Exploring Maceió: Beaches, handicrafts and history

Maceió, the capital of the state of Alagoas, is a unique city, bathed by lagoons and a sea that mixes turquoise blue and emerald green.

Its natural surroundings, combined with its rich history and culture, make Maceió one of the most important tourist destinations in Brazil.

Origin of the name

The name Maceió comes from the Tupi language and means “that which covers the swamp“. This etymology reflects the city’s relationship with its geographical and water features.

History of the city

Historians claim that the capital of the state of Alagoas grew out of an old sugar mill dating back to the 18th century.

Alternatively, its emergence is often associated with a small fishing village, emphasising the importance of fishing in shaping the local community.

The cuisine

Maceió’s cuisine is a rich mixture of the traditions of the Indians, the Portuguese colonists and the Africans.

The Indians, the first inhabitants of the region, left a significant legacy, such as the tradition of tapioca, which is enjoyed at breakfast and in the evening along the city’s waterfront.

Beaches and coastline

A few metres from the hotel, depending on the location, the turquoise beaches are easily accessible.

Maceió is one of the most populous northeastern capitals, with a coastline that stretches for about 40 kilometres, divided into north and south.

The destination’s three most famous urban beaches are located along the main seafront.

The Pajuçara beach is famous for its rafting trips to the natural pools, about two kilometres from the coast.

The wonderful trio is completed by the sandy beaches of Jatiúca and Ponta Verde, popular areas for water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding.

The warm waters at low tide form natural pools protected by reefs just a few metres from the beach. But the sights of Maceió go far beyond the salty waters.

Lagoons

The state of Alagoas is famous for its lagoons, named after the state itself. From Maceió, you can explore the region’s most important lagoons.

The Mundaú-Manguaba complex, located in the centre-south of the Maceió metropolitan region, is an estuary with channels and islands accessible by tours such as the traditional ‘Nove Ilhas‘, which stops at freshwater beaches.

On the way back, there’s still time to get lost in the shops selling Fillet Embroidery, declared Intangible Heritage of Alagoas, in Pontal da Barra, where the tours start.

Points of interest in Maceió

1. Main beaches in and around Maceió
2. Maceió Municipal Park
3. Diving in Maceió
4. Lagoons
5. Handicrafts
6. Art Gallery

Main beaches in and around Maceió

1. Pajuçara Beach

One of the most famous and urban beaches of Maceió, known for its calm and warm waters.

The beach is surrounded by excellent tourist facilities, including beach huts, restaurants and leisure activities.

It offers rafting trips to the natural pools, which are particularly popular with holidaymakers.

2. Ponta Verde Beach

Located next to Pajuçara Beach, Ponta Verde is famous for its beauty and the view of the palm trees that frame the beach.

It’s an ideal place for seaside walks, water sports and relaxation.

3. Jatiúca beach

Known as a meeting place for surfers, Jatiúca has strong waves and is popular with young people.

The surrounding neighbourhood is also a gastronomic centre, with many bars and restaurants to choose from.

4. Cruz das Almas

Located in the north of the city, this beach is famous for its strong waves, which attract surfers looking for an adrenaline rush.

5. Ipioca

24 kilometres from Maceió, Ipioca beach is known for its calm and warm waters, ideal for families.

The Mirante de Ipioca and the historic Church of Nossa Senhora do Ó are other attractions in the area.

6. Jacarecica

A less crowded beach, ideal for those seeking tranquillity. Its waters are calm and inviting.

7. Guaxuma, Garça Torta and Riacho Doce beaches

These beaches offer a more rustic and natural experience, with less infrastructure but stunning natural beauty.

8. Sereia Beach

Known for its rock formations that form natural pools, this is a great place to relax and swim.

9. Pratagi

A wilder and more isolated beach, perfect for those who want more direct contact with nature.

10. Sobral

Less well known, but with an abundance of natural beauty. It’s a good option for those seeking peace and quiet.

11. Pontal da Barra

Famous for its lacemakers and the ‘Nove Ilhas’ (Nine Islands) tour, this is a place that offers a rich cultural experience.

