches are off the Linha Verde (the Green Line), which is the motorway north from Salvador.

Praia Barra do Itariri

About 70 miles up the Linha Verde, this is a place to have adventures. It's beautiful, calm and rustic, and it attracts quite a young crowd. It's a longer drive but it's definitely worth it.

Praia de Imbaçaí

Ten miles up the Linha Verde, this beach is ideal if you want to relax. The infrastructure is great, the hotels are pretty good - and so it's a bit more expensive. A river separates the village of Imbaçai from the long thin, gorgeous beach. You can get here in no time at all from the city.

· Lower City (Cidade Baixa) - a film set in Salvador which won the Prix de la Jeunesse at Cannes this year - is out on 2 December.