Brazil’s northeast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Yet, most travelers never make it here. While everyone heads to Rio, the northeast remains mostly off-the-beaten-track for foreign travelers. But those who do make it here are likely to fall in love with the warm, turquoise water, sweeping white and golden sand and palm lined coastlines that’ll make you wonder why you’d ever considered anything else.
This guide covers the best beaches of Brazil’s northeast, following a route from north to south: from the spectacular dunes of Maranhão down through Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba and into Pernambuco. Whether you’re chasing kite surf winds, dolphins, natural reef pools or just a quiet stretch of palm-fringed sand, you’ll find it here.
Each beach is rated as a must-visit, highly recommended or worth it if you have time, so you can build your own route based on how long you have.
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Table of Contents - The Best Beaches of Brazil's Northeast
Maranhão
This is the wildest, most remote corner of the northeast, home to one of Brazil’s most surreal landscapes: the Lençóis Maranhenses national park, a vast desert of white dunes filled with turquoise lagoons. The beaches here aren’t the main attraction, the national park is. But that makes Maranhão unlike anywhere else on this coastline, and a worthy stop in northeast Brazil.
| Beach/Town | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| São Luís | City beach | Transit hub only |
| Atins | Village + national park | Lençóis Maranhenses, kitesurfing |
São Luís - Gateway to the Northeast
São Luís is the capital of Maranhão and likely where you’ll fly into. The city has beaches, but being city beaches there are far better ones ahead on this route. The historical center has potential but is fairly run down, and the city doesn’t have a lot to offer independent travelers. If you can, take a direct transfer to Barreirinhas or Atins on arrival. If connections don’t work out, one night here is fine, but don’t let it eat into your beach time.
Atins - Dunes & lagoons
Atins is a must on any northeast Brazil beaches itinerary, not for the beach itself, but for what’s right on its doorstep. The Lençóis Maranhenses national park is one of Brazil’s most spectacular natural wonders: an endless expanse of white sand dunes which fill up with crystal clear freshwater lagoons, by the heavy rains of the wet season. It’s unlike anything else on this coastline.
The lagoons are at their best between June and September, but visit too early in June and you risk rain, too late in September and the lagoons are already drying out. July and August are your safest bet to see this landscape at its best!
Atins is also one of the northeast’s top kitesurfing spots, though being remote and touristy means prices are gernally higher than elsewhere on the route.
Where to stay in Atins – Posada Velho Bateau↗ has a lovely setup and friendly staff. It’s a little outside the center but runs free transfers at set hours. Casa da Praia↗ is a popular, cheaper and more central alternative.
Ceará
Full disclosure: I actually never made it to Ceará! An inland detour through some amazing chapadas and waterfalls got in the way, which honestly I have zero regrets about. But no northeast Brazil beaches guide would be complete without it, so I’ve included it based on my research and fellow traveler recommendations. I’ll update this section once I’ve explored it myself!
| Beach/Town | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Jericoacoara | Beach village | Dunes, beach, nightlife |
| Cumbuco | Beach town | Kitesurfing |
| Fortaleza | City beach | Transit hub |
Jericoacoara - The Northeast's most famous beach village
The best way to describe Jericoacoara is as a more developed Atins. Or you could describe Atins as Jericoacoara 10 years ago. Jeri has dunes, lakes, a beautiful beach and a lively nightlife scene.
For raw natural beauty, Atins edges it. For infrastructure, restaurants and parties on the beach, Jeri is your place. We ended up skipping it since we loved Atins so much and thought Jeri might not quite be what we were looking for. But it’s left me with curiosity so it’s firmly on the list for when I make it back to this part of Brazil.
Cumbuco - A kitesurfer's paradise
Cumbuco is kite. If you’re a kitesurfer you’ll want to spend some time here, the conditions are world class. If you’re not, there are better places on this route that’ll give you more to do and see.
Fortaleza - Transport hub
Fortaleza is a large state capital with a reputation for being quite dangerous. The beaches are not worth prioritizing when there’s so much better ahead. If you love big cities you might want to spend a night, but most independent travelers heading south along the northeast Brazil coastline are better off just passing through.
