São Paulo – Stressed? Need to relax? Plan to take a few days off to forget life and replenish energies? Here is a good tip: pack your bags and travel to Maceió, the capital of the state of Alagoas, in Northeastern Brazil. You can’t stay for long? That’s fine, a week gives you plenty of time to relax. Alright, five days. What is important is catching a flight prepared to put your feet in the sand, eat well and de-mist your eyesight in front of a sea, which oscillates from light blue to light green. That is not to mention the sky, which seems to have been retouched with Photoshop and, of course, the pleasant Alagoanos (the natives of the state). All of this may be reached by flying less than two hours from the city of São Paulo, directly. Isn’t that an invitation to the good life?
Once in Maceió, it is best to stay at one of the three busiest urban beaches of the city: Ponta Verde, Jatiúca or Pajuçara. That is because the city has one of the most beautiful shorelines in Brazil, full of bars, where it is possible to have lunch or dinner watching the day or the evening go by in the sway of the coconut tree. At Ponta Verde, the highlight is the “walkway”, where the locals stroll in the early morning and late in the day. At Jatiúca, in turn, the idea is to pause to sample carefully-made and served tapioca, filled with cheese and coconut, the classic version, or shredded beef jerky, for example. All of these may be served you at the bars on the beach.
No less attractive, Pajuçara brings together two of the attractions most cherished by the residents of Maceió: the handicraft fair and the natural pools. What does it require? A trip in a jangada, a kind of sailing boat common in northeastern Brazil, to a certain point in the sea where, depending on the tide, it is shallow. It is a true natural pool. Furthermore: while you are there, in peace, “water waiters” in boats serve soft drinks, beer and cocktails. And you can also eat fried fish and shrimps. To those interested, the boat rides are paid for at a stand just in front of the fish stand, on Pajuçara beach itself. They cost, on average, 20 Brazilian reals (US$ 11) per person.
Are you prepared to visit more distant beaches? Pleasant options are not lacking on either the North or South shore, always starting from Maceió. Among the stars of the North are Maragogi and Japaratinga, both close to the border with Pernambuco state. At the former, 131 kilometres away from Maceió, the sceneries include fishing villages, hikes in the Atlantic forest and, of course, beaches with calm and warm maters. You may also take a trip to the coral reefs, six kilometres off the coast. A program offered by most hotels and inns that sell packages to their guests. More peaceful, Japaratinga, 121 kilometres away from the capital, is very peaceful. The calm sea, light green, is the same, but with fewer people around. If the idea is to rest, sit on the sand and stay there.
When heading south, don’t miss Praia do Francês and Barra de São Miguel, respectively, 30 and 33 kilometres away from Maceió. A favourite for citizens of Maceió, Praia do Francês may not be one of the most peaceful tourist attractions, as it is always crowded, but the waters are of a blue that can only be found there. It is worth facing the blaring music of some of the beach bars just to enjoy the view. Find your parasol and let the day flow by, slowly.
On the following day, don’t forget your sun block, as Barra de São Miguel has another famous attraction: Gunga beach, at the meeting of Roteiro lagoon and the sea. Go to Barra pier and take a boat to cross the lagoon. The boatman will set a time to pick you up later, when, truly relaxed, preferably late in the afternoon, you decide it is time to return to Maceió – to sleep and dream of the peace you had throughout your days in paradise.
Service
Tourist information and clues about housing and feeding (in Portuguese)
www.turismo.al.gov.br
Airlines:
The main airlines in Brazil have daily flights to Maceió
Travel packages:
The main travel operators in Brazil offer packages, normally seven nights, to the capital of Alagoas
*Translated by Mark Ament
