Tamandaré: Explore the Best of Pernambuco

Tamandaré is a municipality located on the southern coast of Pernambuco, approximately 100 kilometres from the city of Recife. It is renowned for its clear-water beaches, coral reefs, remnants of the Atlantic Forest and historical heritage.

Why should you visit?

The municipality of Tamandaré boasts warm, clear beaches, natural pools formed by reefs, conservation areas, and historical attractions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking nature, tranquillity, and cultural experiences.

The main attractions of the municipality of Tamandaré:

Praia dos Carneiros em Pernambuco
play-rounded-fill
  1. The main beaches in the municipality of Tamandaré:
  2. Saltinho Biological Reserve
  3. Fort Saint Ignatius of Loyola
  4. religious heritage

1. The main beaches in the municipality of Tamandaré.

  • Tamandaré Beach (on the coastline of the town centre).
  • Carneiros Beach
  • Campas Beach
  • Boca da Barra: the mouth of the Mamucabas River.
  • Lira Point
  • There are smaller stretches and places known as Guaiamum, as well as other coastal coves.
mapa das praias de Tamandaré
Map of Tamandaré beaches

1. Carneiros Beach

A postcard image of the municipality featuring coconut trees, clear waters and the famous little church by the sea. It is excellent for swimming in the natural pools and for photography.

Praia dos Carneiros em Tamandaré PE
The Chapel of São Benedito is located on Carneiros Beach in Tamandaré, Pernambuco.
Praia dos Carneiros em Tamandaré PE
Praia dos Carneiros, Tamandaré, Pernambuco
Praia dos Carneiros em Tamandaré PE
Praia dos Carneiros, Tamandaré, Pernambuco
Praia dos Carneiros em Tamandaré PE
Praia dos Carneiros, Tamandaré, Pernambuco
Praia dos Carneiros em Tamandaré PE
Praia dos Carneiros, Tamandaré, Pernambuco
Praia dos Carneiros em Tamandaré PE
Praia dos Carneiros, Tamandaré, Pernambuco

2. Tamandaré Beach

This urban beach offers local services, restaurants and accommodation.

Praia Tamandaré PE
Tamandaré Beach, Pernambuco
Praia Tamandaré PE
Tamandaré Beach, Pernambuco
Praia Tamandaré PE
Tamandaré Beach, Pernambuco

4. Praia da Boca da Barra

This is the quietest stretch of the municipal coastline, making it ideal for those seeking less crowded beaches and closer contact with nature.

Praia Boca da Barra, em Tamandaré (PE), fica na foz do Rio Mamucabas
Boca da Barra Beach is located at the mouth of the Mamucabas River in Tamandaré (PE).
Praia Boca da Barra, em Tamandaré (PE), fica na foz do Rio Mamucabas
Boca da Barra Beach is located at the mouth of the Mamucabas River in Tamandaré (PE).
Praia Boca da Barra, em Tamandaré (PE), fica na foz do Rio Mamucabas
Boca da Barra Beach is located at the mouth of the Mamucabas River in Tamandaré (PE).

5. Campas Beach

Praia das Campas, located in Tamandaré, is a tranquil stretch of white sand and coconut trees. It is situated between the city of Tamandaré’s beach, known as Praia de Tamandaré, and the renowned Praia dos Carneiros.

Praia das Campas em Tamandaré PE
Campas Beach, Tamandaré, Pernambuco

6. Pontal do Lira Beach

Pontal do Lira Beach is a stretch of coastline in the municipality of Tamandaré, situated to the north of the city’s waterfront. Characterised by a strip of sand, rock formations and coconut trees, the beach is surrounded by a headland that juts out into the sea, creating areas ideal for swimming and artisanal fishing.

Praia do Pontal do Lira em Tamandaré
Pontal do Lira Beach, Tamandaré

2. Saltinho Biological Reserve

This federal conservation unit contains remnants of the Atlantic Forest and the Bulha waterfall, making it an ideal place for hiking and observing flora and fauna.

3. Fort of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

The Fort of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, also known as the Fort of Tamandaré, was built in the 17th century and renovated in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, it was abandoned in recent decades. Now, it is brand new and ready to be reopened to the public.

location and function

The historic building, located in Tamandaré on the southern coast of Pernambuco, has been restored and repurposed. Rather than defending the coast as it did in the past, Tamandaré Fort has been transformed into a tourist and cultural centre.

new facilities

The barracks, which once housed soldiers, will now be occupied by craft shops selling items produced in Tamandaré. The prisoners’ cells and guardhouse will be converted into a museum.

The first-floor commander’s house is being adapted to accommodate a restaurant or café, which will be chosen by tender.

historical remains

Traces of the ancient construction were visible throughout the fort, including windows, portals, walls and stone floors, as part of the building’s historical restoration.

Visitors to the commander’s house can see nails from that period in a doorway, as well as the mechanism used to lock doors and windows.

The gunpowder house remains in ruins, but has been consolidated within the restored fortification. A stone stove used by soldiers has been reconstructed in one of Tamandaré Fort’s rooms and is listed as a state monument.

Forte de Santo Inácio de Loyola em Tamandaré PE
The Fort of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is located in Tamandaré, Pernambuco.
Forte de Santo Inácio de Loyola em Tamandaré PE
The Fort of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is located in Tamandaré, Pernambuco.
Forte de Santo Inácio de Loyola em Tamandaré PE
The Fort of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is located in Tamandaré, Pernambuco.
Forte de Santo Inácio de Loyola em Tamandaré PE
The Fort of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is located in Tamandaré, Pernambuco.

4. Religious heritage

The Chapel of São Benedito and the Church of São Pedro are small heritage sites of historical and cultural significance.

1. The Chapel of Saint Benedict at Carneiros Beach

The small, charming Chapel of São Benedito was built in 1910. Painted white with green details, it stands out amid the immense coconut grove on the beach.

The simplicity of the architecture, combined with the beauty of the location, means that everyone leaves having taken at least one photograph as a souvenir. The coconut tree trunks stuck in the sand in front of the church serve to protect against the force of the high tide.

Praia dos Carneiros em Tamandaré PE
The Church of São Benedito is located on Carneiros Beach in Tamandaré, Pernambuco.

2. Church of Saint Peter, Campas Beach

Its Baroque architecture dates back to the 19th century. It features a bell tower and a front staircase which leads directly down to the beach.

When the tide is high, it is only possible to access the church from the rear, as the steps are flooded.

Although it was restored a few years ago, Masses are only held on special occasions. It is a very popular wedding venue, and guests are usually enchanted as soon as they arrive on a night when the church is illuminated by a full moon.

Igreja de São Pedro na praia das Campas em Tamandaré PE
The Church of Saint Peter is located on Campas Beach in Tamandaré, Pernambuco.
Igreja de São Pedro na praia das Campas em Tamandaré PE
The Church of Saint Peter is located on Campas Beach in Tamandaré, Pernambuco.

recommended activities

  • Go swimming and snorkelling in the natural pools near the reefs.
  • We offer boat trips and guided tours to the beautiful Praia dos Carneiros beach.
  • Go on buggy rides along the coast and explore the nature trails.
  • Go birdwatching and experience the Atlantic Forest at the Saltinho Reserve.
  • Take a historical and cultural tour of the headquarters and fortified sites.

How to get there and where to stay.

The main access route is via the PE-076 state road. Tamandaré offers small and medium-sized inns and hotels, while Praia dos Carneiros offers accommodation geared towards seaside tourism. It is advisable to book in advance during the high season.

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