São Paulo – Alagoas got its name from the state’s lagoons (lagoas in Portuguese), the most famous ones being Mundaú and Manguaba. Together, they make up the largest lagoon complex in Brazil. Thus, if the idea is to have a good example of the beautiful geography of the fresh water in the state, take note of two trips to put in your travel book: Nove Ilhas and a trip to Massagueira settlement.
The former is in Maceió itself, close to Pontal da Barra, renowned for its many handicraft shops. The programme consists of visiting Mundaú, which is 27 kilometres long, with stops at different islands, like Fogo (Fire), das Cabras (Goats’) and Paraíso (Paradise), among others. And with the right to dips while going from one to the other, as everybody needs a break. Go on a sunny day – very common all year round in Alagoas, except from June and July, when it tends to rain.
Want to have lunch somewhere where time, fortunately, seems to go by very slowly? Then go to Massagueira settlement, in the city of Marechal Deodoro, 15 kilometres away from Maceió. On the bank of Manguaba river, it is a gastronomic hub with several bars and restaurants. All offer a generous view of the lagoon, and of the beautiful coconut forest in the background. As if the banquet for the eyesight was not enough, the taste buds are pleased with the fish or shrimp in coconut, two of the most traditional dishes of Alagoas. Another local hit is crab steak, also prepared using coconut. The dish comes with plenty of sauce, so do like the Northeasterners and eat it with plenty of cassava flour.
For desert, there is no option better than the coconut sweet sold by locals on the way out of the village, at improvised stands, all very rustic. There are many flavours: from the most basic ones, of white and baked coconut, to those made with jackfruit or condensed milk, for example. Delicious, they are worth every calorie. And they are going to help crown the end of your day in the fresh waters surrounding Maceió.
Service
Restaurants at Massagueira: Bar da Ilha (Avenida Nossa Senhora da Conceição, 90. Telephone: (+55 82) 3260-7025) and Bar do Pato (Avenida Nossa Senhora da Conceição 1308. Telephone: (+55 82) 3260-7048. Site: www.bardopato.com.br)
*Translated by Mark Ament
