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São José da Coroa Grande is a municipality on the southern coast of Pernambuco, in Brazil. It is located 123 kilometres from the capital of Pernambuco, Recife.
São José da Coroa Grande is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
Tucked away on Pernambuco’s so-called Golden Coast, the little town of São José da Coroa Grande lies halfway between Recife and Alagoas.
The coral formations that line the beaches form natural pools with transparent waters, perfect for swimming, raft trips or activities such as snorkelling and kayaking.
São José da Coroa Grande is the last town in Pernambuco heading south, the smallest beach and the most populated.
Surrounded by natural pools, the town was named after the crowns that emerge at low tide on the sand banks between the seafront and the coral reefs.
For those who like to dive, the sea of São José has clear waters with colourful fish that eat out of the hands of bathers. Even at high tide, the waters are always calm, ideal for sailing.
Video about São José da Coroa Grande in Pernambuco
Tourist attractions and activities in São José da Coroa Grande PE
The municipality has 9.9 kilometres of coastline, where sandy beaches predominate (Várzea do Una Beach, Gravatá Beach and Coroa Grande Beach), as well as numerous natural pools.
1. Beaches
- Praia de São José da Coroa Grande: The town’s main beach, famous for its calm, warm waters, ideal for swimming and water activities. During low tide, natural pools form that are perfect for children.
- Praia do Gravatá: A quieter and less busy beach, great for those looking to relax in a quieter environment. It has unspoilt natural beauty and is perfect for walks by the sea.
- Verraia de Várzea do Una: A beach with clear sand and blue sea, also known for its natural pools and tranquillity. It’s a great place for boat trips and fishing.
2. Boat Trips and Diving
- Natural Pools: Boat trips take visitors to the natural pools formed by the coral reefs, where it is possible to swim and observe marine life in crystal-clear waters.
- Diving: The region is excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving, with clear visibility and a rich marine biodiversity, including colourful fish and corals.
3. Rio Una
The Una River runs through the town and offers boat and kayak trips. The mouth of the river is a picturesque spot where the river meets the sea, providing beautiful scenery and opportunities for bird watching.
4. Historic Centre
4.1. St Joseph’s Church
The Church of St Joseph was built in the 19th century and plays a central role in the religious and community life of the town.
Like many colonial churches in Brazil, its construction reflects the devotion and efforts of the local community over the years.
4.2. Constantino Gomes Square
The town centre, where you’ll find bars, restaurants and local craft shops. It’s a great place to take a stroll and feel the cosy atmosphere of the town.
4.3. Church of São Benedito
The church was built by the Dutch, with St Benedict as its patron saint, and is located in the district of Abreu do Una.
In 1961 it was demolished by the plantation owner known as Otávio and a new chapel in honour of Saint John the Baptist was erected further up the hill.
There used to be a very popular festival in the town, the feast of kings, which was traditional and celebrated by everyone.
The Abreu church was a mill chapel, built by the mill owner in the 1920s.
4.4. Morim Mill
The property is located about 6 kilometres from PE 060. The Morim Mill was founded in the 18th century by the Baroness of Gindahy.
The existing buildings include a large house, stables, a carrapaticide toilet, a manure house, a thicket and residents’ houses, which retain their original architectural lines. You can also see the ruins of the chapel, opposite the big house.
In 2003, it was sold to Diógenes de Oliveira Paes Barreto and José Lourenço de Oliveira Neto, the current owners of the property.
5. Ecotourism
- Saltinho Biological Reserve: A natural preservation area close to São José da Coroa Grande, ideal for nature trails and observing native fauna and flora.
6. Local Gastronomy
The town is famous for its fresh seafood. Dishes such as moqueca, peixada and prawns are common in local restaurants. Take the opportunity to sample the regional cuisine and enjoy meals by the sea.
7. Events and parties
- Festa de São José: In March, the town celebrates its patron saint with processions, masses and popular festivals. It’s a great opportunity to experience the local culture.
- June Festivities: The June festivities are very lively in São José da Coroa Grande, with gangs, bonfires and typical food.
8. Una Museum
The village is also home to the Una Museum, with a collection of maps, nautical charts and local handicrafts. The village also offers boat trips through the mangroves, forrós at weekends and stalls with delicious recipes based on prawns, crab, octopus, crab and aratu.
The museum is located in the district of Vázea do Una in São José da Coroa Grande – PE, founded on 22 April 2000 by Bertrando Bernardino, with the aim of providing shelter and preserving regional culture and the environment. Inside the Una museum, we find the moon fish, one of two specimens on display in Brazil, the other being in São Paulo.
How to get there
São José da Coroa Grande is located about 110 kilometres south of Recife, the capital of Pernambuco. Access is mainly via PE-060, a road that connects several towns on the state’s southern coast.
Travelling Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the dry season, from September to March, when the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities and beaches.
- Accommodation: The city offers a variety of accommodation options, from cosy inns to resorts with more infrastructure.
- Cautions: Take sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent, especially if you’re going to explore the natural areas and go hiking.
São José da Coroa Grande is a perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity, beautiful landscapes and direct contact with nature. It’s a place where you can relax and enjoy the hospitality and charm of the Pernambuco coast.
