Carne de Vaca Beach, Pernambuco: where it is and tips

Published on August 16, 2015 · Updated on November 3, 2026

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Carne de Vaca Beach is in Goiana, on the northern coast of Pernambuco, and it is the last beach in the state before Paraíba. That is why it is quiet and unspoiled, with warm, shallow water that is good for families. In this guide, you will find out where Carne de Vaca (literally ‘beef’) is, how to get there and what to do.

Quick summary – Carne de Vaca Beach

Location: in Goiana (PE), at the mouth of the rio Goiana, on the border with Paraíba.
Distance: about 70 to 80 km from Recife.
Sea: warm, shallow water, with sandbars and natural pools at low tide.
Vibe: a fishing village that is peaceful and has simple facilities.
Best time: from September to March, when it rains less.

Shallow sea and coconut palms at Carne de Vaca Beach, in Goiana (PE) — Carne de Vaca Beach, in Goiana (PE)

Where is Carne de Vaca Beach

Carne de Vaca is a district of Goiana, a municipality with 81,055 inhabitants (IBGE, 2022 Census). The beach lies at the far northern end of the Pernambuco coast, next to the mouth of the rio Goiana. On the other side of the river, already in Paraíba, lies the beach of Acaú, in Pitimbu.

To the south, in turn, come the beaches of Pontas de Pedra and Atapuz, also in Goiana. In addition, the estuary is part of the Reserva Extrativista Acaú-Goiana (an extractive reserve), which was created to protect the mangroves and artisanal fishing.

Map of the beaches of Pernambuco with Carne de Vaca at the far north — Map of the beaches of Pernambuco

Also, take a look at the best beaches in Pernambuco.

How to get to Carne de Vaca

From Recife, take the BR-101 Norte to Goiana and then follow the state roads to the coast, for a total of about 70 to 80 km. In general, the road is paved, but the final stretch is narrower.

Strip of sand and fishing boats in Carne de Vaca — Fishing boats in Carne de Vaca

What Carne de Vaca Beach is like

First of all, a sandbar close to the shore keeps the sea shallow and warm. As a result, the beach is great for children. At low tide, natural pools also form in some stretches protected by the reefs.

Sandbar and shallow water at low tide in Carne de Vaca — Shallow water at low tide

Nature: in general, a rustic landscape, surrounded by coconut groves and mangroves.
Family atmosphere: because it is more remote, it mainly attracts locals and families.
Fishing village: in addition, you can watch artisanal fishing and buy fresh fish.
Food: simple beach stalls and restaurants serve fish, shellfish and carne de sol (sun-dried beef) with macaxeira (cassava).

View of Carne de Vaca Beach, the last one on the northern coast of Pernambuco — Carne de Vaca Beach in Pernambuco

Video about Carne de Vaca Beach

Praia de Carne de Vaca em Pernambuco12:07

Drone - Praia de Carne de Vaca PE

What to do in Carne de Vaca

Boat trips: through the mouth of the rio Goiana and the mangroves.
Walks: along the seafront and the surroundings, to see the fauna and flora.
Fishing: above all hook-and-line fishing, since the sea is calm.
Swimming: in the shallow water, preferably at low tide.

Mouth of the rio Goiana, on the border between Pernambuco and Paraíba — Mouth of the rio Goiana

Tips for visiting

Best time: you can go all year round, but from September to March it rains less.
Accommodation: however, the facilities are simple, with a few guesthouses and rental houses.
Tide: check the tide table to make the most of the natural pools.

Why is it called Carne de Vaca?

There is no reliable historical record of the origin of the name. However, popular versions circulate: one tells of a ship carrying meat that supposedly sank there, and another tells of cows that grazed in the region. Therefore, treat these stories as local legends.

Frequently asked questions about Carne de Vaca Beach

Where is Carne de Vaca Beach?

In Goiana, on the northern coast of Pernambuco, on the border with Paraíba.

Thus, it is the last beach in Pernambuco before Acaú (PB).

How far is Carne de Vaca Beach from Recife?

About 70 to 80 km, via the BR-101 Norte and Goiana.

In general, the drive is easy.

Is Carne de Vaca Beach good for children?

Yes, because the sea is shallow and warm near the sand.

In addition, it is a calm beach with a family atmosphere.

Does Carne de Vaca have natural pools?

Yes, in some stretches protected by the reefs, at low tide.

So it is worth checking the tide table before you go.

Is there anywhere to stay in Carne de Vaca?

Yes; although there are only a few, there are simple guesthouses and rental houses.

However, the facilities are small, so book in advance.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →