The main tourist destinations in northeast Brazil

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.

Principais estados do nordeste brasileiro
The main states of Northeast Brazil

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

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

2.4 São Luís – Maranhão

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

2.7 Teresina – Piauí

2.8 Maceió – 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

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
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Principais Destinos Turísticos no Nordeste

5.1 Maragogi

5.1 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.

Maragogi em Alagoas
Maragogi in Alagoas

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.

Morro de São Paulo na Bahia
Morro de São Paulo, Bahia

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.

mapa Canoa Quebrada no Ceará
Map of Canoa Quebrada in Ceará

5.4 Ponta Grossa beach, Icapuí

Praia de Ponta Grossa em Icapuí CE
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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.

Praia de Ponta Grossa em Icapuí
Ponta Grossa beach, Icapuí

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.

Praia de Tambaba no Conde na Paraíba
Tambaba Beach in Conde, Paraíba

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.

Capelinha de São Benedito na Praia dos Carneiros em Pernambuco
Chapel of St Benedict at Carneiros Beach in Pernambuco

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.

Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara no Piauí
Serra da Capivara National Park, Piauí

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.

Cânion do Xingó em Sergipe
Xingó Canyon, Sergipe

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.

Praia do Espelho no distrito de Caraíva
Espelho beach in the Caraíva district

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