The beaches of the southern coast of Pernambuco are a very popular tourist destination in Brazil, known for their idyllic beaches, crystal clear waters and natural beauty.

The 110 kilometres of Pernambuco’s southern coastline, stretching from Cabo de Santo Agostinho to São José da Coroa Grande, is home to one gem after another, beaches that follow one another with the same irresistible appeal of white sands, turquoise sea and the “tall coconut trees” mentioned in the state anthem.

Municipalities of the Southern Coast of Pernambuco

1. Cape of Saint Augustine

• Main Attractions: Gaibu Beach, Calhetas Beach, Suape Beach, and Itapuama Beach.
• Description: Known for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and rich history, the municipality offers a variety of attractions for visitors.

2. Ipojuca

• Main Attractions: Porto de Galinhas, Maracaípe, Serrambi Beach, Muro Alto Beach.
• Description: One of Pernambuco’s best-known tourist destinations, Ipojuca is famous for its beaches with natural pools, such as Porto de Galinhas, and its tourism and leisure options.

3. Sugar

• Main Attractions: Barra de Sirinhaém Beach.
• Description: Less busy than other cities, Sirinhaém has quiet beaches and a more authentic charm, ideal for those seeking a calmer experience.

2. Tamandaré

• Main Attractions: Carneiros Beach and Tamandaré Beach.
• Description: Known for its natural pools and the charming Church of São Benedito, the city offers a peaceful atmosphere and beach tourism options.

5. Barreiros

• Main Attractions: Barreiros Beach.
• Description: A peaceful destination with an unexplored beach, ideal for those seeking a more secluded environment.

6. São José da Coroa Grande

• Main Attractions: São José da Coroa Grande Beach.
• Description: A lesser-known destination, but with beautiful beaches and a relaxing atmosphere. It is ideal for those seeking tranquillity away from the crowds.

Main Features and Attractions of the South Coast

• Natural Beauty: The southern coast of Pernambuco is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and natural pools formed by coral reefs. The mangrove and coconut grove areas also add charm to the landscape.
• Beach Tourism: The region is ideal for those seeking sun, sea, and tranquillity. The beaches offer opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, boat trips, and marine life observation.
• Infrastructure: Municipalities vary in terms of tourist infrastructure. While cities such as Ipojuca and Tamandaré offer a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants and activities, other locations such as São José da Coroa Grande and Sirinhaém are simpler and quieter.
• Local Culture: Pernambuco’s culture is rich and diverse, with indigenous, African and Portuguese influences. Cuisine is an important part of the experience, with typical dishes such as fried fish, prawns and regional specialities.

Tips for Visitors

• Transport: Hiring a car can be a convenient option for exploring the southern coast of Pernambuco, as the municipalities are connected by roads that allow easy access between beaches and attractions.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the region is during the dry season, which runs from September to March, when the weather is more stable and conditions for outdoor activities are ideal.

Each municipality on the southern coast of Pernambuco offers something unique, from bustling, well-structured beaches to quieter, unspoilt locations. Choosing which one to visit will depend on the type of experience you are looking for.

Videos – tourist attractions on the beaches of the southern coast of Pernambuco

See the map of the southern coast of Pernambuco

Beaches on the southern coast of Pernambuco

1. Enseada dos Corais Beach
2. Paiva Beach
3. Itapuama Beach
4. Pedra do Xaréu Beach
5. Gaibu Beach
6. Calhetas Beach
7. Paradise Beach
8. Suape Beach
9. Muro Alto Beach
10. Porto de Galinhas Beach
11. Maracaípe Beach
12. Serrambi Beach
13. Toquinho Beach
14. Carneiros Beach
15. Tamandaré Beach
16. São José da Coroa Grande Beach
17. Port Nassau Beach

1. Enseada dos Corais Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco.
• Features: Enseada dos Corais Beach is known for its calm, clear, blue waters and fine white sand. The sea is protected by coral reefs that form natural pools, ideal for swimming and families with children.
• Sea Bathing and Natural Pools: Enjoy the calm waters for swimming and relaxing in the natural pools formed by the reefs.

