Home » Alagoas Travel Guide » Beaches on the North Coast of Alagoas: Maceió to Maragogi

The beaches on the north coast of Alagoas make up one of the most beautiful routes in Brazil’s Northeast. From Maceió to Maragogi, the road therefore passes deserted beaches, fishing villages, warm-water natural pools and seaside guesthouses, always with a great coral reef barrier just off the coast.

For this reason, in this guide you will discover the 10 main stops on the route, in order, with the distance from Maceió and what to do at each one. Finally, you will also find tips for planning your trip.

What is the Tourist Route of the north coast of Alagoas?

In practice, the route follows about 130 km of coastline, from Maceió to Maragogi, near the border with Pernambuco. That is why it is also known as the Costa dos Corais (Coral Coast): along almost the entire way, a reef barrier formed over thousands of years shelters the sea and creates hundreds of natural pools at low tide.

The APA Costa dos Corais

In addition, much of this coastline lies within the APA Costa dos Corais (Coral Coast Environmental Protection Area), created in 1997 and one of the largest marine conservation areas in Brazil. In fact, it stretches from Maceió to the southern coast of Pernambuco and protects reefs, mangroves and endangered species such as the West Indian manatee.

Moreover, the road itself helps with conservation. On some stretches, it moves away from the beach and runs inland, which has kept several beaches almost deserted and far from large developments.

Beaches on the north coast of Alagoas: from Maceió to Maragogi

The itinerary thus begins at the northern beaches of Maceió, then passes several white-sand beaches with natural pools and ends in Maragogi, the second-largest tourist hub in Alagoas.

1. Guaxuma, Garça Torta and Riacho Doce beaches (6 km)

First of all, the beaches of Guaxuma, Garça Torta and Riacho Doce, still within Maceió, are the first stops heading north.

Guaxuma has rougher seas and, as a result, attracts water sports fans. Garça Torta and Riacho Doce, on the other hand, are calmer and good for a swim in warm water.

2. Mirante da Sereia (12.5 km)

The Mirante da Sereia (Mermaid Lookout), in Riacho Doce, is famous for the statue of a mermaid on the reefs and for the spot where the river’s fresh water meets the salt water of the sea.

Praia Mirante da Sereia em Alagoas

On one side, then, bathers enjoy this blend of fresh and salt water. On the other, however, a natural rock wall breaks the force of the waves and forms a large seaside pool, the most sought-after spot in the area.

In addition, there are several bars and restaurants, and the place also attracts surfers.

3. Praia de Ipioca (18 km)

Ipioca, the last beach neighborhood in the north of Maceió, has calm waters, white sand and plenty of coconut palms. Therefore, it is a great place to relax.

Praia de Ipioca em Alagoas

Furthermore, visitors can taste the local cuisine both in restaurants and beach clubs and at the stalls run by local residents.

4. Praia de Paripueira (27 km)

Already inside the APA Costa dos Corais, Paripueira is known for its warm, crystal-clear waters. At low tide, the sea becomes so shallow that you can walk for hundreds of meters; for this reason, the beach is ideal for families with children.

Praia de Paripueira em Maceió

What’s more, the natural pools are excellent for snorkeling and fish watching. There are also bars and restaurants close to the seafront.

5. Barra de Santo Antônio (37 km)

Praias do Litoral Norte de Alagoas: Guia Completo

Barra de Santo Antônio is a small fishing town known for its beaches with clear water and white sand.

Among them, the most famous is Praia do Carro Quebrado, with colorful cliffs and access by buggy or 4×4. The Ilha da Croa is also worth a visit; in fact, it is not an island but a sandy peninsula between the river and the sea. As a result, the area offers a peaceful setting for sunbathing, outings and water sports.

6. Barra do Camaragibe (79 km)

Barra do Camaragibe em Alagoas

Next, at Barra do Camaragibe, low tide reveals natural pools and the meeting of the river and the sea.

