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What the route is
Caminhos da Fé e Criatividade is a religious and experiential tourism route linking three neighbouring towns in Paraíba's Brejo: Areia, Solânea and Bananeiras. It was launched in September 2025 by Sebrae Paraíba with the state government and PBTur, and is the first religious route formatted end to end by Sebrae's Tourist Route Agents programme.
The idea is to bring popular devotion together with the people who make things in the Brejo: craftswomen, studios, farm cafés, theatre and serenade groups. It is not only churches — it is hill-country life around them.
Distances and how long to allow
- João Pessoa → Areia: about 133 km, two hours by car.
- Areia → Solânea: about 46 km, under an hour.
- Solânea → Bananeiras: 5 km — the two towns practically touch.
- Bananeiras → João Pessoa: about 128 km, two hours.
The full loop is just over 300 km. It can be done in one long day, but the route is designed to be taken slowly: ideally two days, with a night in the Brejo.
Areia: chapels, sugar mills and devotional crafts
In Areia, the highlight is the set of colonial and neocolonial chapels with baroque-inspired touches, restored and extended under the guidance of Monsignor Nicodemos. The route includes the Nossa Senhora das Dores church in Chã de Jardim and the Engenho Saboeiro estate, said to be where the town's first Mass was held.
The creative side comes from the Jussara Sustainable Development Association (ADJ), where craftswomen make devotional candles, placemats and liturgical items — you can visit the workshops. In the evening, the Seresteiras do Chá keep the serenade tradition alive.
Solânea: the Padre Ibiapina Shrine
In the Santa Fé district of Solânea stand the Padre Ibiapina Shrine and Museum, honouring the 19th-century missionary who founded charity houses across the Northeast and died there in 1883. It is the pilgrimage heart of the route, and facilities are being expanded with lodging and a restaurant for pilgrims.
In town, the route also takes in an artisan chocolate factory and the Fascinart theatre group.
Bananeiras: church, trails and tea at the Cruzeiro
- The Nossa Senhora do Livramento parish church, in the centre.
- Regional art studios such as Casa Tellure, and chapels built by residents themselves in the countryside.
- Nature trails, a tilapia farm and farm-coffee tasting, with local legends told along the way.
- Late afternoon at the Cruzeiro de Roma, with tea served by a local cooperative — the route's finale.
How to do it from João Pessoa
One way that works: on day one, leave early for Areia, visit chapels and workshops and spend the night in the Brejo. On day two, head to Santa Fé in the morning, have lunch in Solânea or Bananeiras, walk a trail in the afternoon and finish with tea at the Cruzeiro de Roma before driving back to the coast.
- Several experiences — workshops, farm coffee, tea at the Cruzeiro — run by appointment through the route agents. Arrange them before you go.
- Between July and September, the Caminhos do Frio route passes through the same towns, with cultural events and cool hill nights.
- Bring a jacket: at night the Brejo gets properly cold.
When you get back, your base is on the seafront. MAREVI manages serviced flats and apartments in João Pessoa with a full kitchen and our own team; book directly on WhatsApp and you skip the platforms' fee.
