The Northeast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Northeast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Baía do Sancho
Surrounded by cliffs draped in lush green vegetation, Baía do Sancho is breathtakingly beautiful. Its crystal clear waters shift in tonality from sparkling blue to emerald green, while the coral reefs make it a prime spot for snorkeling. Be prepared for a lengthy descent down a natural stairway to reach the shore, although those with mobility problems can access the beach by boat trip. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming.
Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, 53.990-000, Brazil -
2. Baía dos Porcos
The best showcase for the island's stunning natural beauty, the "Bay of Pigs" is a literal paradise tucked away on the north ridge of the island. Strict conservation laws ensure that its crystalline waters are rarely crowded. Grab a mask and dive into the natural swimming pools here to glimpse starfish, sea urchins, and even the occasional turtle or stingray. The view over the rugged rocks in the bay is awe-inspiring. Buggy drivers (bugueiros) are the local means of transportation for accessing the different beaches here. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming.
Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, 53.990-000, Brazil -
3. Flecheiras
The ocean is always calm at this beach, which is surrounded by coconut trees, lagoons, and sand dunes. During low tide the reefs surface, and you can see small fish and shells in the rocks. When the tide comes in and the natural pools form, you can grab your mask and go snorkeling. In a 5-km (3-mile) stretch between Flexeiras and Mundaú—another almost-deserted beach—there are several fishing villages and a working lighthouse. A river joins the ocean at Mundaú, forming a large S on the sand; on one side is a line of coconut trees and on the other, fishermen with their jangadas—the scene conveys the very essence of Ceará. Flexeiras is about a 90-minute drive from Fortaleza. You can take the Rendenção bus or arrange a trip here with a tour operator. As yet there are no luxury resorts here, but there are several simple, clean pousadas. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming.
CE 085, Fortaleza, Ceará, 62690-000, Brazil -
4. Genipabu
Massive dunes have made this one of the best-known beaches in the country. The area is most commonly explored on thrilling day-trips across the dune by buggy, stopping off at three lakes and two parks along the way. You have two choices: com emocão (literally, "with emotion"), which rivals any roller coaster, or sem emocão (without emotion), a little calmer but still fairly hair-raising. Buggy operators, who usually find you before you find them, charge around R$100 per person, although it is recommended to book in advance through a reputable operator. You can also explore the dunes on camels imported from southern Spain. Other activities include half-hour boat rides and skyboarding (also called skysurfing)—which is basically snowboarding down the dunes. The beach is attractive, although it gets crowded during high season. Because Genipabu is close to Natal, it's primarily a day-trip destination. There are a few small pousadas and restaurants near the beach, but the town shuts down at night. Buses leave from the Rodoviário Velho every half hour or so for the 45-minute trip. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: walking.
Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59575-000, Brazil -
5. Praia da Paiva
One of the secret refuges of Recife, this long stretch of golden shore has the feel of a private beach, yet is open to the public via the pay-toll and small bridge on the road to Barra de Jangada-Gaibu (cars cost R$3.50 on weekdays and R$5.50 at weekends). The only refreshments available come from passing beach vendors, but you can stop for lunch at Marina Pôr do Sol, a decent restaurant on the water to the right of the pay-toll. From Boa Viagem, you can access Praia da Paiva by several connecting buses, although the easiest way to get there is by taxi or rental car. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: solitude; surfing; walking.
Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Pernambuco, 54500-001, Brazil -
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6. Praia das Minas
Walk 30 minutes north of Pipa's main street via a terra-cotta dirt road or along the beach (depending on the tide) and you will arrive at the deserted, rugged beauty of Praia das Minas. Luxury eco-hotel Toca da Coruja now runs the sole beach bar and restaurant, serving delicious fresh fish and caipirinhas as a reward for your efforts. Big waves and strong currents make the water best for paddling. Amenities: food and drink; shower; toilets. Best for: solitude; sunrise; walking.
Praia da Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte, 59179-000, Brazil -
7. Praia de Cumbuco
Thirty-seven km (23 miles) west of Fortaleza, this former fisherman's colony is one of the best options for a relaxing day-trip from Fortaleza. The long stretch of tranquil golden sands is framed in immense dunes and coconut palms. The reliable winds make it a favorite among kitesurfers, while adventure lovers can bounce around the dunes by buggy, ride horses along the beach, or take a trip out to sea in one of the traditional jangadas.Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
Fortaleza, Ceará, 61619-115, Brazil -
8. Praia de Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara's main beach encircles the small village of this former fisherman's colony and is the heart of the action, from sunrise horseback riding to sunset capoiera displays. Waters are usually calm and clean, good for surfing and swimming, but conditions can vary depending on the wind. It can get busy with beach buggies and fishing boats. Don't miss watching the legendary sunset from the dunes that frame the sands. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: partiers; solitude; sunset; surfing; walking.
Jericoacoara, Ceará, 62595-000, Brazil -
9. Praia do Patacho
Almost always deserted, this long stretch of white sand is the Coral Coast's most beautiful beach, with warm waters calm enough for even small kids to feel like they are taking a bath. The landscape changes signficantly between high and low tide, when the water retreats from the coconut-lined shore up to 500 meters, leaving an iridescent layer of water that reflects the sunlight. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking.