2. Paiva Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, about 40 km south of Recife.
• Features: Paiva Beach has a long stretch of golden sand, clear warm waters, and is surrounded by lush native vegetation, including coconut palms and Atlantic Forest.
• Sea bathing: The waters are ideal for bathing, being relatively calm due to the protection of the reefs.

3. Itapuama Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, approximately 35 km south of Recife.
• Features: Itapuama Beach has a long stretch of golden sand, greenish waters and moderate waves, surrounded by native vegetation and coconut trees. The beach has areas with reefs, which form natural pools during low tide.
• Sea bathing: The waters are ideal for bathing, especially in areas protected by reefs, where natural pools form.

4. Pedra do Xaréu Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, approximately 37 km south of Recife.
• Features: Pedra do Xaréu Beach is known for its rock formations that jut out into the sea, creating small natural pools. The sand is golden and fine, and the surrounding vegetation is lush, with many coconut trees.
• Sea bathing: The natural pools formed by the reefs are perfect for a relaxing swim, especially at low tide.

5. Gaibu Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, about 40 km south of Recife.
• Features: Gaibu Beach is known for its beautiful landscape, with a strip of fine golden sand, clear greenish waters, and a combination of open sea and areas protected by reefs. The waves are ideal for surfing, especially during high tide.
• Surfing: Gaibu is renowned for its excellent waves, attracting surfers of all levels. The conditions are ideal for surfing and bodyboarding.
• Sea bathing: The areas protected by reefs offer safe conditions for bathing, especially for families with children.

6. Calhetas Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, about 45 km south of Recife.
• Features: Calhetas is a small cove surrounded by rocks and native vegetation, with a strip of fine golden sand. The waters are clear and calm, especially at low tide, making it ideal for swimming and diving.
• Sea bathing: The calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, offering a safe and relaxing experience.

7. Paradise Beach

Paraíso Beach, also known as Paraíso das Pedras Beach.

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, approximately 40 km south of Recife.
• Features: Paraíso Beach has a strip of fine white sand, clear greenish waters, and is surrounded by rock formations and native vegetation. The natural pools formed by the reefs at low tide are a special highlight.
• Sea bathing: The waters are calm and crystal clear, ideal for relaxing and safe swimming, especially in the natural pools.

8. Suape Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, about 40 km south of Recife.
• Features: Suape Beach has a strip of golden sand, clear greenish waters, and is surrounded by reefs that form natural pools during low tide. The surrounding vegetation is lush, with coconut trees and mangrove areas.
• Sea bathing: The calm waters of the natural pools are perfect for a relaxing swim, especially at low tide.

9. Muro Alto Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, approximately 60 km south of Recife.
• Features: Muro Alto Beach is known for its strip of fine white sand, calm, clear waters, and a barrier reef that creates natural pools at low tide. The name “Muro Alto” (High Wall) comes from the cliffs and reef wall that protect the beach, making it a true paradise of calm waters.
• Sea bathing: The calm, crystal-clear waters of the natural pools are perfect for a relaxing and safe swim, especially for children.

10. Porto de Galinhas Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, approximately 60 km south of Recife.
• Features: Porto de Galinhas is famous for its natural pools formed by coral reefs, which create natural pools of calm, crystal-clear waters during low tide. The beach also has an extensive strip of fine white sand and rich marine life.
• Natural Pools: At low tide, the natural pools are accessible by raft and offer shallow, crystal-clear waters, ideal for a relaxing swim and observing marine life.

11. Maracaípe Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, approximately 65 km south of Recife.
• Features: Maracaípe Beach has a wide strip of fine sand, clear waters and impressive natural scenery, with dunes, coconut trees and mangroves all around. It is famous for its good waves and relaxed atmosphere.
• Surfing: Maracaípe is one of the main surfing destinations in Pernambuco, with consistent waves that attract surfers of all levels. The beach is known for its good surfing conditions, especially during high tide.
• Bodyboarding: The waves are also ideal for bodyboarding, providing fun for enthusiasts of the sport.
• Walking and Hiking: Explore the beachfront and the trails in the surrounding vegetation. The dunes and coconut groves offer picturesque scenery and opportunities for relaxing walks.
• Raft trips: Enjoy raft trips through the mangroves and observe the local wildlife, including the possibility of spotting seahorses.