Rio Grande do Norte
Rio Grande do Norte is where the northeast Brazil beaches start feeling more accessible. Less remote than Maranhão, it’s a good middle ground for travelers who want a genuine beach town experience. Natal is a decent base, but Pipa is the real draw.
| Beach/Town | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Natal | City beach | Base for the region & city vibes |
| Pipa | Beach town | Dolphins, beach town vibes & nightlife |
Natal - Beach city vibes
Natal is one of the few cities we actually spent time in and it’s quite a nice place. Ponta Negra is the most touristy part and the beach isn’t bad for a city. The promenade is a popular spot with plenty of carts selling snacks and drinks, and a good selection of restaurants and bars. That said, if you’re short on time skip Natal and head straight to Pipa.
Pipa - Where dolphins come to shore
Pipa is a typical Brazilian touristy beach town, full of shops, bars and restaurants. A large Argentinian community has made Pipa their home, so if you’ve been to Argentina and miss the empanadas, you’ll find some here!
Pipa is also a popular party places with Brazilians. We visited outside the holiday season, so we didn’t get much of it. But it’s supposed to get very busy during the holidays.
The highlight of Pipa is Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay), where wild dolphins come to hunt fish very close to the shore. Timing is everything here: go at low tide, the beach isn’t accessible at high tide, and make sure to head back at least three hours before high tide. At that point you’ll already be climbing over the highest rocks. If the dolphins aren’t at the bay, try the next one over: Praia Madeiros. You can take a boat if you prefer, but going on your own is half the fun.
Paraíba
Paraíba is probably the least visited stretch of northeast Brazil beaches on this route, and honestly I didn’t do it justice either. We only managed a day trip from João Pessoa, but what we saw made me wish we’d stayed longer. If you have the time, slow down here and enjoy some of the beautiful beaches this area has to offer.
| Beach/Town | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| João Pessoa | City beach | Base for the southern coast |
| Praia Tambaba | Beach | Nudist beach, natural beauty |
| Praia de Coqueirinho | Beach | Palm trees, scenery |
João Pessoa - A base for paraíba's beautiful Southern coast
I heard good things about João Pessoa but was pretty disappointed with the city itself. It’s a smaller city that felt like any other, without much to offer independent travelers. The beach isn’t great either. The real reason to come here is as a base for the southern coast, the litoral sul, where you’ll find some of the best beaches in northeast Brazil.
That said, you might be better off staying in the nearby town of Conde (coastal area) and exploring from there. If visiting from João Pessoa you’ll need your own transport or can join a tour.
Praia Tambaba and Coqueirinho - Paraíba's hidden gems
The southern coast is where Paraíba delivers. Praia Tambaba is famous for its nudist section and stunning natural setting, while Coqueirinho is lined with palm trees and has that quiet, unhurried feel. We only managed a day trip here and I left wishing we’d stayed longer to really appreciate these beautiful beaches and their tranquility.
Pernambuco
Pernambuco is the heart of the northeast Brazil beaches scene. This is the most visited stretch of the coastline and it’s easy to see why: the variety here is unmatched. From the colonial charm of Olinda to the reef pools of Porto de Galinhas, the quiet island of Ilha de Santo Aleixo and the pristine sands of Carneiros, there’s something for every type of traveler. Expect more crowds than further north, but also more infrastructure, more day trip options and some truly spectacular beaches.
| Beach/Town | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ilha de Itamaracá | Island beach | Off the beaten track, kitesurfing |
| Olinda | Colonial city | Historic center, day trip base |
| Recife | City beach | Transit hub only |
| Porto de Galinhas | Beach town | Reef pools, snorkeling, families |
| Ilha de Santo Aleixo | Island | Snorkeling, escaping the crowds |
| Carneiros Beach | Beach | Palm trees, quiet, stunning scenery |
Ilha de Itamaracá - An off-the-beaten-track island stop
Itamaracá is an island just north of Recife, separated from the mainland by a narrow river. It’s not touristy at all, mainly visited by locals from Recife on weekends, which gives it a pleasantly off-the-beaten-track feel while still being right on your route south.
Fair warning though: the island has a serious litter problem. Day-trippers bring supplies from Recife, consume everything on the beach and leave their rubbish behind. The municipality doesn’t seem to keep up with collection either, so overflowing bins and scattered waste are common. If that’s a dealbreaker, skip it.
If a little rubbish doesn’t put you off, Itamaracá as some interesting spots. There’s a fort in the southern part of the island and a short hike to the old town of Vila Velha, passing a tiny white sand beach perfect for a quick swim. Grab lunch in town, visit what locals claim is the second oldest church in Brazil and if you’re into tapioca, don’t miss the famous tapiocaria just past the viewpoint.
