Home » Maranhão Travel Guide » The most beautiful beaches on the coast of Maranhão

The coast of Maranhão is famous for its incredible sand dunes, such as those in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and for its lush mangroves. The beaches of this state are unique in the northeastern region of Brazil.

On this stretch of the Brazilian coast, you can find almost deserted beaches in fishing villages, as well as options in the metropolitan region of São Luís.

Although the beaches are unknown, underrated and undervalued by those seeking only the famous “blue water and coconut trees as far as the eye can see” beaches, the beaches of Maranhão offer a unique and attractive beauty.

Exuberance and tourist potential

The beaches of the Maranhão Coast are rich in exuberance (being the greenest coast in Brazil, due to the abundance of mangroves), originality, exoticism and a high level of environmental protection.

They offer a different kind of tropical beauty, with enormous potential for leisure activities, recreation, sun and beach tourism and ecotourism.

Maranhão has the second longest coastline in Brazil and is renowned for its natural beauty. Below we’ve listed some of the state’s most stunning beaches.

The most beautiful beaches of the Maranhão coast

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Guia Turístico de Tutóia no Maranhão

Praias de Tutóia no Maranhão05:06

Praias da Ilha dos Lençóis em Cururupu05:35

Kitesurf em Atins03:55

Caburé é um vilarejo de pescadores no Maranhão13:04

Praia de Panaquatira no Maranhão00:36

Praia do Calhau no Maranhão03:44

Praia do Araçagy no Maranhão04:07

Praia da Ponta D'areia no Maranhão02:04

Praia de São Marcos no Maranhão02:03

1. The beaches of Tutóia

Tutóia is a hidden paradise 440 km from the capital, São Luís, characterised by its dunes, beaches, mangroves, rivers and lakes.

The region is famous for the lagoons of Balneário de Lagoinha, which form in the dunes during the rainy season.

Among the most notable beaches are Praia da Barra, Andreza, Arpoador, Moita Verde and Praia do Amor.

The region also has islands such as Cajueiro, Melancieira and Coroatá. Access to the Parnaíba Delta, which takes about 7 hours by river, is a visually stunning experience.

To explore Tutóia’s attractions, we recommend using a 4×4 vehicle and the company of a local guide.

2. Beaches of Ilha dos Lençóis in Cururupu

Lençóis Island, located in Cururupu, is an ecological sanctuary and one of the most remote destinations in the world. With a landscape dominated by dunes, mangroves and the presence of the guará, a reddish bird, the island remains wild and has little infrastructure.

3. Atins Beach – Barreirinhas

Atins Beach is a place where the Preguiças River meets the sea, forming a mixture of salt and fresh water. During the rainy season, lagoons and waterfalls form nearby, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and beauty.

The village of Atins offers a good choice of bars, restaurants and accommodation in a rustic atmosphere.

4. Caburé Beach – Barreirinhas

Caburé, almost deserted, is located on a peninsula between the sea and the Preguiças River.

The long stretch of clear sand offers a tranquil setting and is ideal for a refreshing swim in the river’s fresh waters. A boat trip from Barreirinhas reveals landscapes of dunes and mangroves.

5. Panaquatira beach – São José de Ribamar

Panaquatira Beach, located 40 kilometres east of São Luís, is considered one of the best beaches in the region. With around five kilometres of calm, shallow sea, it is perfect for relaxing and swimming.

6. Calhau beach – São Luís do Maranhão

Known for its calm waters, Praia do Calhau is one of the most popular spots in the capital. The beach stretches along Avenida Litorânea, where restaurants and stalls create a charming atmosphere.

7. Araçagy beach – São José de Ribamar

Located about 20 km from the centre of São Luís, Araçagy Beach is ideal for those looking for peace and quiet and a good typical Maranhão meal. Accessible by car, the beach is surrounded by dunes and kiosks.

8. Ponta D’Areia – São Luís do Maranhão

Ponta D’Areia is one of the busiest beaches in São Luís, less than 5 km from the city centre. Although it is not recommended for swimming, the beach is a meeting point for a wide range of people and offers a variety of entertainment.

9. Olho D’Água – São Luís do Maranhão

With its rustic appearance, Praia do Olho D’Água is known for its dunes and cliffs. During the second half of the year, the beach attracts sailing enthusiasts due to the favourable winds.

10. Beach of São Marcos – São Luís do Maranhão

Considered the “youngest” beach on this list, São Marcos is frequented by surfers during the day. At night, the bars and entertainment bring the beach to life with parties and events.

The most beautiful beaches of the Maranhão coast – Maranhão Tourist Guide

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 22/02/2020 · Updated on 25/05/2025

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