Porto de Pedras, Alagoas, 57495-000, Brazil -
10. Praia dos Golfinhos
One of the Northeast's most magical spots, this local favorite is accessible only during low tide and the most likely place to swim with wild dolphins outside Fernando do Noronha. There is no access point down from the salmon-pink cliffs that frame the long slip of sand, which means that aside from a lone water seller who makes the trek daily, the beach's pristine beauty is preserved. To get there, consult the tide chart and head northwest from Pipa's central beach. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.
Praia da Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte, 59178-000, Brazil -
11. Tamandaré
Situated 109 km (68 miles) south of Recife, this beach region shares the same calm, warm waters and natural pools as Porto das Galinhas, yet lacks the crowds. The postcard-perfect Praia dos Carneiros has brilliantly clear emerald waters that are home to shoals of tropical fish. The beach huts there serve fresh coconut water and seafood snacks. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; swimming.
Recife, Pernambuco, 55578-000, Brazil -
12. Barra de Cunhaú
An idyllic paradise off the beaten track, this beach is blessed with white sands, turquoise waters, and a handful of small bars and restaurants. Even though there is an access road, the best option is to take a buggy trip from Praia da Pipa and spend the day. Steady winds also make it a favorite with kitesurfers. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: kitesurfing; solitude; swimming.
Praia da Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil -
13. Boa Viagem
Boa ViagemCoconut palms line Recife's most popular beach, the 9-km-long (4-mile-long) Praia da Boa Viagem. A steady Atlantic breeze tames the hot sun, and reef formations create pools of warm water, although surfing and swimming are limited to designated areas because of the sharks beyond the reef. Sailors and fishermen beach their jangadas (handcrafted log rafts with beautiful sails), and vendors sell coconut drinks from kiosks. Avenida Boa Viagem separates a row of hotels and apartments from the beach, which is lined by a wide blue calçadão (sidewalk) that's perfect for running, bike rides, or evening promenades. On weekend afternoons there's a handicrafts fair in Praça da Boa Viagem. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee). Best for: partiers; sunrises; walking.
Recife, Pernambuco, 51021-010, Brazil -
14. Búzios Beach
This beach is endowed with great natural beauty yet does not usually draw many visitors. On the left side of the beach, the barrier reef creates an area of clear, calm waters ideal for bathing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. In the background are some impressive dunes, covered with palm trees and other vegetation. The modest infrastructure consists of just a few small pousadas and restaurants. While the right side of the beach is best for surfing, parents with children should avoid swimming here due to unpredictable currents. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming.
RN 063 (Rota do Sol), Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59164, Brazil -
15. Cabo de Santo Agostinho
Some of Pernambuco's finest beaches are clustered around the small town of Cabo de Santo Agostinho, 35 km (22 miles) south of the city. The town's eponymous beach is better for soaking up the view of the cliffs and surrounding colonial houses rather than sunbathing, as there is little sand to sit on. Buses to and from Recife depart regularly and cost R$2. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: sunsets.
54500-000, Brazil -
16. Canoa Quebrada
Hidden behind dunes, the stunning Canoa Quebrada Beach was "discovered" in the 1970s by French doctors working in the area. The spectacular scenery includes not only dunes but red cliffs and groves of palm trees. Carved into a cliff is the symbol of Canoa: a crescent moon with a star in the middle. The village now has good roads and an endless choice of comfortable pousadas, bars, and restaurants. The most efficient and economical way to get here is on a trip offered by one of Fortaleza's many tour operators, with prices from R$45 per person. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
View Tours and ActivitiesFortaleza, Ceará, 62800-000, Brazil -
17. Gaibu
Surrounded by palm trees and favored by local surfers, beautiful Gaibu has become one of the area's most happening hangout spots. Volleyball competitions, fishing, and surfing are all practiced along the shore, while at the end of the beach, you can visit the ruins of the Fort of San Francisco Xavier. Some parts of the beach are not recommended for swimming. Its popularity means the beach can sometimes get crowded, noisy, and dirty Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards. Best for: partiers; surfing; sunset.
Recife, Pernambuco, 54505-000, Brazil -
18. Iguape
AquirazSurrounded by white-sand dunes, this laid-back beach in the nearby village of Aquiraz has calm and clean water. There are both fishermen and lace makers (lace is sold at the Centro de Rendeiras). There's also a lookout at Morro do Enxerga Tudo. Buses depart from Fortaleza for this beach several times daily on the route to Aquiraz. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: solitude; surfing; swimming.
CE 040, Fortaleza, Ceará, 61752-000, Brazil -
19. Ilha de Itamaracá
This island is set off the coast of the historic city of Igarassu and has a number of beautiful beaches with calm waters for swimming, as well as a protected area for manatees. The best beach is Coroa do Avião. To get to its secluded golden sands and handful of pricey beach restaurants, you need to take a boat or canoe from Forte Orange (R$10 per person). Buses to Igarassu and Ilha de Itamaracá leave from the center of Recife, at the Cais de Santa Rita in front of the Fórum Thomas de Aquino. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.
Recife, Pernambuco, 53900-000, Brazil -
20. Lagoa do Paraíso
The fine white sand and crystalline, calm turquoise waters at idllyic Lagoa do Paraíso are excellent for sunbathing. Take the shuttle from the center of town (approximately 40 minutes) through the dunes and spend the day. There are restaurants lining the shore, paddleboards for rent, and hammocks suspended in the water for snoozing. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.
Jericoacoara, Ceará, 62595-000, Brazil
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