Brazil's North-East Region
Maceio Travel Guide
Maceió is the gateway to the Alagoas, a string of beaches with calm clear water and natural pools.
Maceio, the capital of Alagoas, is known for its stunning coastline, lined with palm trees and turquoise waters. Its urban beaches, such as Pajuçara and Ponta Verde, are famous for their natural pools formed by coral reefs, while the nearby beach town Maragogi is known for its vibrant marine life.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Maceió
Relax at Praia do Francês
Visit Pajuçara Beach
Explore Piscinas Naturais de Pajuçara
Walk along Ponta Verde
Visit the Palácio Marechal Floriano Peixoto
Find cheap accommodation for your trip.
Where is Maceio, Brazil
Closest airport
Aeroporto Internacional Zumbi dos Palmares (MCZ)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Maceió
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Main ports
How to get to Maceio
Maceio, the capital of Alagoas, is the gateway to many of the best beaches in the region. A coastal city, it has both flight and bus connections to other cities in the northeast.
How to get to Maceio by plane
There is one direct international flight to Maceio, from Buenos Aires. Alternatively, the next closest international airport is located in Recife.
There are regular domestic flights between Maceio and major Brazilian cities including Sao Paulo, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and others.
How to get to Maceio by bus
Maceio has bus connections to several cities, including:
Click here to see available tickets and timetables for busses to and from Maceio.
How to get to Maceio from Maragogi
There is a minivan connecting Maceio to Maragogi and other nearby beach towns departing from the Terminal Rodoviário de Maceió (map).
How to get around Maceio
Getting around Maceió is convenient, especially during the day, when walking from one beach to another is a pleasant option. For longer distances, public buses offer a budget-friendly way to explore the city and are generally available throughout the day. However, for nighttime travel, it's advisable to use ride-sharing services like Uber or 99, as they provide a safer and more reliable way to get between different neighborhoods after dark.
Things to know before you go
When to visit: Maceió has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from September to March. During the rainy season, some beach activities may be limited.
Where to go:
Jatiuca has the best nightlife in Maceió, featuring a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to both locals and tourists looking for a lively evening.
Ponta Verde, on the other hand, has some of the nicest beaches in the area, with clear waters and soft sand. Additionally, Ponta Verde has a large market where visitors can shop for clothes, souvenirs, and local crafts.
Natural Pools: One of the unique attractions in Maceió is the natural pools that form at the beach during low tide. These pools are created by the coral reefs and provide a beautiful environment for swimming and snorkeling, and spotting some local marine life.
Outdoor Activities: Maceió offers options beyond its famous beaches, including nearby lagoons, rivers, and hiking trails. Adventure seekers can try water sports like kayaking, paddle-boarding, and surfing, with equipment rentals available along the beaches. Day trips to Praia do Gunga and the São Francisco River allow visitors to explore more of the natural beauty Alagoas has to offer.
What to eat: Maceió is known for its fresh seafood, and popular dishes include moqueca (a seafood stew) and sururu (a type of mussel). Street food stalls offer regional favorites, such as acarajé (fried balls made with black-eyed peas) and bolo de rolo (a rolled cake with guava filling).
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