Tourist Guide to Salvador, Bahia, Northeastern Brazil and Brazil

Travel Guide to Northeastern Brazil and Brazil including travel, beaches, architecture, musical rhythms, cuisine, culture and history – videos.

South Coast of Pernambuco

South coast of Pernambuco: Natural beauties and tourist attractions

The South Coast of Pernambuco is widely known for its paradisiacal beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant culture that reflects the region’s historical and natural wealth.With renowned destinations such as Port de Galinhas, Tamandaré and São José da Coroa Grande, the South Coast is one of Brazil’s main tourist centres.

Main cities and beaches

  • Recife: Boa Viagem, Pina
  • Jaboatão dos Guararapes: Barra de Jangada, Candeias, Piedade
  • Cabo de Santo Agostinho: Calhetas, Enseada dos Corais, Gaibu, Itapuama, Paiva, Paraíso, Suape, Xaréu
  • Ipojuca: Camboa, Cupe, Muro Alto, Pontal de Maracaípe, Porto de Galinhas, Serrambi
  • Sirinhaém: Barra de Sirinhaém, Guadalupe, Gamela
  • Tamandaré: Tamandaré, Mamucabinhas, Praia dos Carneiros
  • São José da Coroa Grande: Praia de São José, Barra da Cruz, Gravatá, Várzea do Una

Characteristics and economy

Porto de Galinhas beach, in the municipality of Ipojuca, is famous for its natural pools formed by coral reefs. The beaches of Piedade and Candeias, on the other hand, are urbanised and surrounded by high quality residential buildings.Further south, from Itapuama, the landscape changes: there is less urbanisation and more presence of local communities who make a living from artisanal fishing and handicrafts. The regional economy is based on tourism, gastronomy and craft production.

Tourist Highlights

1. Porto de Galinhas (Ipojuca)

  • Beach of Porto de Galinhas: Natural pools, rafts.
  • Muro Alto: Reefs forming natural pools.
  • Pontal de Maracaípe: The river meets the sea, surfing and sea horses.
  • Activities: Snorkelling, buggy rides.

2. Tamandaré

  • Carneiros Beach: warm waters, coconut trees, St Benedict’s Church.
  • Fort of St Ignatius of Loyola: Historic building with panoramic views.
  • Activities: Catamaran trips, snorkelling.

3. São José da Coroa Grande

  • Beaches: Gravatá, Barra da Cruz, Várzea do Una.
  • Activities: Ecotourism, Small-scale fishing.

4. Cabo de Santo Agostinho

  • Calhetas Beach: small, surrounded by cliffs.
  • Gaibu Beach: rough sea, ideal for surfing.
  • Our Lady of Nazareth Church: Historic viewpoint.

5. Sirinhaém

  • Santo Aleixo Island: Accessible by boat, deserted beaches.
  • Guadalupe Beach: Natural beauty and tranquillity.

Gastronomy

The seafood cuisine stands out: moquecas, stews, prawns and fish. Typical delicacies include tapioca, bolo de rolo, bolo de, milho and regional sweets.

Practical information

  • Best time to visit: Between September and March.