Itamaracá is also a kite destination and because it’s not heavily touristed, lessons here are cheaper than in Atins. Staying for a while? Manga Verde has gorgeous two and three bedroom apartments, perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together.
Olinda - Colonial Charm
Olinda is a small, beautiful colonial city just south of Itamaracá. The historic center is genuinely lovely and worth a wander, though I’d recommend joining a guided tour here. Wandering on our own I felt like I was missing a lot of context. The beach is a city beach and not the reason to come. Head further south to Porto de Galinhas for that. For more on Olinda and other cities, check out my general Brazil travel guide.
Recife - Transport hub
We didn’t spend any time in Recife beyond changing transport, and honestly that’s probably the right call for most beach-goers. The beaches are notorious for shark attacks! Since the construction of the southern port, bull and tiger sharks passing through the area have caused a significant increase in incidents. Save your swimming for further south and for city sights, Olinda’s colonial center is far nicer.
Porto de Galinhas
Porto de Galinhas is one of those classic touristy beach towns, but it’s earned its reputation. Where Pipa draws the party crowd, Porto de Galinhas tends to attract more families and couples, though it caters to all types. The name has a dark history: during the illegal slave trade era, arriving ships would signal their cargo by announcing the “chickens” (galinhas) had arrived.
The big draw here is the reef just off the coast. Sadly the corals are mostly dead but there are still plenty of fish around. I would skip the boat tours. they drop you a few meters offshore in a crowd. Instead, grab a mask and snorkel, head into the water at low tide and find your own spot away from the masses. You’ll also find natural pools along the shore at low tide, perfect for a relaxed swim.
Spend a day at Maracaipe too. Pontal de Maracaipe is about an hour’s walk from Porto, or take a bus from the main road to the center. From the Pontal, you can explore the mangroves. There are boat tours which take you to spot seahorses, but we stumbled across one on our own! If you’re heading out alone, make sure to go and return at low tide, it’s easy to get disoriented when the water rises.
Muro Alto is another popular day trip from Porto de Galinhas. This beach is a short bus ride away, famous for its giant natural pool at low tide.
One important note: Porto gets extremely busy during high season. Avoid New Year, the weeks after, and carnival if you can.
Ilha de Santo Aleixo - The Island Getaway
What makes Ilha de Santo Aleixo special is that it feels slightly less crowded than the main spots around Porto. The trick to make the most out of your visit is getting there early and not doing what everyone else does.
When the boat drops you off, don’t settle at the restaurant straight away. Head right instead. There’s a little path for a shortcut or you can take the more adventurous route along the rocks, passing a tiny beach on the way. There are no corals in this bay but stay close to the rocks and you’ll find plenty of big fish.
Most people head straight to the restaurant and get comfortable. By going to the quieter beach first you’ll have it almost to yourself. We counted about six other people when we arrived; by the time we were ready for lunch, others had finished and it was packed! Timing makes all the difference here. I don’t think we would have enjoyed it as much had we followed the crowd.
Praia dos Carneiros - My favorite beach in Pernambuco
Carneiros was one of my favorite stops on the whole northeast Brazil beaches route! The key is going on your own rather than with a tour, and ideally on a weekday. We went on a Monday, after the tour groups had already left, and the place was very quiet.
You’ll be dropped at Bora Bora where there’s a 20 reais day use fee. Technically beaches are free in Brazil, but the beach is lined with resorts and restaurants and wanting to get around that, you’ll probably need to walk from the nearest town.
The famous church on the beach and the catamarans are to your left when you enter, so go right instead. After a short walk you’ll find palm trees, shade, soft sand and almost no one around. Praia dos Carneiros is genuinely one of the most beautiful beaches in northeast Brazil.
Getting here without a tour: We took an Uber since we were quoted 53 reais, but upon arrival we ended up having to pay more than double. This seemed to be common, since we later heard this from other travelers too. The issue might have been resolved since, but you can also travel by public transport and pay even less. Take a van towards Ipojuca (3.5 reais) from just past the petrol station, get off at the intersection and head south to Rio Formoso by long distance bus (7 reais), then a van to Bora Bora (5 reais). It takes longer but costs around 15 reais per person (prices correct in 2021).
