Bessa

Distance:

11 km from the centre of João Pessoa

How to get there:

From Tambau and from the main BR230 at various points starting at the Retao de Manaira.

There are many faces to Bessa beach which stretches for six kilometres between Manaira and Intermares. For the most part it is residential with some houses backing onto the beach itself (and in some cases the sea).

Here, it is easy to forget you are in a capital city as you gaze along wind swept, tree lined, grassy and golden beaches. The occasional beach bar saves the day rather than interferes with the vision. It has found favour with surfers where it borders with Manaira and several surf schools have sprung up along the shore. Even on the busiest days, Bessa rarely gets crowded. Several stretches are protected during the Turtle breeding season (March through to May) and various points are manned by Police to prevent people and buggies disturbing the breeding grounds.

Bessa is home to the Yacht Club of Paraíba and Aeroclub.