The Northeast of Brazil is one of the richest regions in terms of natural beauty and tourist diversity.
Its tourist attractions go far beyond its famous beaches and include stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and unique gastronomy.
1. Diversity of natural landscapes
One of the geographical advantages of the North East is the presence of three types of natural landscape in virtually every state in the region:
- Coastal: Known for its stunning beaches.
- Closed Forest: Rich in biodiversity.
- Semi-arid: With unique features that attract tourists.
See Geography and Climate Regions of the North East.
2. Tourist Attractions in the Northeastern Capitals
Brazil’s Northeast is a region rich in culture, history and natural beauty. Each of its capitals offers unique tourist attractions.
2.1 Aracaju – Sergipe
- Praia de Atalaia: Known for its structured waterfront and lively nightlife.
- Mercado Municipal: A great place to sample local cuisine and buy handicrafts.
- Xingó Canyon: A little further away, but a must for nature lovers.
2.2 Salvador – Bahia
- Pelourinho: The historic centre with its cobbled streets and baroque churches.
- Lacerda Lift: Connects the upper town to the lower town and offers incredible views of the Bay of All Saints.
- Porto da Barra Beach: One of the most famous and popular beaches of the city.
2.3 Fortaleza – Ceará
- Praia do Futuro: One of the most famous, known for its beach huts and clear waters.
- Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura: Cultural centre with museums, cinemas and theatres.
- Ceará Show: A dance and music show presenting the culture of Ceará.
2.4 São Luís – Maranhão
- Historic Centre of São Luís: UNESCO World Heritage Site, with colonial mansions and Portuguese tiles.
- Calhau Beach: Known for its waves and beach kiosks.
- Lençóis Maranhenses: Although it’s not in the city, it’s a must-see nearby destination, famous for its dunes and lagoons.
2.5 João Pessoa – Paraíba
- Tambaú Beach: Famous for its beauty and tourist infrastructure.
- Cabo Branco Station: Cultural centre designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
- Ponta do Seixas: The most eastern point of the American continent, known for its breathtaking landscapes.
2.6 Recife – Pernambuco
- Boa Viagem Beach: With its natural pools and promenade.
- Instituto Ricardo Brennand: A museum with an impressive collection of arms and art.
- Olinda: Neighbouring historic city, famous for its carnival and colonial architecture.
2.7 Teresina – Piauí
- Meeting of the rivers: Where the Poty and Parnaíba rivers meet, forming a beautiful natural setting.
- Serra da Capivara National Park: Famous for its cave paintings and rich biodiversity.
- Karnak Palace: Seat of the state government, with historic architecture.
2.8 Maceió – Alagoas
- Praia do Francês: Known for its calm waters and ideal for water sports.
- Pajuçara Beach: Famous for its natural pools formed at low tide.
- Théo Brandão Museum: Dedicated to the culture and popular art of Alagoas.
2.9 Natal – Rio Grande do Norte
- Ponta Negra Beach: Known for Morro do Careca and its warm waters.
- Parque das Dunas: A nature reserve with trails and rich biodiversity.
- Forte dos Reis Magos: A historic fort built in the 16th century.
3. Exceptional beaches
The northeastern beaches are among the most beautiful in Brazil and the world.
With a vast stretch of coastline, they offer a variety of environments, from the busiest to the most tranquil.
The main beaches include Porto Seguro (BA), Praia do Gunga (AL), Praia do Espelho (BA), Jericoacoara (CE), Canoa Quebrada (CE), Porto de Galinhas (PE), Genipabu (RN), Praia da Pipa (RN), and many others.
4. Sights not to be missed
The tourist attractions in the region are equally impressive, with the highlight being the relief formations and coastal areas of great beauty. Some of the main destinations are
- Lençóis Maranhenses (MA)
- Lajedo de Soledade (RN)
- Jacaré River Beach (PB)
- Galés Tour in Maragogi (AL)
- Itaparica Island (BA)
- Chapada Diamantina (BA)
- Pedra Caída Waterfall (MA)
- Serra da Capivara National Park (PI)
These sites demonstrate the rich natural diversity of the region and offer a wide range of experiences for tourists.
5. Top destinations in the North East
Principais Destinos Turísticos no Nordeste
5.1 Maragogi5.1 Maragogi, Alagoas
Maragogi is one of the most popular destinations in the state, famous for its galés, coral banks that form natural pools at low tide.
Considered the “Brazilian Caribbean”, Maragogi has transparent, warm waters with rich marine life. Speedboat or catamaran trips are common and last about 20 minutes.
5.2 Morro de São Paulo and Boipeba, Bahia
Morro de São Paulo is known for its numbered beaches and Caribbean atmosphere. Beaches 3 and 4 are ideal for those seeking tranquillity and activities such as snorkelling.
Boipeba, on the other hand, offers a relaxing experience with unspoilt natural landscapes and a fishing atmosphere.
5.3 Canoa Quebrada, Ceará
Canoa Quebrada beach has been attracting visitors since the 1970s, known for its cliffs and vibrant nightlife on the famous Broadway, full of bars and restaurants.
5.4 Ponta Grossa beach, Icapuí
Praia de Ponta Grossa em Icapuí CE
Less well known, Ponta Grossa Beach retains the tranquility of old fishing villages and offers activities such as Rafting and Buggy Rides, as well as impressive natural formations.
5.5 Tambaba Beach, Paraíba
Tambaba Beach is the first official naturist beach in the Northeast and is famous for its natural beauty, cliffs and warm waters.
The beach is divided into naturist and non-naturist areas, surrounded by lush vegetation.
5.6 Carneiros Beach, Pernambuco
Located in Tamandaré, Praia dos Carneiros is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, famous for its warm, transparent waters and the Chapel of St Benedict, which attracts many couples.
5.7 Serra da Capivara National Park, Piauí
The Serra da Capivara National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its prehistoric rock art and unique landscapes, offering a true journey into the past of civilisation.
5.8 Xingó Canyon, Sergipe
The Xingó Canyon is one of the largest navigable canyons in the world and offers catamaran trips that will enchant visitors with its rock formations and the beauty of the São Francisco River.
5.9 Espelho beach, Bahia
Praia do Espelho, located in the district of Caraíva, is famous for its calm, clear water, lush cliffs and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxing and contemplating nature.
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