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Making the most of two days
Two days are enough to get a feel for João Pessoa, as long as you let the tide decide part of the plan: the natural pools only appear at low tide, and the time changes every day. Before you go, check Saturday's and Sunday's tide tables and fit the boat trip into the day when low tide falls in the morning.
Friday night: seafront and craft fair
Arrived, dropped your bags, head for the seafront: walk the Tambaú promenade, pass the Busto de Tamandaré, the city's traditional meeting point, and end at the Tambaú craft fair, with crafts and food until late. For dinner, Manaíra is the neighbourhood with the most restaurants.
Saturday: sea, samba and sunset
- Early, if you are up for it: sunrise at Ponta do Seixas, between 5 and 5.30 am, and a walk on Avenida Cabo Branco, closed to cars until 8 am.
- Morning: the Picãozinho or Seixas natural pools, if low tide is in the morning; if not, the beach at Manaíra or Bessa.
- Midday: Sabadinho Bom, free live samba and choro in Praça Rio Branco from 12.30 pm, with a walk round the historic centre and the Centro Cultural São Francisco.
- Late afternoon: sunset at Praia do Jacaré, in Cabedelo, with Ravel's Boléro on saxophone.
- Evening: dinner in Manaíra or Tambaú, or Som na Calçadinha on the Bessa seafront.
- Picãozinho, Seixas or Areia Vermelha: which boat trip?
- Sunset at Praia do Jacaré
- Nightlife in João Pessoa: where to go out
Sunday: south coast or Areia Vermelha
If Sunday's low tide is in the morning, go to Areia Vermelha, leaving from Camboinha in Cabedelo. If not, spend the day on the south coast: Coqueirinho, Tabatinga and the Tambaba lookout are less than an hour away, with coloured cliffs and a seafood lunch. Head back in the late afternoon, in time for your flight or the drive home.
- The best beaches in Paraíba, from south to north
- Paraíba's south coast: the one-day itinerary
- Areia Vermelha Island
Where to stay for a weekend
On a short trip, every journey counts. Tambaú and Manaíra put you within walking distance of the seafront, the craft fair, restaurants and the Picãozinho boats; Cabo Branco is close to Ponta do Seixas. With more days, see the 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries.
MAREVI manages serviced flats and apartments on the João Pessoa seafront, from Cabo Branco to Bessa, with a full kitchen and our own team. Book directly on WhatsApp and you skip the platforms' fee.
