Aracaju: Discover the Charm of Sergipe

Discover Aracaju: The enchanting capital of Sergipe and its natural and cultural wonders

Aracaju, the capital of Sergipe, is a charming city with a combination of beautiful beaches, rich culture and a welcoming atmosphere.

History and foundation

Aracaju was built as the capital of the then province, replacing São Cristóvão, and was founded in 1855.

The capital of Sergipe was born on Santo Antônio Hill, in the north of the city. From there you can enjoy one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles: the meeting of the Sergipe River and the Atlantic Ocean. The panorama is enchanting.

Meaning of the name

Aracaju means cashew tree of the parrots, a word made up of the elements: ará = parrot and acayú = fruit of the cashew tree. This is the most popular interpretation, although there are other versions.

City centre

Aracaju’s city centre, which has been completely revitalised, offers options for leisure and history. Examples are the Thales Ferraz and the Antônio Franco, the Markets and the Emperor’s Bridge, as well as clean, landscaped streets, impeccable urban planning and plenty of security.

Historic monuments

The centre of Aracaju is home to the city’s main historical monuments, including the Palácio Olímpio Campos (1863), the former seat of government.

Palácio Olímpio Campos em Aracaju — Olímpio Campos Palace in Aracaju

Palácio-Museu Olímpio Campos em Aracaju — Olímpio Campos Palace Museum in Aracaju

Tourist Attractions

One of the attractions outside the region is the Colina de Santo Antônio, Aracaju’s first urban agglomeration; from the top you can see the mouth of the river that gives the state its name, and practically the whole of the capital.

The new Atalaia Waterfront in Aracaju is also worth a visit.

Colina de Santo Antônio em Aracaju — Santo Antônio Hill in Aracaju

Leisure and nightlife

There are around 4 kilometres of varied leisure options, including stalls, bars and restaurants, and a lively nightlife. Don’t miss the communal market and other craft shops.

Events and fiestas

In June, the Forró Caju, a thirteen-day festival that attracts thousands of people, takes place in the Hilton Lopes Square. At the same time in Aracaju, the traditional São João festivities take place in Estância, a city 70 kilometres from the capital.

Culture and history

Aracaju is also home to the Aracaju Oceanarium, which displays the diversity of the region’s marine fauna, and the Sergipe Memorial, which showcases the state’s history and culture.

Memorial de Sergipe em Aracaju — Sergipe Memorial in Aracaju

Videos about Aracaju SE sights

Aracaju SE - Drone00:08

Praias de Aracaju - Guia de Turismo05:26

Aracaju - Praias03:12

Pontos Turísticos de Aracaju12:25

Praia do Saco em Sergipe04:13

Mangue Seco e Praia do Saco03:18

Ilha Croa do Goré - Drone02:54

Ilha dos Namorados em Aracaju

Museu da Gente Sergipana26:02

5 Passeios Gratuitos em Aracaju

Aracaju’s Tourist Attractions

1. The beaches of Aracaju

Aracaju, the capital of Sergipe, is located on the banks of the Sergipe River and has some 30 kilometres of beaches with warm, calm waters.

Praia de Atalaia: The most famous and busiest, with a 6 kilometre promenade, cycle paths and a variety of bars and restaurants.
Praia do Refúgio: Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet, with calm waters and seaside bars.
Aruana Beach: Known for its warm, calm waters and wide stretch of golden sand, perfect for relaxing.
Praia do Robalo: A quieter option between Atalaia and Aruana beaches, ideal for walking and relaxing.
Praia de Mosqueiro: Famous for its natural beauty, boat trips and water sports.
Praia dos Náufragos: Lesser known and more remote, it offers a rustic and peaceful atmosphere.

Praia de Atalaia em Aracaju — Atalaia beach

Praia do Refúgio em Aracaju — Refúgio beach

Praia de Aruana em Aracaju — Aruana Beach

Praia de Mosqueiro em Aracaju — Mosqueiro beach

Praia dos Náufragos em Aracaju — Náufragos beach

2. Atalaia Waterfront

One of the most famous in Aracaju, the Orla de Atalaia has an extensive stretch of sand, complete infrastructure, a promenade and several options of bars and restaurants.

Orla de Atalaia em Aracaju — Atalaia promenade

3. Passarela do Caranguejo

Famous for its seafood restaurants, Passarela do Caranguejo offers a gastronomic experience by the sea.

Passarela do Caranguejo em Aracaju — Passarela do Caranguejo in Aracaju

4. Aracaju Oceanarium

One of the main tourist attractions, the Oceanarium houses 20 aquariums with Sergipe’s marine fauna and is monitored by biologists from the Tamar Project.