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.

From Cabo de Santo Agostinho to São José da Coroa Grande, the 110 kilometres of Pernambuco’s southern coastline are home to one gem after another, beaches that follow one another with the same irresistible appeal of white sand, turquoise sea and the “tall coconut trees” mentioned in the state anthem.

Parishes 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 scenery and rich history, the municipality offers a variety of attractions for visitors. 1.

2. Ipojuca

• Main attractions: Porto de Galinhas, Maracaípe, Serrambi Beach, Muro Alto Beach.
• Description: Ipojuca is one of the best known tourist destinations in Pernambuco, famous for its beaches with natural pools, such as Porto de Galinhas, and its tourist and leisure facilities.

3. Sirinhaém

• Main attractions: Barra de Sirinhaém beach.
• Description: Less busy than other cities, Sirinhaém has quiet beaches and a more authentic charm, ideal for those looking for a quieter experience.

2. Tamandaré

• Main attractions: Carneiros Beach and Tamandaré Beach.
• Description: Known for its natural swimming pools and the charming church of São Benedito, the town offers a peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for beach tourism.

5. Barreiros

• Main attractions: Barreiros beach.
• Description: A quiet destination with a less developed beach, ideal for those seeking a more secluded setting.

6. São José da Coroa Grande

• Main attractions: São José da Coroa Grande beach.
• Description: A lesser known destination with beautiful beaches and a relaxing atmosphere. Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet away from the crowds.

Features and Attractions of the South Coast

• Natural Beauty: The South Coast of Pernambuco is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and natural pools formed by coral reefs. Mangroves and coconut groves also add to the charm of 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 marine life watching.
• Infrastructure: The municipalities vary in terms of tourist infrastructure. While towns such as Ipojuca and Tamandaré offer a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and activities, other places such as 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

• Transportation: Hiring a car can be a convenient way to explore the south coast of Pernambuco, as the communities are connected by roads that allow easy access between beaches and attractions.
• Best time to visit: The best time to visit the region is during the dry season, from September to March, when the climate 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 to visit depends on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Videos – Tourist Attractions of 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. Paiva beach
3. Itapuama beach
4. Pedra do Xaréu beach
5. Gaibu beach
6. Calhetas Beach
7. Paradise Beach
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. Carneiros beach
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: The beach of Enseada dos Corais 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.
• Sea bathing 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 kilometres south of Recife.
• Facilities: Praia do Paiva has an extensive stretch of golden sand, clear and warm waters, and is surrounded by lush native vegetation, including coconut trees and Atlantic forest.
• Swimming: The waters are ideal for swimming, being relatively calm due to the protection of the reefs.

3. Itapuama Beach

• Location: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, about 35 kilometres south of Recife.
• Features: Itapuama Beach has a long stretch of golden sand, greenish water and moderate waves, surrounded by native vegetation and coconut trees. The beach has areas with reefs that form natural pools at low tide.
• Sea bathing: 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, about 37 kilometres south of Recife.
• Features: Pedra do Xaréu beach is known for its rock formations that dip into the sea, forming small natural pools. The sand is fine and golden and the surrounding vegetation is lush with coconut trees.
• Sea Bathing: 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 kilometres south of Recife.
• Features: Gaibu Beach is known for its beautiful scenery, 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 at high tide.
• Surfing: Gaibu is famous for its good waves, which attract surfers of all levels. Conditions are ideal for both surfing and bodyboarding.
• Swimming: The areas protected by the reefs offer safe swimming conditions, especially for families with children.

6. Calhetas beach

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

7. Paradise Beach

Praia do Paraíso, also known as Praia do Paraíso das Pedras.

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

9. Muro Alto Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, about 60 kilometres south of Recife.
• Features: Muro Alto beach is known for its fine white sand, calm, clear waters and a barrier reef that creates natural pools at low tide. Muro Alto owes its name to the cliffs and reef wall that protect the beach, making it a true paradise of calm waters.
• Sea Bathing: 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, about 60 kilometres 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 at low tide. The beach also has a long stretch of fine white sand and a rich marine life.
• Natural Pools: At low tide, the natural pools are accessible by raft and offer shallow, crystal clear waters, ideal for a relaxing swim and observing marine life.

11. Maracaípe Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, about 65 kilometres 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 at high tide.
• Bodyboarding: The waves are also ideal for bodyboarding, providing fun for sports enthusiasts.
• Walks and Trails: Explore the beachfront and trails in the surrounding vegetation. The dunes and coconut groves offer picturesque scenery and opportunities for relaxing walks.
• Rafting: Enjoy rafting through the mangroves and observe the local fauna, including the possibility of seeing seahorses.

12. Serrambi Beach

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, about 70 kilometres 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 crowded than other beaches in the area and offers a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere.
• Sea Bathing: The calm, shallow waters are ideal for a relaxing swim, especially at low tide when conditions are even more pleasant.

13. Toquinho beach

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

• Location: Ipojuca, Pernambuco, about 70 kilometres south of Recife.
• Features: Praia do Toquinho has a strip of fine white sand, clear and calm waters, and is surrounded by native vegetation and mangrove areas. It’s a less crowded beach compared to the more popular ones in the region, offering a relaxing and cosy atmosphere.
• Sea Bathing: The calm, shallow waters are perfect for a relaxing swim. The beach is safe and ideal for families and children.
• Walking: Explore the long stretch of sand and the trails in the area. The walks are pleasant and allow you to enjoy the natural scenery.
• Local Wildlife: The area around the beach is rich in local wildlife, with various species of birds and animals that can be seen on walks along the beach and surrounding areas.
• Boat Trips: It is possible to organise boat trips to explore the surrounding areas and discover the natural beauty of the coast.

14. Barra de Serinhaém Beach

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

  

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• 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, offering a natural and peaceful setting.
• Sea Bathing: The calm, shallow waters of the beach are perfect for a relaxing swim. The beach is particularly suitable for families and children as the water is safe.

15. Carneiros Beach

• 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 of coconut trees and coral reefs. The beach is also known for the São Benedito Church, located on the seafront, one of the region’s postcards.
• Sea Bathing: 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: At low tide, a series of natural pools protected by coral reefs form, providing shallow, calm waters ideal for swimming and relaxing.
• Rafting: Rafting is a popular way to explore the natural pools and local marine life. Local guides can provide information on the local flora and fauna.

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 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.
• Sea Bathing: 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: At low tide, natural pools protected by reefs form, providing an excellent place to swim and relax. These pools are ideal for marine life watching and shallow water fun.
• Rafting: Rafting is 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 corals.

17. São José da Coroa Grande beach

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

• Location: São José da Coroa Grande, Pernambuco. It is located about 115 kilometres south of Recife.
• Features: São José da Coroa Grande Beach 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 and offers a tranquil environment ideal for relaxation.
• Bathing: The waters of São José da Coroa Grande beach are ideal for a relaxing swim, especially at 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 quiet strolls along the seafront.

18. Porto Nassau Beach

• Location: Barreiros, Pernambuco. It is located about 100 kilometres south of Recife and about 20 kilometres north of Tamandaré.
• Features: Praia de Porto Nassau is a beach of fine, clear sand and warm, calm waters. The area is surrounded by tropical vegetation and coconut trees, creating a quiet and picturesque setting. The beach is not very crowded, which makes for a more tranquil experience compared to the more popular beaches in the area.
• Sea Bathing: The calm, shallow waters are ideal for a relaxing swim. The beach is safe for swimming, especially at low tide.

Tourist Guide to the Beaches of the South Coast of Pernambuco

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