Paraíba is a state located in the north-eastern region of Brazil, known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture and history.
The coastline of Paraíba is among the most beautiful in Brazil, many quiet beaches, fine sand and coconut trees.
The interior of Paraíba is part of the polygon of droughts, the northeastern hinterland where the caatinga predominates.
The charm of Paraíba also comes from its history and geography. In the early days of colonisation, the territory was disputed by the French and then the Dutch.
Later, it played a major role in political movements such as the Pernambuco Revolution (1817) and the Confederation of Ecuador (1824), in which the figure of the Carmelite Joaquim do Amor Divino, Frei Caneca, stood out.
In the 20th century, the assassination of its former governor, João Pessoa, in Recife, was the trigger for the 1930 Revolution.
The marks of this history are everywhere – starting with the name of the capital of Paraíba, one of the main destinations for tourists visiting the state.
It is no coincidence that some of Paraíba’s most important architectural monuments are there, such as the Palácio da Redenção (1586) and the church of São Francisco (1589).
Nature, in turn, could not have been more generous with the region, which has a geographical curiosity: Ponta do Seixas, in the capital of Paraíba, is the easternmost point of the South American continent, which means that it is there that the sun arrives first, every day.
See the map of the beaches of Paraíba.
If João Pessoa has beautiful beaches, the other cities on the coast offer unforgettable landscapes of white sand, green sea and coconut palms. In the developed interior of Paraíba, Campina Grande stands out, where one of the most disputed São João festivals in the country takes place.
The same region is home – in yet another extraordinary meeting of geography and history – to the Ingá Archaeological Site, with cave inscriptions that may have been made 25,000 years ago, and the Dinosaur Valley, in Sousa, where researchers have discovered 50-metre footprints – the largest ever found in the world.
Paraíba Tourism Guide Videos
João Pessoa e praias da Paraíba02:23
Paraíba - Reportagem
Destino Paraíba - Muito Mais Que Sol e Mar
Guia de Turismo da Paraíba
Some of Paraíba’s main sights and attractions
With its combination of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture, Paraíba is a fascinating destination for any traveller.
1. Beaches
- Tambaú Beach: Located in João Pessoa, it is one of the most popular and well-frequented beaches, with an extensive stretch of sand and tourist infrastructure.
- Praia do Coqueirinho: Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the state, it is located in Conde and is famous for its colourful cliffs and clear waters.
- Tambaba Beach: Also in Conde, it is famous for being one of the few nudist beaches in Brazil, as well as being surrounded by exuberant nature.
2. João Pessoa
- Historic Centre: The state capital has a well-preserved historic centre with churches, colonial houses and museums such as the Museum of Sacred Art and the Monastery of São Francisco.
- Cabo Branco Station: A cultural and scientific complex designed by Oscar Niemeyer, which offers exhibitions, cultural events and a panoramic view of the city.
- Cabo Branco Lighthouse: Located on the easternmost point of the Americas, it offers a breathtaking view of the Paraiba coastline.
3. Interior of the State
- State Park of Pedra da Boca: Located in Araruna, it is ideal for lovers of ecotourism and adventure sports, with trails, climbs and impressive rock formations.
- Lajedo de Pai Mateus: In Cabaceiras, it is a rock formation full of legends and history, as well as being a beautiful natural setting.
- Areia: A historic town with a mild climate, known for its colonial architecture and cachaça mills.
4. Cultural Events
- São João de Campina Grande: Known as the “Biggest São João in the World”, the event attracts thousands of tourists with shows, quadrilhas, typical food and lots of June festivities.
- Fest Aruanda: A film festival held in João Pessoa, showing national and international productions.
5. Gastronomy
- Regional cuisine: Take the opportunity to try typical dishes such as carne de sol, buchada de bode, rubacão (a mixture of rice, beans and meat), as well as delicious desserts made with regional fruit.
6. Crafts
- Paraibano Handicraft Market: Located in João Pessoa, this is the ideal place to buy souvenirs such as lace, ceramics and leather goods produced by local artisans.
7. Tips for visitors
- Weather: Paraíba has a tropical climate, hot and humid most of the year. Take light clothes, sun cream and stay hydrated.
