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The seafront: Cabo Branco, Tambaú and Manaíra
Start early with a walk along the Cabo Branco promenade, the city's quietest shore, framed by cliffs. It is worth climbing to the Cabo Branco lighthouse and the Estação Cabo Branco, designed by Oscar Niemeyer — and seeing Ponta do Seixas, the easternmost point of the Americas, where the sun rises first on the continent.
In the afternoon, head to Praia de Tambaú, the city's tourist heart: a busy promenade, a craft market and kiosks. End the day in Manaíra, the district with João Pessoa's greatest concentration of restaurants and tapioca houses — and where MAREVI manages part of its properties, minutes on foot from the beach.
Natural pools and the most famous sunset in Paraíba
Set the morning aside for the boat trip to Picãozinho — natural pools of clear water that form at low tide, departing from Praia de Tambaú. The trip depends on the tide table, so confirm the time in advance (the MAREVI team helps guests with that planning).
In the afternoon, carry on to Cabedelo, in the metropolitan area: at low tide, Areia Vermelha island emerges out at sea — a sandbank surrounded by warm water, reached by catamaran or speedboat. Close the day at Praia do Jacaré, on the banks of the Paraíba River, famous for its sunset to the sound of Ravel's Boléro played live.
The historic centre, parks and northeastern flavours
Give the morning to the historic centre: the São Francisco Cultural Centre, one of Brazil's most important baroque ensembles, the Basilica of Nossa Senhora das Neves and the colonial townhouses. On the way back, pass by Parque Solon de Lucena — the "Lagoa", the postcard of the city centre.
For lunch, try the regional cooking (carne de sol, cassava, queijo coalho) at traditional places such as Mangai. In the afternoon, choose between shopping at Manaíra Shopping or the greenery of the Benjamim Maranhão Botanical Garden. For the last night, a seafood dinner on the seafront rounds off the trip.
Have more time? Praia de Coqueirinho, in Conde (south coast), is worth a whole day of coloured cliffs and green-tinged sea. See more tips in our complete guide to the region.
Cliffs, a long promenade and the point where the sun rises first in the Americas.
A boat trip at low tide, with clear water and marine life.
One of the country's most important baroque ensembles.
Planning the trip
Yes — the city is compact and most of the attractions sit along the seafront. Three days covers the urban beaches, the natural pools and the historic centre. With five, you can add the south coast (Coqueirinho and Tambaba) without rushing.
For a three-day trip, no: staying in Manaíra or Tambaú, most of it is walkable, by ride app, or on trips with transfers included. A car starts to pay off when you explore the south coast.
They depend on the tide table and the weather — Picãozinho and Areia Vermelha only appear at low tide. Check the day's schedule before booking a trip; our guests get that guidance at check-in.
Manaíra and Tambaú are the ideal bases: close to the beach, the restaurants and the boat departure point. See our full comparison in where to stay in João Pessoa.
Stay a few steps from the beach
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.
