Fodor's Expert Review Praia do Madeiro

The soft, white sand and calm, warm waters of Praia do Madeiro make it a favorite for long days swimming and soaking up the sun. The steep path that winds through the trees down from the road offers glimpses of the glistening sea through the forest and keeps the masses at bay. Beginner surf schools and beach barracas serving coconut water and crispy shrimp are clustered at the right-hand side of the beach; if you head left along the long curve of sand, you'll have the coconut plams all to yourself. To get there, catch one of the minivans that run between Praia da Pipa and Tibau do Sul and request to stop at Madeiro. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; surfing; swimming; walking.