Maragogi beaches map and nearby towns in Alagoas

Published on November 23, 2020 · Updated on November 3, 2026

Home » Alagoas Travel Guide » Maragogi beaches map and nearby towns in Alagoas

The Maragogi beaches map shows a coastline of green sea and natural pools in the far north of Alagoas, on the border with Pernambuco. Next to it, the towns near Maragogi, such as Japaratinga, Porto de Pedras and São Miguel dos Milagres, complete the Costa dos Corais, on the north coast of Alagoas. So, in this guide, you will find the map, the order of the towns and the best beaches in each one.

Quick summary – Maragogi beaches map

Where it is: in the far north of Alagoas, about 130 km from both Maceió and Recife.
Neighboring town (north): São José da Coroa Grande, already in Pernambuco.
Towns to the south: Japaratinga, Porto de Pedras and São Miguel dos Milagres.
Highlights: the Galés, Barra Grande, the Caminho de Moisés and Antunes.
Tip: plan your trip around the tide table, because the pools appear at low tide.

Maragogi beaches map and the Costa dos Corais

From north to south, the coast follows this order: São José da Coroa Grande (PE), Maragogi, Japaratinga, Porto de Pedras and São Miguel dos Milagres. In addition, they are all part of the APA Costa dos Corais, a federal environmental protection area with long reef barriers.

Maragogi beaches map and the municipalities of the Costa dos Corais — Map of the municipalities of the Costa dos Corais in Alagoas

That is why the region has coconut groves, fine sand, warm water and plenty of natural pools. Some towns are famous, while others are still little explored.

How to get to Maragogi

First of all, Maragogi lies between two state capitals. So, you can arrive through the airports of Maceió – Zumbi dos Palmares (MCZ) or Recife – Guararapes/Gilberto Freyre (REC), both about 130 km away.

Map of the north coast of Alagoas with Maragogi, Maceió and Recife — Map of the north coast of Alagoas

In general, the best option is to rent a car or book a transfer. Also, since Recife usually has more flights, arriving there can be more convenient. See also our guides to Maceió and Recife.

What to do in Maragogi

In general, almost everything revolves around the sea:

trips to the natural pools, such as the Galés;
buggy rides along the beaches;
and, of course, lazy days on the sand.

After all, Maragogi is a small town, with 32,174 inhabitants (IBGE, 2022 Census), ideal for relaxing.

Maragogi beaches

Guia Turístico de Maragogi em Alagoas05:23

Todas as Praias do Norte ao Sul de Maragogi49:35

Praia de Xaréu em Maragogi03:44

Caminho de Moisés na praia de Barra Grande AL03:28

Praia de Antunes em Maragogi03:49

Município de Japaratinga em Alagoas02:47

Praia do Patacho em Porto de Pedras03:00

São Miguel dos Milagres em Alagoas07:19

In fact, the green sea is reminiscent of the Caribbean. However, the beaches change a lot between low tide and high tide. At low tide, the sea recedes, sandbanks and natural pools appear, and you can walk many meters through shallow water.

Galés de Maragogi

The Galés are the most famous natural pools in town, formed on the reefs a few kilometers off the coast. However, you can only get there by boat or catamaran, at low tide, with authorized operators, since visits are controlled to protect the corals.

Maragogi Beach (town center)

Seafront of Maragogi Beach, in the town center — Maragogi Beach in Alagoas

It is the town’s main beach and, therefore, it has restaurants and shops. Although it is not the most beautiful, many trips to the natural pools leave from here.

Xaréu Beach

About 8 km from the center, it is ideal, above all, for those seeking peace and quiet. At low tide, it forms a lagoon of crystal-clear water, where you can walk far out to sea.

Barra Grande Beach

In turn, Barra Grande is one of the most popular beaches and has calm, clear waters, great for families. Moreover, at low tide, the sandbank leads out to the natural pools.

See: Barra Grande Beach in Alagoas has a paradisiacal setting

Caminho de Moisés

The Caminho de Moisés (Moses’ Path) is a sandbank that emerges at low tide in Barra Grande. As a result, you can walk out to sea in shallow water, which is good for children.