- Transport: Renting a car can be a good option for exploring the beaches and attractions in the interior of the state.
- Accommodation: João Pessoa offers a wide range of hotels, pousadas and hostels to suit all budgets.
With its combination of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture, Paraíba is a fascinating destination for any traveller.
Paraíba Tourist Sites
- The historic buildings and urban beaches of João Pessoa.
- The Cabo Branco Lighthouse in Ponta do Seixas, the easternmost point in South America.
- The beaches and manatees of Barra de Mamanguape, declared a biosphere reserve by Unesco.
- The lajedo de Pai Mateus, in Cabaceiras, the setting for the filming of “O auto da compadecida”.
- The prehistoric remains in Ingá e Sousa.
- History of the Foundation of Paraíba and João Pessoa.
- Best beaches of João Pessoa, south and north coast of Paraíba
- State park of Pedra da Boca in Araruna in Paraíba
- Carapibus beach in Paraíba has native forest and tranquillity
- Coqueirinho Beach in Conde has cliffs and crystal clear waters
- Boat trips and scuba diving in the greater João Pessoa
- 8 best beaches of Paraíba
- History of the Indian who keeps alive the tradition of the Macuxí people in Paraíba
- Costa do Conde on the South Coast of Paraíba
- The Serra do Vital has beautiful scenery of the sertaneja nature
- The coast of the municipality of Conde in Paraíba reserves paradisiacal scenarios
- Lucena is a tropical paradise with deserted beaches, colonial architecture and natural pools
- Barra de Camaratuba is one of the last wild beaches in the northeast
- Inland Paraíba is prosperous and alternates hinterlands and mountain ranges
- The coast of Paraíba is home to unforgettable landscapes
- João Pessoa in Paraíba – Tourist Spots and Historic Centre
- Pitimbu in Paraíba has a scenery rich in natural pools, estuaries and cliffs
- Baía da Traição has beautiful beaches, a route rich in historical curiosities
- Tourist spots in the municipality of Mataraca PB
- Areia is home to the first mills in Paraíba and has a lot of history
- Pedro II is a city full of history, precious stones and archaeological sites
Interior of Paraíba
The Interior of Paraíba we have Campina Grande with the forró pé-de-serra, the Archaeological Site of Ingá, the dinosaur park in Sousa and the historic city of Areias.
Coast of João Pessoa
The Coast of João Pessoa has the popular beaches of Cabo Branco, Tambaú, Manaíra and Bessa. Boardwalks that make it possible to walk or stroll. Cycle paths that offer the practice of activities such as cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding.
In addition, it is from these beaches that the nautical tours to the Natural Pools of Seixas, Picãozinho and Natural Pools of Bessa leave. On Bessa beach, there is also the possibility of activities in kayaks and Stand Up Paddle – the latter can be carried out, even in the night shift. But, all of them in line with the tide table.
South coast of Paraíba
In the South Coast, the scenery is more exotic. Among the beaches you can mention Barra de Gramame, Praia do Sol, Praia do Amor, Jacumã, Coqueirinho, Carapibus, Praia Bela and Tambaba. The latter is the first naturist beach in the Northeast and is also known for hosting naturist surfing championships. One way to get to know the main beaches of the South Coast is through buggy rides.
North Coast of Paraíba
The North Coast is made up of 19 beaches spread over five municipalities in Paraíba. In the municipality of Cabedelo, for example, the beaches of Camboinha and Ponta de Campina are an option for those travelling with children due to the tranquillity of their waters.
It is from these beaches that catamarans and speedboats also leave for the island of Areia Vermelha. Barra de Camaratuba, Baía da Traição and Lucena are also beaches that make up this third part of the Paraiba coast.
WHEN TO GO TO PARAÍBA
- For João Pessoa, in the summer (December to February) or in the low season for those who want to relax in a more empty city.
- For the coast and some inland towns, such as Areia, at any time of the year, except between May and July, when it rains a lot. In the interior Cabaceiras, the sun shines all year round.
- In Carnival, if you want the excitement of a place like Jacumã, on the south coast.
- In June, if the goal is to get to know one of the busiest São João festivals in Brazil – Campina Grande.
- Between July and December, the dry season, to better see the dinosaur footprints in the soil of Sousa.
