The beaches of the south coast of Pernambuco are a very popular tourist destination in Brazil, known for their paradisiacal beaches, crystal-clear waters and natural beauty.

The 110 kilometres of the South Coast of Pernambuco are home to Cabo de Santo Agostinho to São José da Coroa Grande, one jewel after another, beaches that follow one another with the same irresistible appeal of white sands, turquoise sea and the “tall coconut trees” mentioned in the state anthem.

Municipalities of the South Coast of Pernambuco

1. Cabo de Santo Agostinho

• Main Attractions: Gaibu Beach, Calhetas Beach, Suape Beach and Itapuama Beach.
• Description: Known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes and rich history, the municipality offers a variety of attractions for visitors.

2. Ipojuca

• Main Attractions: Porto de Galinhas, Maracaípe, Serrambi Beach, Muro Alto Beach.
• Description: One of Pernambuco’s best-known tourist destinations, Ipojuca is famous for its beaches with natural pools, such as Porto de Galinhas, and its tourism and leisure options.

3. Sirinhaém

• Main Attractions: Barra de Sirinhaém Beach.
• Description: Less busy than other towns, Sirinhaém has quiet beaches and a more authentic charm, ideal for those seeking a calmer experience.

2. Tamandaré

• Main Attractions: Praia dos Carneiros and Praia de Tamandaré.
• Description: Known for its natural pools and the charming Church of São Benedito, the town offers a peaceful atmosphere and beach tourism options.

5. Barreiros

• Main Attractions: Barreiros Beach.
• Description: A quiet destination with a little-explored beach, ideal for those looking for a more secluded atmosphere.

6. São José da Coroa Grande

• Main Attractions: São José da Coroa Grande beach.
• Description: A lesser-known destination, but with beautiful beaches and a relaxing atmosphere. It is ideal for those seeking tranquillity away from the crowds.

Main Features and Attractions of the South Coast

• Natural Beauties: The south coast of Pernambuco is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and natural pools formed by coral reefs. Mangrove areas and coconut groves also add charm to the landscape.
• Beach Tourism: The region is ideal for those seeking sun, sea and tranquillity. The beaches offer opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, boat trips and observing marine life.
• Infrastructure: The municipalities vary in terms of tourist infrastructure. While towns like Ipojuca and Tamandaré have a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants and activities, other locations like São José da Coroa Grande and Sirinhaém are simpler and quieter.
• Local Culture: Pernambuco’s culture is rich and diverse, with indigenous, African and Portuguese influences. The cuisine is an important part of the experience, with typical dishes such as fried fish, prawns and regional dishes.

Tips for Visitors

• Transport: Renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring the southern coast of Pernambuco, as the municipalities are interconnected by roads that allow easy access between the beaches and attractions.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the region is during the dry season, which runs from September to March, when the weather is more stable and conditions for outdoor activities are ideal.

Each municipality on the south coast of Pernambuco offers something unique, from busy, well-structured beaches to quieter, unspoilt spots. Choosing which one to visit will depend on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Videos – tourist attractions on the beaches of the south coast of Pernambuco

See the map of the south coast of Pernambuco

Beaches of the South Coast of Pernambuco

1. Enseada dos Corais Beach
2. Praia do Paiva
3. Itapuama Beach
4. Praia Pedra do Xaréu
5. Gaibu Beach
6. Calhetas Beach
7. Praia do Paraíso
8. Suape Beach
9. Muro Alto Beach
10. Porto de Galinhas Beach
11. Maracaípe Beach
12. Serrambi Beach
13. Toquinho Beach
14. Barra de Serinhaém Beach
15. Praia dos Carneiros
16. Tamandaré Beach
17. São José da Coroa Grande Beach
18. Porto Nassau Beach

1. Enseada dos Corais Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco.
• Features: Enseada dos Corais Beach is known for its calm, clear, blue waters and a strip of fine white sand. The sea is protected by coral reefs that form natural pools, ideal for swimming and for families with children.
• Swimming and Natural Pools: Take advantage of the calm waters to swim and relax in the natural pools formed by the reefs.

2. Paiva Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, about 40 km south of Recife.
• Features: Paiva Beach has an extensive stretch of golden sand, clear, warm waters and is surrounded by lush native vegetation, including coconut trees and Atlantic forest.
• Bathing in the Sea: The waters are ideal for bathing, being relatively calm due to the protection of the reefs.

