Maceió

Northeast Brazil's "Caribbean", with emerald natural pools, the Maragogi coral reefs, Praia do Francês and a coastline lined with coconut palms.

Maceió, capital of the state of Alagoas in northeastern Brazil, stretches along the Atlantic. A coral reef just offshore holds back the waves, and in the sun the water glows emerald green, earning it the nickname "Brazil's Caribbean". From west to east, the city beaches are Pajuçara, Ponta Verde and Jatiúca; the seafront avenue is packed with hotels, restaurants and craft markets, making it an ideal base. West of the city lie the Mundaú Lagoon and the traditional fishing village of Pontal da Barra, while the old port district of Jaraguá preserves 19th-century warehouses. Day trips along the south coast cover the colonial town of Marechal Deodoro, Praia do Francês, Barra de São Miguel and Praia do Gunga, with the Marapé dunes farther on; the north coast offers Ipioca, Paripueira and the colorful cliffs of Carro Quebrado, and about 100–125 km farther north are the Milagres ecological coast and the Maragogi coral reefs.

September to March is the dry season, with plenty of sunshine and the clearest water; April–July is rainier. Always check the tide table before visiting the natural pools, as you can only go in and snorkel at low tide. Maceió's airport is about 25 km from the seafront and has flights to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife and other cities. Plan on 4–5 days: one for the city beaches and natural pools, one for the Nine Islands lagoon tour, and one or two each for the south and north coasts. Don't linger on isolated beaches at night; ride-hailing apps are a safer way to get around.

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