Alagoas
Alagoas is one of the most beautiful and least visited states on the northeast Brazil beaches route. The coastline here is stunning: natural pools, warm turquoise water and long stretches of palm-fringed sand, with far less tourist infrastructure than Pernambuco. We only made it to Maragogi, which sits right on the Pernambuco border, but the state has a lot more to offer if you have the time to explore further south towards Maceió.
| Beach/Town | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Maragogi | Beach town | White sand, natural pools, reefs |
| São Miguel dos Milagres | Beach village | Natural pools, off the beaten track |
Maragogi - Worth the Hype?
I had high expectations for Maragogi and the beach itself absolutely delivers. White sand, palm trees, crystal clear blue water: it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in northeast Brazil, full stop. The problem is that a lot people seem to know it.
The shore is lined with bars, restaurants and resorts. There are floating bars in the water, a barbecue on the water, hammocks with photo props and ice cream carts wading into the sea. It’s a lot. We visited during high season and even with fewer tourists than usual due to COVID it was extremely busy on a weekend. Go on a weekday and outside of high season if you can.
Also worth noting: the famous Path of Moses at Barra Grande beach only happens roughly once a month when the tide reaches 0.0 to 0.1. Keep that in mind if that’s on your list.
São Miguel de Milagres - A hidden gem worth the detour?
I didn’t make it to São Miguel dos Milagres myself, but it comes up consistently when travelers talk about Alagoas. It’s a small, quiet beach village known for its natural pools and calm, clear water, similar to Maragogi but without the crowds and commercial circus. Reviews from fellow travelers are mixed, some are blown away, others find it underwhelming. My guess is that expectations play a big role. If you’re passing through and have the time, it’s worth a stop. If you’re making a special trip, manage your expectations.
Finishing thoughts about the best beaches of Brazil's northeast
Rio gets all the fame, but if you ask me, the best beaches in Brazil are found in the Northeast. The water is warmer, the sand is whiter and the coastline feels wilder and more authentic than anything you’ll find further south. And the fact that most foreign travelers still skip it entirely just adds to the off-the-beaten-track feeling that makes it so special. This is Brazil.
That said, timing matters. Lençóis Maranhenses without water in the lagoons is just a desert, and Maragogi on a busy weekend is a very different experience from a quiet Tuesday morning. Get the timing right and the northeast will blow you away.
Have you traveled to Brazil? Let us know your favorite beach in the comments below!
| Guide | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide | Planning a bigger Brazil trip? This guide covers all regions of the country, from the northeast to the south. |
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| What to Do in Ouro Preto | A perfectly preserved colonial gem in the mountains of Minas Gerais. |
| Ilha do Mel Itinerary | A car-free island in the south with beautiful beaches and easy hiking. |
| Best Things to Do in Ilha Grande | One of Brazil's most beautiful islands, just off the coast of Rio. |
| Trilha das 7 Praias Without a Guide | How to hike this stunning coastal trail independently. |
| How to Visit Iguazu Falls | Everything you need to know about visiting one of the world's great natural wonders. |
FAQ about northeast Brazil beaches
The northeast has so many great options that it really depends on what you’re looking for. For sheer natural beauty, Carneiros and the beaches around Maragogi are hard to beat. For something more unique, nothing compares to Lençóis Maranhenses in Maranhão. For a lively beach town with a great atmosphere, Pipa and Porto do Galinhas are the place to be.
The dry season runs roughly from July to December, which is generally the best time to visit. If you’re heading to Lençóis Maranhenses specifically, aim for July or August when the lagoons are at their fullest. Avoid peak Brazilian holiday periods like New Year and carnival if you want smaller crowds, especially in popular spots like Porto de Galinhas.
Like anywhere in Brazil, it pays to be aware of your surroundings, especially in larger cities like Fortaleza and Recife. The beach towns and smaller destinations on this route are generally safe. Use common sense, don’t flash valuables and you’ll be fine.
In my opinion: yes! The water is warmer and more turquoise, the sand is whiter and the coastline is wilder and far less crowded. Rio has the iconic backdrop and the atmosphere, and you can find nice beaches in places like Ilha Grande, but if pure beach quality is what you’re after, the northeast wins.
Generally yes. Most destinations on this route are reachable by a combination of buses and vans, and for shorter distances the occasional Uber comes in handy. Uber is widely used across Brazil and works well even in smaller cities, so it’s a reliable backup when public transport gets tricky.