3. Itapuama Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, approximately 35 km south of Recife.
• Features: Itapuama Beach has an extensive stretch of golden sand, greenish waters and moderate waves, surrounded by native vegetation and coconut trees. The beach has areas with reefs, which form natural pools during low tide.
• Swimming in the Sea: The waters are ideal for swimming, especially in the areas protected by the reefs, where natural pools form.

4. Pedra do Xaréu Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, approximately 37 km south of Recife.
• Features: Pedra do Xaréu Beach is known for its rock formations that enter the sea, creating small natural pools. The strip of sand is golden and fine, and the surrounding vegetation is lush, with many coconut trees.
• Bath in the Sea: The natural pools formed by the reefs are perfect for a relaxing swim, especially at low tide.

5. Gaibu Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, about 40 km south of Recife.
• Features: Gaibu Beach is known for its beautiful landscape, with a strip of fine golden sand, clear green waters and a combination of open sea and areas protected by reefs. The waves are ideal for surfing, especially during high tide.
• Surfing: Gaibu is famous for its good waves, attracting surfers of all levels. The conditions are ideal for surfing and bodyboarding.
• Bathing in the Sea: The areas protected by the reefs offer safe bathing conditions, especially for families with children.

6. Calhetas Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, about 45 km south of Recife.
• Features: Calhetas is a small cove surrounded by rocks and native vegetation, with a strip of fine golden sand. The waters are clear and calm, especially at low tide, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
• Bath in the Sea: The calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for bathing, offering a safe and relaxing experience.

7. Paraíso Beach

Paraíso Beach, also known as Paraíso das Pedras Beach.

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, approximately 40 kilometres south of Recife.
• Features: Praia do Paraíso has a strip of fine white sand, clear green waters and is surrounded by rock formations and native vegetation. The natural pools formed by the reefs at low tide are a particular highlight.
• Bath in the Sea: The waters are calm and crystal clear, ideal for a relaxing and safe swim, especially in the natural pools.

8. Suape Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, about 40 km south of Recife.
• Features: Suape Beach has a strip of golden sand, clear green waters and is surrounded by reefs that form natural pools at low tide. The surrounding vegetation is exuberant, with coconut groves and mangrove areas.
• Bath in the Sea: The calm waters of the natural pools are perfect for a relaxing swim, especially during low tide.

9. Muro Alto Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, approximately 60 km south of Recife.
• Features: Muro Alto Beach is known for its strip of fine white sand, calm, clear waters and a barrier reef that creates natural pools during low tide. The name “Muro Alto” is due to the cliffs and the wall of reefs that protect the beach, making it a true paradise of calm waters.
• Bath in the Sea: The calm, crystal-clear waters of the natural pools are perfect for a relaxing and safe swim, especially for children.

10. Porto de Galinhas Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, approximately 60 km south of Recife.
• Features: Porto de Galinhas is famous for its natural pools formed by coral reefs, which create natural pools of calm, crystal-clear water during low tide. The beach also has an extensive stretch of fine white sand and a rich marine life.
• Natural Pools: During low tide, the natural pools are accessible by raft and offer shallow, crystal-clear waters, ideal for a relaxing swim and for observing marine life.

11. Maracaípe Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, about 65 km south of Recife.
• Features: Maracaípe Beach has a wide, fine strip of sand, clear waters and an impressive natural setting, with dunes, coconut groves and mangroves all around. It is famous for its good waves and relaxed atmosphere.
• Surfing: Maracaípe is one of the main surfing destinations in Pernambuco, with consistent waves that attract surfers of all levels. The beach is known for its good surfing conditions, especially during high tide.
• Bodyboarding: The waves are also ideal for bodyboarding, providing fun for enthusiasts of the sport.
• Hikes and Trails: Explore the beachfront and the trails in the surrounding vegetated areas. The dunes and coconut groves offer picturesque scenery and opportunities for relaxing walks.
• Jangada Trips: Enjoy raft trips through the mangroves and observe the local fauna, including the possibility of spotting seahorses.

12. Serrambi Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, about 70 km south of Recife.
• Features: Serrambi Beach is known for its natural beauty, with a wide strip of fine white sand, clear and calm waters, and a landscape that includes coconut groves and areas of native vegetation. It is less busy compared to other beaches in the region, offering a calmer and more relaxing atmosphere.
• Bath in the Sea: The calm, shallow waters are ideal for a relaxing swim, especially during low tide, when conditions are even more pleasant.

