The historical City of João Pessoa
Besides beautiful beaches and white sand caressed by the warm,turquoise sea, the capital of Paraiba State is a city with very unique characteristics. One of the oldest cities in Brazil, João Pessoa was founded in 1585 and has a rich architectural history, including beautiful baroque structures, like the church São Francisco and the convent Santo Antonio, dating back to the XVIII century.
There are many excellent places for boat trips near João Pessoa, like the natural pools of Picãozinho and the island Areia Vermelha. A tradition not to be missed is to watch the unforgettable sunset on the beach at Jacaré, to the sound of Ravel’s “Bolero.” There are also buggy rides available to all the beaches. Tambau, one of the main beaches in João Pessoa, also has an exciting nightlife.
Traditional northeast cooking is plentiful in João Pessoa. Many restaurants serve salted meat, one of the most famous specialties of Paraíba State.
Regional craftwork made with clay and oakum can be purchased at the Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano (Paraibano Craft Market).
Natural Pool Formations
Picãozinho is a formation of corals, in front of Tambaú beach, which forms natural pools at low tide, making it possible to view a sea of beautifully colored fish. Another natural formation, that also generates fabulous pools at low tide, is on the island Areia Vermelha, which produces a sandbank about two kilometers long and one kilometer wide, making it a perfect place for swimming. Access is by boat, taking approximately 15 minutes.
Historical Patrimony
As mentioned above; a must see is the beautiful baroque style architecture of the convent Santo Antônio and the church São Francisco, buildings that date back to the XVIII century. The church altar is adorned with gold and magnificent Portuguese tiles. It’s also worthwhile visiting the churches N.S. da Guia and N.S. do Carmo, and the Palácio da Redenção (Redemption’s Palace). All three of these buildings date back to the XVI century. Be sure to make time to visit the Santa Rosa theatre, still in use, and one of the oldest theatres in the country, dating back to 1889. And don’t miss the fort Santa Catarina, with cannons that are more than 400 years old, in the town Cabedelo, 25 km from João Pessoa.
Hotels with different levels of comfort are near to all the beaches. Besides the restaurants that serve the regional dishes, there are many other culinary options. The city has a good transportation and communication structure, car rental and tourism agencies, and many bank branches.
How to Get There
João Pessoa is on the northeastern region, 2340 km from Brasilia, 1762 km from Rio de Janeiro, 2440 km from São Paulo and 111 km from Recife. Its airport receives flights from all capitals and the main cities in the country.
As mentioned above; a must see is the beautiful baroque style architecture of the convent Santo Antônio and the church São Francisco, buildings that date back to the XVIII century. The church altar is adorned with gold and magnificent Portuguese tiles. It’s also worthwhile visiting the churches N.S. da Guia and N.S. do Carmo, and the Palácio da Redenção (Redemption’s Palace). All three of these buildings date back to the XVI century. Be sure to make time to visit the Santa Rosa theatre, still in use, and one of the oldest theatres in the country, dating back to 1889. And don’t miss the fort Santa Catarina, with cannons that are more than 400 years old, in the town Cabedelo, 25 km from João Pessoa.
Hotels with different levels of comfort are near to all the beaches. Besides the restaurants that serve the regional dishes, there are many other culinary options. The city has a good transportation and communication structure, car rental and tourism agencies, and many bank branches.
How to Get There
João Pessoa is on the northeastern region, 2340 km from Brasilia, 1762 km from Rio de Janeiro, 2440 km from São Paulo and 111 km from Recife. Its airport receives flights from all capitals and the main cities in the country.