12. Praia do Francês

One of the most famous beaches of the state, located 18 kilometres south of Maceió in the municipality of Marechal Deodoro.

Praia do Francês is famous for its natural pools formed by coral reefs. Activities include snorkelling, stand-up paddling and glass-bottomed boat trips.

13. Gunga Beach

Located on a peninsula in Roteiro, a town 31 kilometres from Maceió, Praia do Gunga is one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast of Alagoas, where you can enjoy buggy rides to the cliffs and nautical activities such as banana boats and rafting to the reefs.

2. Maceió Municipal Park

The Municipal Park of Maceió is located in Bebedouro, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, on the banks of the Mundaú Lagoon.

With 84 hectares of preserved Atlantic Forest and five trails open to the public, the park is a true natural refuge. Inaugurated in 1978, Maceió Municipal Park covers an area of 82.4 hectares.

Its fauna displays a rich biological diversity, giving visitors the opportunity to see yellow-bellied caimans, water chickens, foxes, sloths, ball armadillos, bearded turtles, marmosets, hawks, owls, giant anteaters, a variety of snakes, among others.

Rua Marquês de Abrantes, s/n – Bebedouro / Maceió.

3. Diving in Maceió

With a visibility that can reach 30 metres and a water temperature of 27 degrees, the dives in Maceió take place at four different sites.

Experiences range from the Pool of Love (5 metres deep, for christenings and beginners) to technical dives at 65 metres.

Highlights include the Draguinha, Dragão and Sequipe wrecks at 30 metres, an hour’s sail from the coast.

According to the instructor of Let’s Dive, the dives in Maceió are characterised by the calmest seas and no wind. “As far as shore diving is concerned, it’s one of the best in Brazil,” says Fernanda.

The best diving season is from November to March. In winter, especially between June and August, the sea has poor visibility due to wind, rain and choppy water.

4. Lagoons

1. Mundaú Lagoon

Located between the municipalities of Maceió, Coqueiro Seco and Santa Luzia do Norte, the 23 km² Mundaú Lagoon is characterised by mangroves and channels that form several islands.

The archipelago can be visited on the “Nove Ilhas” (Nine Islands) guided sunset tour aboard schooners that depart from the Pontal da Barra neighbourhood, on the border with Marechal Deodoro, and stop at Prainha, Ilha do Paraíso (formerly Ilha do Carlito) and Lagoa Manguaba.

2. Manguaba Lagoon

18 kilometres south of Maceió, the municipality of Marechal Deodoro is home to the Manguaba Lagoon, which recently got a new boardwalk with bars and restaurants.

From the state’s largest lagoon, tourists can walk through the colonial architectural complex of Marechal Deodoro, whose oldest buildings date back to the 17th century.

Highlights include the Museum of Sacred Art, located in the Convent of São Francisco; the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, in Rococo style; and the Casa Museu Marechal Deodoro, which was the residence of Brazil’s first president.

5. Handicrafts

1 Handicraft market

Maceió’s Handicraft Market is considered to be one of the biggest references in the whole state of Alagoas.

This market has 250 stalls selling, among other things, leather, wood and lace from Alagoas.

2. TraditionalFillet Embroidery in Pontal da Barra

South of Maceió and with waters less suitable for swimming, this district is known for its shops selling traditional fillet embroidery, a craft inspired by the braiding of fishermen’s nets and declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Alagoas.

Items such as towels and clothing can be found in various streets in the neighbourhood, where there are workshops and shops run by local lace makers, also known as filezeiras.

In the neighbourhood, where the largest concentration of this type of shop is located in Rua Alípio Barbosa da Silva, you can also find cross-stitch work, fibre and straw weaving and woodwork.

6. Karandash Gallery

The artists Dalton Costa and Maria Amélia Vieira are responsible for the collection of around two thousand pieces of contemporary and popular art from all over Brazil, with an emphasis on the production of Alagoas, such as drawings, engravings and paintings.

Av. Moreira e Silva (Ladeira dos Martírios), 89 (Farol – Maceió)

Tourist guide of Maceió and Alagoas

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