São Paulo – The order at the moment is to spend the southern summer in an empire of tranquillity. And on a beautiful and peaceful beach, with people, warm and calm waters, and coconut palms as far as the eye can see. A paradise named Japaratinga, on the North Shore of Alagoas, 115 kilometres away from state capital Maceió. Neighbouring the lively Maragogi, on the border with the state of Pernambuco, the coastal city is appreciated for the sites it offers, accepting all, an oasis that looks even more beautiful under the sun of the warm season.
Enthusiastic about her land, the president of the Maragogi and Japaratinga Tourist Trade Association (Ahmaja), Vergínia Stodolni, has thousands of reasons for you to visit Japaratinga from January to January on the tip of her tongue. “We have one of the world’s largest coral reefs here,” she explains. “And we are part of the largest Environmental Protection Area in Latin America, with 413,000 hectares preserved in an area that covers 135 kilometres between the beaches of Paripueira, in Alagoas, and Tamandaré, in Pernambuco, the so-called Coral Coast.”
Apart from the preserved beauty, Vergínia points out the seas of warm and calm water, almost free of waves, and the feeling of peace due to the fact that you are on a coastal beach with just 7,000 inhabitants. Options for sightseeing? Yes, there are many, among them visiting the natural coral pools in the region by boat or buggy rides along the beach. But believe it: once in Japaratinga, it is best to do just nothing. Waking up in peace, having breakfast with no worry in the world, not concerned about the calories you may be ingesting, then sitting under a parasol and relaxing. If you feel like it, you can think of something else to do.
Matching the climate are inns and hotels carefully thought out so that their guests can relax. Some, in fact, are right on the shore (inquire about this before making your reservation). In general, they are all just minutes away from the beach, if that. Some of the most renowned are Pousada do Alto (on the hill, famous for its pool with infinite view in to the green sea of the Coral Coast), Pousada Vila de Taipa, Pousada Estalagem Caiuia and Albacora Praia Hotel, among others.
“The hospitality options include several establishments that focus on sustainability,” said Vergínia. “At Pousada Doze Cabanas, for example, the installations were made out of demolition wood and other measures include the use of wind energy,” said the Ahmaja president. “There is even a collective drinking fountain, with bottles that the guests may fill while at the hotel, reducing the use of plastic mineral water bottles.”
If shade and fresh water are guaranteed, all you have to do is plan your lunch and dinner menus. Apart from freedom to try the simple delicacies like fried fish and shrimp in coconut sauce (traditional in Alagoas), offered at the simplest of sites, close to the beach, it is also worth accepting the advice of the expert Vergínia. “I love the octopus rice served at Mama Pereira and the lobster with mashed sweet potato offered at Companhia da Lagosta,” she recommends.
And, regarding lobster, if you prefer to leave your trip to a little later, keep in mind that from September 7th to 15th the Lobster Festival takes place in the region. “All establishments participate and prepare a special dish, exclusively for the occasion.” This is undoubtedly one more reason to explore the “Beach of Enchantments”, as Japaratinga is lovingly known by many Alagoas residents.
Service
How to get there
Leaving Maceió, rent a car or, even better, include a transfer (alongside the hotel reservation, if you like) with some receptive tourism company. Two clues in this respect are:
Costazul Turismo
www.costazulturismo.com.br
Tropicana Turismo
www.tropicanaturismo.com.br
Tourist Information sites
Associação do Trade Turístico de Maragogi e Japaratinga – Ahmaja
www.japaratinga.org.br
Japaratinga
www.japaratinga.com
Where to stay
Albacora Praia Hotel
www.albacorapraiahotel.com
Pousada do Alto
www.pousadadoalto.com.br
Pousada Doze Cabanas
www.dozecabanas.com.br
Pousada Estalagem Caiuia
www.estalagemcaiuia.com.br
Pousada Vila de Taipa
www.viladetaipa.com
*Translated by Mark Ament
