Porto de Galinhas: Explore Brazil’s Best Beach

Attractions and features of Porto de Galinhas

Porto de Galinhas, located on the south coast of Pernambuco, is one of Brazil’s most enchanting tourist destinations.

Known for its crystal clear waters, white sands and natural pools, this region offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Porto de Galinhas - PE
Porto de Galinhas – PE

Location and access

Porto de Galinhas is located just 43 kilometres from Recife, in the municipality of Ipojuca.

For the past 10 years, it has been recognised as the best beach in Brazil, attracting tourists in search of sun, sea and exuberant nature.

The area is made up of a charming village full of shops, restaurants and cafés, offering visitors a complete experience.

Mapa das praias de Porto de Galinhas PE
Map of beaches in Porto de Galinhas PE

Beaches of Porto de Galinhas

The beaches of Porto de Galinhas, which stretch between Maracaípe (to the south) and Muro Alto (to the north), are known for their impressive length and lack of major natural barriers.

Mapa de Porto de Galinhas - PE
Map of Porto de Galinhas – PE

This characteristic allows the visitor to move freely between the different beaches, enjoying a continuous and pleasant experience.

The diversity of this region offers options ranging from strong waves, ideal for surfers, to calm waters, perfect for families with children.

Praia da Vila de Porto de Galinhas PE
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See also Sugar Mills around Porto de Galinhas.

1. Maracaípe Beach

Maracaípe Beach is famous for its fine, soft sand and is an ideal spot for surfing lovers.

Praia de Maracaípe em Porto de Galinhas PE
Maracaípe beach at Porto de Galinhas PE

Bar do Marcão is a popular meeting place for surfers. Despite being less structured, the beach offers a peaceful refuge, although swimmers should beware of the stronger waves.

2. Pontal de Maracaípe

Pontal de Maracaípe is a place of unique beauty, where the waters of the river meet the sea. Restricted access on foot makes this a less crowded beach, ideal for families.

Pontal de Maracaípe em Porto de Galinhas PE
Pontal de Maracaípe in Porto de Galinhas PE

Rafting in the region is a recommended activity, especially at sunset when the scenery becomes even more breathtaking.

3. Porto de Galinhas Beach

Porto de Galinhas Beach is the smallest but the busiest, stretching for just over 1 kilometre.

Praia da Vila de Porto de Galinhas PE
Porto de Galinhas village beach

Located in front of the town centre, it is full of bars, stalls and street vendors. Rafts often leave for the natural pools that form 200 metres from the shore at low tide.

3.1 Galés in Porto de Galinhas

The Galés are a group of natural pools formed by the presence of coral reefs.

Galés de Porto de Galinhas
Galés in Porto de Galinhas

This postcard-perfect spot is a must for holidaymakers, offering snorkelling and fish watching in transparent waters.

4. Cupe Beach and Pontal do Cupe

Considered the largest beach in the region, Cupe Beach stretches for more than 5 kilometres and is known for its strong waves.

Praia do Cupe e Pontal do Cupe em Porto de Galinhas PE
Cupe Beach and Pontal do Cupe in Porto de Galinhas PE

At Pontal do Cupe, however, the waves are calmer, making it an attractive option for families. The beach has reefs that form natural pools at low tide, providing a relaxing experience.

5. Muro Alto beach

Muro Alto is famous for its unique characteristics, divided into three areas: the open sea, a rocky area and a long stretch of calm water that resembles a large swimming pool.

Praia de Muro Alto em Porto de Galinhas PE
Muro Alto beach in Porto de Galinhas PE

This beach is ideal for beginners in water sports, and its facilities offer comfort with tents and restaurants.

Best months to visit Porto de Galinhas beaches

The best months to visit the beaches of Porto de Galinhas are from September to March.

During this period, the weather is generally sunnier and temperatures vary between 25°C and 30°C, providing ideal conditions for enjoying the sun and outdoor activities.

Month details

  • September to November: This period is considered one of the best as the rains begin to subside and the climate is mild. There are also fewer tourists, which means the beaches are less crowded.
  • December to February: These months are the height of the high season, especially during the end of year festivities and carnival. The beaches tend to be busier, but the festive atmosphere and good weather make it worth a visit.
  • March: The weather is still favourable, with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall, making this month a good option for those looking for less hustle and bustle.

Avoiding the months of June to August can be a good strategy, as this is the rainy season in Pernambuco, which can affect the beach experience. However, it is possible to find lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists during this low season.

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