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Where it is and how long it takes
Goiana is the first town in Pernambuco after the Paraíba state line. The centre is about 62 km from the João Pessoa seafront, under an hour on the BR-101; the beaches are 85 to 90 km away, a little over an hour and twenty minutes.
The municipality holds two different trips: the coast, with 18 km of shoreline, and the town itself, about 30 km inland, with baroque churches and colonial houses. You can do both in a day, but if you want a proper beach day, pick one.
Carne de Vaca
The first beach in Pernambuco, right after the state line: a narrow strip of sand, small waves and, at low tide, sandbanks in front of the reefs. There is a river mouth, simple beach shacks and fresh fish — the beach for peace and quiet.
Ponta de Pedras
The busiest beach in Goiana, with a fishing village, a church by the sea and calm green water sheltered by the reefs. It fills up in summer. This is where you find Ponta do Funil, often described as the easternmost point of Pernambuco.
It is also where you eat best on the Goiana coast: shrimp, fish and crab in the seafront bars. Go at low tide, when the water turns shallow and pools appear among the rocks.
Aparauá reserve: forest, springs and trails
About 5 km from Ponta de Pedras, on the old Engenho Massaranduba estate, is the Aparauá reserve — the name comes from Tupi and means massaranduba, the tree. It covers 40 hectares of preserved Atlantic Forest, with six springs that feed a large reservoir surrounded by trees.
- Trails to pools and small waterfalls.
- Bike hire and kayaks on the reservoir.
- A simple restaurant, so you can have lunch without leaving the reserve.
- Environmental education, groups and events, by arrangement.
The reserve is private, with set opening hours and an entry fee: check before leaving João Pessoa. The combination that works is forest in the morning, when it is cooler, and beach in the afternoon.
The historic centre and Tejucupapo
Goiana is one of the oldest towns in Pernambuco, and its historic centre has been listed as national heritage since 1938. The highlight is the Nossa Senhora do Carmo church with the Convent of Santo Alberto de Sicília, along with the São Lourenço church and the colonial houses.
In the district of Tejucupapo, in 1646, the village women fought and defeated Dutch troops. An obelisk from 1931 honours the Heroines of Tejucupapo.
A day trip from João Pessoa
Goiana is one of the easiest day trips from João Pessoa: leave at 8 am, do Aparauá in the morning, have lunch in Ponta de Pedras and head back in the late afternoon without rushing. If you want to go on to Itamaracá, Olinda or Recife, see our Pernambuco guide.
Staying in João Pessoa works out better than staying on the Pernambuco coast: the seafront is walkable, the sea is calm and nightly rates tend to be lower. Book directly with MAREVI on WhatsApp and you skip the platforms' fee.