13. Toquinho Beach

Toquinho beach has a barrier reef similar to that of Muro Alto beach.

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, about 70 km south of Recife.
• Features: Toquinho Beach has a strip of fine white sand, clear, calm waters and is surrounded by native vegetation and mangrove areas. It is a less busy beach compared to other more well-known beaches in the region, offering a relaxing and cosy atmosphere.
• Bath in the Sea: The calm, shallow waters are perfect for a relaxing swim. The beach is ideal for families and children due to the safety of the waters.
• Walking: Explore the long stretch of sand and the trails in the surrounding areas. Walks are pleasant and allow you to enjoy the natural landscape.
• Local Fauna Observation: The area around the beach is rich in local fauna, with various species of birds and animals that can be spotted during walks along the beach and nearby areas.
• Boat Trips: It is possible to organise boat trips to explore the surrounding areas and discover the natural beauty of the coastline.

14. Barra de Serinhaém Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, about 80 kilometres south of Recife.

  

• Features: Barra de Serinhaém is a beach with a strip of fine white sand, clear, calm waters and a natural environment that is still well preserved. The area is surrounded by mangroves and native vegetation, providing a natural and peaceful setting.
• Bath in the Sea: The calm, shallow waters of the beach are perfect for a relaxing swim. The beach is especially suitable for families and children due to the safety of the waters.

15. Praia dos Carneiros

• Location: Tamandaré, Pernambuco, about 90 kilometres south of Recife.
• Features: Praia dos Carneiros is famous for its natural beauty, with a long stretch of fine white sand, clear, warm waters and an enchanting landscape that includes coconut trees and coral reefs. The beach is also known for its Church of São Benedito, located on the seafront, one of the region’s postcards.
• Bath in the Sea: The calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for a relaxing swim. The beach is ideal for families, couples and groups of friends who want to enjoy a quiet day by the sea.
• Natural Pools: During low tide, a series of natural pools are formed, protected by coral reefs, which provide shallow, calm waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
• Raft trips: Raft trips are a popular way to explore the natural pools and the local marine life. Local guides offer information on the region’s fauna and flora.

16. Tamandaré Beach

• Location: Tamandaré, Pernambuco, about 90 kilometres south of Recife.
• Features: Tamandaré Beach is known for its long stretch of fine white sand, clear, warm waters and a lush natural landscape with coconut groves and areas of tropical vegetation. The beach is also famous for its natural pools formed by coral reefs at low tide.
• Bath in the Sea: The calm, shallow waters are perfect for a relaxing swim. The beach is ideal for families, couples and groups of friends who want to enjoy a day by the sea.
• Natural Pools: During low tide, natural pools protected by reefs form, providing an excellent place to swim and relax. These pools are ideal for observing marine life and having fun in shallow waters.
• Jangada rides: Raft rides are one of the main activities in Tamandaré. They take visitors to explore the natural pools and observe the local marine fauna, such as colourful fish and coral.

17. São José da Coroa Grande Beach

Its name comes from the crowns – rock formations – that appear at low tide and create huge natural pools.

• Location: São José da Coroa Grande, Pernambuco. It’s about 115 kilometres south of Recife.
• Features: Praia de São José da Coroa Grande is known for its long stretch of fine white sand, its clear, warm waters, and a natural environment that includes coconut trees and tropical vegetation. The beach is less crowded, providing a peaceful environment ideal for relaxing.
• Sea Bathing: The waters of São José da Coroa Grande Beach are ideal for a relaxing swim, especially during low tide, when the water is calmer and shallower.
• Walking: The long stretch of sand and the surrounding vegetation offer good opportunities for walks and peaceful strolls by the sea.

18. Porto Nassau Beach

• Location: Barreiros, Pernambuco. It is approximately 100 kilometres south of Recife and about 20 kilometres north of Tamandaré.
• Features: Porto Nassau Beach is a beach with fine, clear sand and warm, calm waters. The area is surrounded by tropical vegetation and coconut trees, creating a tranquil and picturesque environment. The beach is not very busy, which makes for a more serene experience compared to more popular beaches in the region.
• Bath in the Sea: The calm, shallow waters are ideal for a relaxing swim. The beach is safe for swimming, especially during low tide.

Tourist Guide to the Beaches on the South Coast of Pernambuco