São José da Coroa Grande is a municipality located on the south coast of Pernambuco, Brazil. It is located 123 kilometres from the capital of Pernambuco, Recife.

Beaches and natural beauty

São José da Coroa Grande is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs and crystal clear waters. Tucked away on Pernambuco’s so-called Golden Coast, the small town of São José da Coroa Grande lies halfway between Recife and Alagoas.

Water Activities

The coral formations that line the beaches create natural pools of transparent water, perfect for swimming, boat rides or activities such as diving and kayaking. For those who enjoy diving, the sea at São José da Coroa Grande offers clear waters where colourful fish come close to bathers and even eat out of their hands. Even at high tide, the water is always calm, making it an ideal place for sailing.

Characteristics of the city

São José da Coroa Grande is the last city in Pernambuco to the south. It has the smallest beach and is also one of the most populated. Surrounded by natural pools, the town takes its name from the crowns that appear at low tide on the sandbanks between the seafront and the coral.

Culture and gastronomy

In addition to its natural beauty, the city has an infrastructure of hotels and restaurants, offering visitors a complete leisure and gastronomic experience. The local cuisine is rich in seafood and typical dishes that can be found in the stalls along the seafront.

Festivities

São José da Coroa Grande is also known for its cultural festivals, such as the São José Festival, which takes place in March and attracts tourists throughout the year.

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Attractions in São José da Coroa Grande PE

The parish of São José da Coroa Grande has 9.9 kilometres of coastline, with sandy beaches (Várzea do Una Beach, Gravatá Beach and Coroa Grande Beach) and numerous natural pools.

1. The Beaches

• Praia de São José da Coroa Grande: The main beach of the city, famous for its calm, warm waters, ideal for swimming and water activities. At low tide, natural pools form, perfect for children.
• Praia do Gravatá: A quieter, less busy beach, ideal for those looking to relax in a quieter environment. It has unspoilt natural beauty and is perfect for walks by the sea.
• Várzea do Una Beach: A beach with clear sand and blue sea, also known for its natural pools and tranquillity. It’s a great place for boat trips and fishing.

2. Boat Trips and Diving

• Natural pools: Boat trips take visitors to natural pools formed by coral reefs, where you can swim and observe marine life in crystal clear waters.
• Diving: The region is excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving, with clear visibility and rich marine life, including colourful fish and corals.

3. Una River

The Una River runs through the city and offers boat and kayak trips. The mouth of the river is a picturesque spot where the river meets the sea, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for bird watching.

4. Historic Centre

4.1 São José Church

São José Church was built in the 19th century and plays a central role in the religious and community life of the town.

Like many colonial churches in Brazil, its construction reflects the devotion and efforts of the local community over the years.

4.2 Constantino Gomes Square

The centre of the city, where you’ll find bars, restaurants and local craft shops. It’s a great place to wander around and soak up the town’s friendly atmosphere.

4.3 Church of St Benedict

The church was built by the Dutch, with St Benedict as its patron saint, and is located in the Abreu do Una district.

It was demolished in 1961 by the plantation owner known as Otávio, and a new chapel dedicated to St John the Baptist was built further up the hill.

There was a very popular festival in the town, the Feast of the Kings, which was traditionally celebrated by everyone.

The Abreu church was a mill chapel built by the mill owner in the 1920s.

4.4 Morim Mill

The property is located about 6 km from the PE 060 motorway. Engenho Morim was founded in the 18th century by the Baroness of Gindahy.

The existing buildings include the main house, the stables, the carrapaticide toilet, the manure house, the mill and the residents’ houses, which retain their original architectural lines. You can also see the ruins of the chapel, opposite the main house.

In 2003 it was sold to Diógenes de Oliveira Paes Barreto and José Lourenço de Oliveira Neto, the current owners of the property.

5. Ecotourism.

• Saltinho Biological Reserve: A nature reserve near São José da Coroa Grande, ideal for nature trails and observing native flora and fauna.

6. Local Gastronomy

The city is famous for its fresh seafood. Dishes such as moqueca, peixada and prawns are common in local restaurants. Take the opportunity to try the local cuisine and enjoy meals by the sea.

7. Events and festivals

• Festival of St Joseph: In March, the city celebrates its patron saint with processions, masses and fiestas. It’s a great opportunity to experience the local culture.
• June festivities: The June festivities are very lively in São José da Coroa Grande, with quadrilhas, bonfires and typical food.

8. Una Museum

The village is also home to the Una Museum, with a collection of maps, nautical charts and local handicrafts. The village also offers boat trips through the mangroves, forrós at weekends and stalls with delicious recipes based on shrimp, crab, octopus, crab and aratu.

Located in the Vázea do Una district of São José da Coroa Grande – PE, the museum was founded on 22 April 2000 by Bertrando Bernardino with the aim of protecting and preserving the local culture and environment. The Una Museum houses the Moonfish, one of only two specimens in Brazil, the other being in São Paulo.

How to get there

São José da Coroa Grande is located approximately 110 kilometres south of Recife, the capital of Pernambuco. Access is mainly via PE-060, a road linking several towns on the state’s southern coast.

Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit is during the dry season, from September to March, when the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities and beaches.
• Accommodation: The city offers a variety of accommodation options, from cosy inns to resorts with more infrastructure.

São José da Coroa Grande is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity, beautiful landscapes and direct contact with nature. It’s a place where you can relax and enjoy the hospitality and charm of the Pernambuco coast.

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