Maceió, Brazil
Emerald-hued brackish waters lap the powdery stretches ringed with palms and iridescent jangadas (traditional sailboats) tenant along the meandering beachfront of Maceió. An idyllic vacation getaway, the city is the capital of the Alagoas state in northeastern Brazil. It is located between estuarine Mundaú Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The national capital, Brasilia, lies 1200 miles southwest and Rio de Janeiro is 1300 miles away.
How to Reach Maceió
-
By Air –
Maceió/Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport (MCZ), about 13 miles north of downtown, serves the metropolitan area.
-
By Train –
The 20-mile-long network of Maceió Urban Rail connects Maceió with two cities – Satuba and Rio Largo (northern terminus).
-
By Road –
The main bus station is 2 miles north of the city center. Major roads to access the city are: BR-104, BR-101, BR-316, and AL-101.
Places to Visit in Maceió
Compared to other cities in Brazil, sightseeing options in Maceió are relatively few. However, there are a few colonial landmarks and culture coves along the picturesque waterfront. The Théo Brandão Museum, Museum of the Historical and Geographical Institute of Alagoas, Pierre Chalita Museum, Museum of Image and Sound, Church of Bom Jesus dos Martírios, and Memorial Teotonio Vilela are major tourist attractions in Maceió.
Things to Do in Maceió
Watch sunset from crescent-shaped Avenida da Paz, have a blast at street parties on Sundays, enjoy panoramas from the São Gonçalo do Amarante viewpoint, or simply lay in your hammock, sip your caipirinhas, and soak up city’s lackadaisical vibe.
When the sun calls it a day, locals socialize in thatched-roof restaurants and palm-shaded football pitches. The urban beaches such as Jatiúca, Ponta Verde and Pajuçara are popular dwelling places. While Praia do Gunga is one of the best beaches in Brazil, Praia do Francês has good surfing conditions year-round.
Although seafood dominates the culinary scene, several restaurants are abound. To make the most of your travel to Maceió, visit in June when the city celebrates Festa Junina. The Teatro Deodoro and Teatro Gustavo Leite are usual venues for happening events. The outdoor craft fair at Pajuçara Beach sells crafts and works of local artists.
