7-Day Itinerary in Paraíba: Beaches and Culture

Paraíba boasts stunning beaches with colourful cliffs, sandbanks such as Areia Vermelha that emerge at low tide, and clear waters ideal for swimming and water sports — from João Pessoa to Tambaba and Coqueirinho, each coastline offers unique landscapes and options for those seeking rest or adventure.

João Pessoa na Paraíba — João Pessoa in Paraíba

In addition to its beaches, the capital has a rich cultural heritage: historic centres, museums and the Cabo Branco Station designed by Oscar Niemeyer, where history, art and architecture come together in pleasant and accessible tours.

Away from the coast, Paraíba reveals living traditions and popular festivals, such as São João de Campina Grande, considered one of the largest in the world, as well as tasty regional cuisine.

The hospitality of the people of Paraíba, the good value for money for tourists and the diversity of ecosystems — mangroves, reserves and caatinga areas — make the state a complete destination for those seeking culture, nature and authentic experiences.

7-day itinerary in Paraíba

Os 8 Melhores Passeios em João Pessoa na Paraíba01:29:48

Praia de Cabo Branco e Tambaú em João Pessoa PB05:45

O QUE CONHECER NO CENTRO HISTÓRICO DE JOÃO PESSOA10:53

Praia do Jacaré em Cabedelo PB06:47

Ilha de Areia Vermelha na Paraíba01:12

Praia de Tambaba no Conde PB09:34

Praia de Coqueirinho no Conde PB04:00

Praia de Tabatinga no Conde PB07:21

Praia do Amor e Chapadão

Praia de Lucena na Paraíba

Barra de Mamanguape PB14:46

Mataraca PB - orla de Barra de Camaratuba, Praia da Pavuna e do Guaju09:22

Estimated distances from the centre of João Pessoa.

Day 1 — João Pessoa (centre and coast)

Activities: Historic centre (São Francisco Cultural Centre, João Pessoa Square), Cabo Branco Station, sunset on the coast of Tambaú / Cabedelo.
Distances: 0 km (based in João Pessoa). Short trips: 2–10 km.
Time: walking tours + 15–30 min by car between points.

Tambaú is a neighbourhood and beach in the city of João Pessoa, very popular for its waterfront, craft fair and spots to enjoy the sunset. It is located within the urban perimeter of the capital and is easily accessible from the centre.

Cabedelo is a neighbouring municipality located at the mouth of the Paraíba River, administratively separated from João Pessoa, but only a few minutes’ drive from the capital. It has beaches, the Fort of Santa Catarina and the Jacaré area, all great places to watch the sunset; that is why they are often mentioned together in itineraries based in João Pessoa.

Centro Cultural São Francisco em João Pessoa — São Francisco Cultural Centre in João Pessoa

Praça João Pessoa em João Pessoa PB — João Pessoa Square in João Pessoa, Paraíba

Estação Cabo Branco em João Pessoa PB — Cabo Branco Station in João Pessoa, Paraíba

Day 2 — Cabo Branco Lighthouse and Ponta do Seixas

Activities: Cabo Branco Lighthouse, Ponta do Seixas (the easternmost point of the Americas), Cabo Branco cliffs.
Distance: 5–8 km from the centre of João Pessoa.
Time: 15–25 min by car.

Farol do Cabo Branco em João Pessoa PB — Cabo Branco Lighthouse in João Pessoa, Paraíba

Vista aérea da área do Farol do Cabo Branco, com a Ponta do Seixas ao fundo e a Estação Científica em primeiro plano. — Aerial view of the Cabo Branco Lighthouse area, with Ponta do Seixas in the background and the Scientific Station in the foreground.

Day 3 — Areia Vermelha and Cabedelo

Activities: boat trip to the sandbank (only at low tide), Santa Catarina Fortress, Jacaré Beach at sunset to listen to Bolero (when there is a performance).
Distance: ~10–15 km (João Pessoa → municipality of Cabedelo / Areia Vermelha).
Time: 20–35 min by car + boat crossing (~15–30 min).

Fortaleza de Santa Catarina em Cabedelo PB — Fortress of Santa Catarina in Cabedelo, Paraíba

Areia Vermelha na Paraíba — Areia Vermelha in Paraíba

Day 4 — Municipality of Conde: Coqueirinho and Tabatinga beaches

Activities: cliff beaches (Coqueirinho, Tabatinga), swimming and short trails, viewpoints for photos.
Distance: ~25–35 km south of João Pessoa (depending on the beach).
Time: 35–50 min by car.

Praia de Coqueirinho no município do Conde PB — Coqueirinho Beach in the municipality of Conde, PB

Praia de Tabatinga – Conde na Paraíba — Tabatinga Beach – Conde in Paraíba

Day 5 — Tambaba and Amor Beaches (municipality of Conde)

Activities: famous beach (naturist area in a secluded spot), swimming in natural pools, viewpoints.
Distance: ~35–45 km from the centre of João Pessoa.
Time: 45–60 min by car.
Note: part of the beach is naturist — please respect the signs.

praia de Tambaba na Paraíba — Tambaba beach in Paraíba

Praia do Amor e Chapadão na Paraíba — Praia do Amor and Chapadão in Paraíba

Day 6 — North Coast (alternative): Lucena Beach / Barra de Mamanguape / Municipality of Mataraca

Activities: less touristy and more rustic beaches, boat trips through estuaries, bird watching and contact with local fishing communities.
Distance: ~40–80 km from the centre of João Pessoa (varies depending on the chosen spot).
Time: 45 min–1h30 by car, depending on the destination.

Praia de Lucena na Paraíba — Lucena Beach in Paraíba

Barra de Mamanguape em Rio Tinto PB — Mamanguape Bar in Rio Tinto, Paraíba

Praia de Bela Vista em Mataraca PB — Bela Vista Beach in Mataraca, Paraíba

Day 7 — Free day in João Pessoa

Revisit your favourite beach in João Pessoa, shopping and crafts.

Quick tips

Areia Vermelha only appears at low tide — check tide times beforehand.
Bring sunscreen, water and walking shoes for hiking on the cliff beaches.
Distances are approximate from the centre of João Pessoa; times vary depending on traffic.