Antunes Beach

Famous for its beauty, Antunes also has beach huts and pools of blue water. Likewise, at low tide, sandbanks form so you can walk out to sea.

Towns near Maragogi

São José da Coroa Grande (PE), the neighboring town

Just to the north, already in Pernambuco, São José da Coroa Grande is Maragogi’s neighboring town. In addition, it also has natural pools and quiet beaches.

Japaratinga

South of Maragogi, Japaratinga is a former fishing village, with 9,219 inhabitants (IBGE, 2022 Census). Although it is still little known, it has natural pools, sandbanks and plenty of peace and quiet.

Map of the Costa dos Corais tourist route, from Maragogi to São Miguel dos Milagres — Costa dos Corais tourist route

Colorful cliffs and strip of sand at Japaratinga Beach — Japaratinga Beach in Alagoas

Japaratinga Beach: the main one, with bars, restaurants and colorful cliffs.
Bitingui Beach: one of the favorites, with a calm sea that is good for snorkeling.
Barreiras do Boqueirão: natural pools at low tide, light sand and coconut palms.
Pontal Beach: where the rio Manguaba meets the sea; it is quiet, and a ferry crosses to Porto de Pedras.

Calm sea at Bitingui Beach, in Japaratinga — Bitingui Beach in Japaratinga

Coconut palms and natural pools at Barreiras do Boqueirão — Barreiras do Boqueirão Beach in Japaratinga

Where the rio Manguaba meets the sea at Pontal Beach — Pontal Beach in Japaratinga

Porto de Pedras

After the rio Manguaba comes Porto de Pedras, with 9,295 inhabitants (IBGE, 2022 Census) and unspoiled beaches. The highlight is Patacho Beach, surrounded by thousands of coconut palms and with almost no commerce.

Furthermore, on the rio Tatuamunha, in Porto de Pedras, you can see the manatee on a raft trip linked to a conservation project.

Coconut grove and transparent sea at Patacho Beach, in Porto de Pedras — Patacho Beach in Porto de Pedras

São Miguel dos Milagres

Further south, São Miguel dos Milagres has 8,482 inhabitants (IBGE, 2022 Census) and is increasingly sought after. Together with Porto de Pedras, then, it forms the so-called Rota Ecológica (Ecological Route), with charming guesthouses.

São Miguel dos Milagres Beach: good infrastructure, with restaurants and guesthouses facing the sea.
Toque Beach: white sand and warm waters.
Porto da Rua: by contrast, the busiest, with more restaurants and guesthouses.
Riacho Beach: famous for its leaning coconut palms, which are great for photos.

White sand at Toque Beach, in São Miguel dos Milagres — Toque Beach in São Miguel dos Milagres

Boats at Porto da Rua Beach, in São Miguel dos Milagres — Porto da Rua Beach in São Miguel dos Milagres

Leaning coconut palms over the sea at Riacho Beach — Riacho Beach in São Miguel dos Milagres

Frequently asked questions about Maragogi and neighboring towns

What is the order of the towns on the Maragogi beaches map?

From north to south: São José da Coroa Grande (PE), Maragogi, Japaratinga, Porto de Pedras and São Miguel dos Milagres.

Thus, they are all on the Costa dos Corais.

Which town is next to Maragogi?

To the north, São José da Coroa Grande (PE); on the other hand, to the south, Japaratinga (AL).

For this reason, you can visit both on a day trip.

Which town comes before Maragogi when leaving from Maceió?

Along the coast, you first pass through São Miguel dos Milagres, Porto de Pedras and Japaratinga.

In general, the route follows the AL-101 Norte highway.

Where are the Galés de Maragogi?

They are on the reefs in front of the town, a few kilometers off the coast, with access by boat.

However, they only really appear at low tide.

What is the best beach near Maragogi?

In Maragogi, for example, Barra Grande and Antunes; in the neighboring towns, Patacho and Riacho Beach.

However, the best choice depends on the tide that day.

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 →