12. Serrambi Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, about 70 km south of Recife.
• Features: Serrambi Beach is known for its natural beauty, with a wide strip of fine white sand, clear, calm waters, and a landscape that includes coconut trees and areas of native vegetation. It is less crowded compared to other beaches in the region, offering a calmer and more relaxing environment.
• Sea bathing: The calm, shallow waters are ideal for a relaxing swim, especially at low tide when conditions are even more pleasant.

13. Toquinho Beach

Toquinho Beach has a reef barrier similar to that of Muro Alto Beach.

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, about 70 km south of Recife.
• Features: Toquinho Beach has a strip of fine white sand, clear, calm waters, and is surrounded by native vegetation and mangrove areas. It is a less crowded beach compared to other better-known beaches in the region, offering a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.
• Sea bathing: The calm, shallow waters are perfect for a relaxing swim. The beach is ideal for families and children due to the safety of the waters.
• Walking: Explore the extensive stretch of sand and the trails in the surrounding areas. The walks are pleasant and allow you to enjoy the natural landscape.
• Local Wildlife Observation: The area surrounding the beach is rich in local wildlife, with various species of birds and animals that can be spotted during walks along the beach and nearby areas.
• Boat Trips: Boat trips can be arranged to explore the surrounding areas and discover the natural beauty of the coastline.

14. Carneiros Beach

• Location: Tamandaré, Pernambuco, about 90 km south of Recife.
• Features: Carneiros Beach is famous for its natural beauty, with a long stretch of fine white sand, clear warm waters, and an enchanting landscape that includes coconut trees and coral reefs. The beach is also known for its São Benedito Church, located by the sea, one of the region’s postcard images.
• Sea bathing: The calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for a relaxing swim. The beach is ideal for families, couples and groups of friends who want to enjoy a peaceful day by the sea.
• Natural Pools: At low tide, a series of natural pools protected by coral reefs form, providing shallow, calm waters that are ideal for swimming and relaxing.
• Raft Trips: Raft trips are a popular way to explore the natural pools and local marine life. Local guides provide information about the region’s fauna and flora.

15. Tamandaré Beach

• Location: Tamandaré, Pernambuco, approximately 90 km south of Recife.
• Features: Tamandaré Beach is known for its long stretch of fine white sand, clear warm waters, and lush natural landscape, with coconut trees and areas of tropical vegetation. The beach is also famous for its natural pools formed by coral reefs at low tide.
• Sea Bathing: The calm, shallow waters are perfect for a relaxing swim. The beach is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends who want to enjoy a day by the sea.
• Natural Pools: At low tide, natural pools protected by reefs form, providing an excellent place to swim and relax. These pools are ideal for observing marine life and having fun in shallow water.
• Raft Trips: Raft trips are one of the main activities in Tamandaré. They take visitors to explore the natural pools and observe the local marine fauna, such as colourful fish and corals.

16. São José da Coroa Grande Beach

Its name comes from the crowns – rock formations – that appear at low tide and create huge natural pools.

• Location: São José da Coroa Grande, Pernambuco. It is located approximately 115 km south of Recife.
• Features: São José da Coroa Grande Beach is known for its long stretch of fine white sand, clear warm waters, and natural surroundings that include coconut trees and tropical vegetation. The beach is less crowded, providing a peaceful environment that is ideal for relaxation.
• Sea bathing: The waters of São José da Coroa Grande Beach are ideal for a relaxing swim, especially at low tide, when the water is calmer and shallower.
• Walking: The long stretch of sand and surrounding vegetation offer good opportunities for walking and peaceful strolls by the sea.

17. Porto Nassau Beach

• Location: Barreiros, Pernambuco. It is approximately 100 km south of Recife and about 20 km north of Tamandaré.
• Features: Porto Nassau Beach is a beach with fine, light-coloured sand and warm, calm waters. The area is surrounded by tropical vegetation and coconut trees, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting. The beach is not very busy, which provides a more serene experience compared to the more popular beaches in the region.
• Sea bathing: The calm, shallow waters are ideal for a relaxing swim. The beach is safe for swimming, especially at low tide.

Tourist Guide to the Beaches on the South Coast of Pernambuco

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