North-East Region
Joao Pessoa Travel Guide
Discover the serene beauty of João Pessoa, where white-sand beaches, rich history, and a laid-back vibe blend seamlessly with the city’s cultural landmarks and natural reserves.
João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba, is known for being one of the greenest cities in Brazil, with lush parks, urban forests, and an eco-friendly atmosphere. The city’s location on Brazil’s easternmost point makes it the first place in the Americas to see the sunrise. João Pessoa offers a mix of historic architecture, vibrant markets, and gorgeous beaches like Tambaú and Cabo Branco, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and culture.
Top 10 Things to See & Do in João Pessoa
Visit the Cabo Branco Lighthouse, located at Ponta do Seixas, the easternmost point of the Americas.
Relax on Tambaú Beach, or take a tour of the southern beaches (tickets)
Explore the craft markets at Feirinha de Tambaú
Go dancing at the Saturday Sambadinho, in Praca Rio Branco in the historic centre
Take a sunset boat tour to Areia Vermelha, a natural sandbank that appears at low tide.
Watch the sunset at Jacaré Beach while listening to a live saxophone performance.
Stroll through the Botanical Garden Benjamim Maranhão, one of the largest urban forests in Brazil.
Visit the Parque Sólon de Lucena
Discover the history of Paraíba at the Paraíba Museum, in the São Bento Monastery.
Visit the Science Station (Estação Cabo Branco) designed by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer, combining art, science, and culture in a futuristic building.
Where is Joao Pessoa, Brazil
Closest airport
Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA)
Main bus terminal
Rodoviária de João Pessoa
Cabedelo
Main ports
How to get to Joao Pessoa
João Pessoa is well connected by domestic flights and buses. There are direct flights from major Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, and Brasília. International visitors typically fly through São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro before connecting to João Pessoa.
Long-distance buses connect João Pessoa to cities like Natal (3 hours), Recife (2 hours), and Fortaleza (9 hours). The bus services are comfortable, with multiple trips available throughout the day.
Click here to see available tickets and timetables for busses to and from Joao Pessoa.
How to get to Joao Pessoa from Recife
Several daily buses operate between Recife and João Pessoa, taking around 2+ hours (tickets & timetable).
How to get to Joao Pessoa from Natal
Several daily buses operate between Natal and João Pessoa, taking around 3+ hours (tickets & timetable).
How to get to Joao Pessoa from Pipa
The easiest way to travel between João Pessoa and Pipa is to take a BlaBla Car. There are numerous cars running throughout the day and night, and generally cost less than a bus ticket.
If you prefer to travel by bus, you will first need to travel by minivan to Goianinha. A minivan runs regularly to Goianinha, starting from nearby the supermarket Pai e Filho (map) and arriving at the front of the church called Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres. The van ride takes around 40+ minutes and costs R$5.5. Alternatively, it is possible to take an Uber or 99 to Goianinha from Pipa for around R$40.
From the church, walk 2 minutes down to the main highway and cross to the other side. Check if your ticket has specific pick-up instructions. Most busses stop along the side of the highway. The bus company Progresso runs a bus every 2 hours from Natal to Joao Pessoa that will stop to pick up passengers in Goianinha (tickets & timetable).
How to get around Joao Pessoa
João Pessoa has an bus system that connects most parts of the city, including the beaches and downtown area. The bus fare is R$4.50, and the main bus terminal is located in the city center. However, busses don't run on time according to the schedule and can be unreliable.
You can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99, which are very affordable and widely available.
For short distances, consider renting a bike or taking a leisurely walk along the scenic coastal paths, especially between Tambaú and Cabo Branco beaches.
Things to know before you go
Where to stay: Tambaú Beach is a great area to stay, with several beachfront hotels offering excellent amenities and easy access to restaurants, bars, and the famous craft market. For a more eco-friendly experience, consider staying at an eco-resort near the Botanical Garden or Cabo Branco.
Local Cuisine: João Pessoa offers delicious regional dishes with a northeastern twist. Be sure to try "carne de sol" (sun-dried beef), "macaxeira" (cassava), and fresh seafood dishes.
Sunset at Jacaré Beach: A must-see in João Pessoa is the daily sunset ritual at Jacaré Beach. As the sun sets, a saxophonist serenades the crowd from a boat, creating an unforgettable atmosphere as day turns to night.
Eco-Friendly City: João Pessoa is known for its dedication to preserving green spaces and maintaining its eco-friendly urban planning. You’ll find plenty of parks and nature reserves to explore, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Sun Protection: Joao Pessoa enjoys sunny weather year-round, so always use sunscreen, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Remember, João Pessoa is one of the sunniest cities in Brazil!
Language: Portuguese is the official language, and English not widely spoken. It’s helpful to know a few basic Portuguese phrases to navigate more easily.
Stay Safe: João Pessoa is a generally safe city, but it’s still advisable to take precautions. Stick to well-populated areas, especially at night, and avoid displaying valuables in public. The city’s beachfront areas, especially Tambaú and Cabo Branco, are popular with tourists.
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