Discover Japaratinga: Paradise on the North Coast of Alagoas

Japaratinga is located on the north coast of Alagoas, in the middle of the Coral Coast, between Maceió and Recife, making it easy to reach from these two important capitals of the Northeast of Brazil.

While Maragogi (only 10 kilometres or 20 minutes by car separate the two cities) receives excursion groups from Maceió, Japaratinga receives fewer people and is quiet, offering an ideal environment for relaxation.

Natural beauty

The Japaratinga beach has the same characteristics as its neighbour: emerald green sea, lots of coconut trees and natural pools.

The natural pools form at low tide when the coral reefs are exposed, creating crystal clear lagoons.

The beaches of Barreiras do Boqueirão and Bitingui are particularly well known for their beautiful natural pools, where visitors can swim and enjoy the rich marine biodiversity, such as colourful fish and corals.

All with the advantage of being much quieter. Japaratinga is located 115 kilometres from Maceió.

Neighbouring Maragogi, this municipality has spectacular beaches, such as Barreiras do Boqueirão, the last on the Ecological Route, which includes São Miguel dos Milagres, Port de Pedras and Passo de Camaragibe.

Japaratinga is adorned with beautiful coconut groves.

Barreiras do Boqueirão has fresh water springs by the roadside, which is why it is also known as Bicas Beach. When the heat is scorching, the springs are very popular.

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Japaratinga no litoral norte de Alagoas

JAPARATINGA, um paraíso próximo a Maragogi, em Alagoas

Geographical boundaries

It is bounded to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by Porto Calvo, to the south by the parish of Porto de Pedras and to the north by the parish of Maragogi.

Walk from Bitingui beach to Porto de Pedras

At low tide, you can walk from the centre of Japaratinga to Porto de Pedras, at the mouth of the Manguaba river, in about 1h30.

Starting from Bitingui beach, we pass beaches such as Barreiras do Boqueirão, with its beach restaurants, and the more deserted Boqueirão, until we reach Pontal, where the beach meets the river.

Along the way, the walk becomes an exploration, allowing you to see other beaches, cross streams and find viewpoints with breathtaking views of the sea, with the Porto de Pedras Lighthouse as the final destination.

The beaches of Japaratinga

With its warm waters and stunning coconut groves, Japaratinga is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Brazilian coast. Or rather, there are five beautiful beaches along 15 kilometres of coastline.

1. Japaratinga Beach

The Japaratinga beach itself is in the village.

Here you will find the town hall, the two health centres, the schools, the squares, the police station, the public market and the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora das Candeias, built by the Dutch over 300 years ago.

With calm, warm waters, it has bars and restaurants, making it a great place for seaside dining.

2. Bitingui Beach

Leaving the city for the other beaches, you pass beautiful cliffs and arrive at Bitingui beach, with its holiday houses and calm waters. This beach is famous for its calm waters and is an excellent place for families.

3. Barreiras do Boqueirão beach

Then comes the Barreiras do Boqueirão beach, with its mineral springs and cosy bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day and relax in the natural pools that form at low tide.

4. Boqueirão Beach

Next is Boqueirão Beach, the most deserted, with its dense coconut groves, white sand and tranquillity. Ideal for those seeking a more secluded retreat.

5. Pontal Beach

The fifth stretch is Praia do Pontal, where the sea meets the Manguaba River. Here you can take the ferry across to neighbouring Porto de Pedras, a worthwhile experience for further exploration of the region.

History of Japaratinga

The municipality of Japaratinga owes its origins to a fishing colony that was established on the site of the present town centre. There were only a few huts on the beach and part of the land was used to grow grain. Its development really took off in the 1800s.

A road used only by animals linked the main road, now the AL-101, to Port de Pedras, passing through Japaratuba, the original name of Japaratinga. Over the years, new families acquired land in the region and devoted themselves to coconut plantations.

The main church was built over 300 years ago by the Dutch who lived in Porto Calvo and is still in its original state.

In 1935 there was a small shipyard where small boats were built to transport coconuts.

For political reasons, local leaders fought for administrative autonomy, led by José Jorge de Farias Sales, the political boss of Maragogi.

In 1960, Law 2.264 separated the municipality from Maragogi, but it was not officially established until 30 June of that year.

Origin of the name Japaratinga

The word Japaratinga comes from Tupi-Guarani, an indigenous Brazilian language. It is a combination of “y” (water) and “paratinga” (water that forms) and can be interpreted as “water that forms” or “water that accumulates”.

This etymology reflects the region’s relationship with nature and its waters, as well as the cultural and linguistic heritage of the indigenous people who inhabited the area before colonisation.

When you go to

September to March is considered the best time to visit, when the weather is more favourable and the waters are calm and crystal clear.

Things to do in Japaratinga

• Enjoy the small natural pools at Barreiras do Boqueirão.
• At low tide, walk out to sea on Bitingui beach.
• Enjoy a sunny day in Japaratinga.
• Try the local cuisine at one of the seaside restaurants.
• Explore the lookouts and walks that offer breathtaking views of the coastline.

Where to stay

Japaratinga offers a wide variety of accommodation, from cosy hotels and guesthouses to more secluded eco-lodges, with options to suit all tastes and budgets. It is advisable to book well in advance, especially during high season.

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