Besides that, neighboring Praia do Marceneiro is a quiet fishing village with corners shaded by coconut palms. Consequently, it is a good place for anyone looking for peace and quiet surrounded by nature.

7. São Miguel dos Milagres (81 km)

Praias do Litoral Norte de Alagoas: Guia Completo

São Miguel dos Milagres is one of the most popular destinations among the beaches on the north coast of Alagoas. After all, the town became famous for its calm beaches and its boutique guesthouses, many of them right on the sand.

Of its beaches, the best known is Praia do Toque. At low tide, natural pools form that are perfect for snorkeling; in addition, local raft boatmen (jangadeiros) take visitors out to the pools farther from shore.

8. Porto de Pedras (95 km)

Praia do Patacho em Porto de Pedras

Porto de Pedras attracts travelers seeking tranquility and unspoiled nature. Above all, its most famous beaches are Praia do Patacho, considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil, and Praia da Laje, both with clear water and white sand.

At low tide, the reefs at Patacho form shallow natural pools full of colorful fish. That is why the spot is great for snorkeling.

In addition, on the rio Tatuamunha, in Porto de Pedras, you can take a raft trip to watch the West Indian manatee, an endangered species that is protected and being reintroduced in the region.

9. Japaratinga (124 km)

Município de Japaratinga em Alagoas

Japaratinga is a small, peaceful town next to Maragogi. There, the most famous beach is Pontal do Boqueirão, where the river meets the sea.

Likewise, Japaratinga also has natural pools at low tide, good for snorkeling and sunbathing. Since it is quieter, it is a good base for those who want to stay close to Maragogi but away from the crowds.

10. Maragogi (130 km)

Praias do Litoral Norte de Alagoas: Guia Completo

Finally, Maragogi is the second-largest tourist hub in Alagoas. In fact, the town is famous for the Galés, natural pools located about 6 km off the coast that are visited by catamaran or speedboat at low tide.

Besides the Galés, there are beaches such as Antunes and Barra Grande, where, at low tide, a strip of sand appears in the middle of the sea known as the Caminho de Moisés (Moses’ Path). As a result, Maragogi appeals to all kinds of travelers, with both lively and laid-back options.

Tips for doing the route

• Check the tide table: the natural pools only appear at low tide; therefore, plan your outings for the days and times with the lowest tides.
• Go by car: public transport between the beaches is limited. So renting a car or booking a transfer is the most practical option.
• Stay in more than one place: for example, spend one or two nights in São Miguel dos Milagres and a few more in Maragogi or Japaratinga.
• Respect the corals: do not step on the reefs, do not feed the fish and, above all, use reef-safe sunscreen.

Frequently asked questions about the beaches on the north coast of Alagoas

How many days do you need to do the route from Maceió to Maragogi?

First of all, to see the main stops at a relaxed pace, it is best to set aside 5 to 7 days. In addition, it is worth staying in at least 2 or 3 different places along the way.

Do you need to rent a car to do this route?

Yes, renting a car or booking a transfer is recommended. After all, the road moves away from the coast on some stretches, and public transport between the beaches is limited.

What is the best time to visit the north coast of Alagoas?

In general, the drier season, from September to March, tends to be sunnier. However, the water is warm all year round. The most important thing, therefore, is to check the tide table, since the natural pools depend on low tide.

Can you visit just one part of the route on a short trip?

Yes. If you are short on time, you can, for example, take a day trip to the beaches closest to Maceió (Garça Torta, Riacho Doce, Ipioca and Paripueira). Alternatively, you can go straight to Maragogi or São Miguel dos Milagres.

Where are the most famous natural pools on the route?

Without a doubt, the Galés in Maragogi, about 6 km off the coast, are the best known. But practically the entire route, from Paripueira to Japaratinga, forms natural pools at low tide, thanks to the coral reef barrier that gives the Costa dos Corais its name.

Where can you see manatees in Alagoas?

Mainly on the rio Tatuamunha, in Porto de Pedras. There, raft trips take visitors to watch the West Indian manatee, an endangered species protected within the APA Costa dos Corais.

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