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Sergipe is the smallest of the Brazilian states and is an invitation to tourism for at least two reasons: the attractive prices and the combination of natural beauty and historical treasures.
The state of Sergipe lies in the Northeast region between the states of Bahia and Alagoas. Sergipe once belonged to Bahia, gaining autonomy as a federal unit in 1820.
From then on it began to develop its economy based on agricultural production (sugar cane, oranges and coconuts) and mineral extraction (oil, natural gas, limestone, potash, among others).
The name of the state is a tribute to one of the rivers that cuts it, the Sergipe River, which received this name from the Indians who inhabited the region.
Sergipe means river of siris and is the result of the contraction of the words siri, y, pe, in Tupi-Guarani.
The Tupis-Guaranis are one of the ethnic groups that inhabited the region. The others are Canindé and Aratu.
In general, Sergipe has very flat lands. Only in the region of Canindé de São Francisco and near the border with Bahia are there mountains and hills.
In the coastal region and in the canyon area it is hot and rains a lot, while in the hinterland the climate is semi-arid, with a lot of heat and long periods without rain. The average annual temperature throughout the state is 26ºC.
Of what nature offers, it would suffice to mention the “Velho Chico” canyon, in Caninde de São Francisco, considered the fifth largest in the world and the most navigable on the planet. About 200 kilometers from Aracaju, in Canindé do São Francisco, you will find one of the most stunning landscapes of Sergipe: the Cânion do Xingó.
In the historical ambit, São Cristovão, former capital of the state, founded at the end of the 16th century, preserves a beautiful architectural heritage.
Not to mention the folkloric festivals that evoke the traditional popular autos. Some have existed since the end of the 19th century, such as the reisado.
The capital of Sergipe, Aracaju, planned to host the state government – a post it has held since 1855 – the urbanized and bustling Atalaia waterfront and the Sergipe Memorial, for example, declare a potential to satisfy both types of interest.
The first one offers bars and restaurants that shake the Sergipe night. The memorial has a rich collection of pieces that attest to the history of the city.
Admirers of handicrafts will also find several fairs with pieces worked by local artists.
For those who enjoy the sertanejo rhythm, the capital promotes Forró Caju in June, which attracts thousands of people for almost two weeks.
Close to the capital, the city of Laranjeiras holds one of the monuments of greatest historical and religious value of Sergipe: the church of Nossa Senhora da Conceiҫão, dating from 1743.
Definitively separated from the captaincy of Bahia in 1823, the state was one of the places in the country where the indigenous people most resisted colonization in the 16th century. “Cirizipe” or “Cerigipe”, which means “crab sting” in Tupi, was the name of one of the indigenous leaders who fought strongly against the Portuguese.
Videos “Tourist Spots of Sergipe”
Sergipe - Guia de Turismo
O que fazer em Sergipe
Atrações turísticas de Sergipe
Sergipe - Guia de Turismo Completo
Litoral Sergipano25:49
Sergipe - Reportagem25:49
SERGIPE’S TOP TOURIST POINTS
Sergipe, Brazil’s smallest state, is rich in tourist attractions that combine beautiful natural landscapes, history and culture. Here are some of Sergipe’s main tourist attractions:
1. São Cristóvão
- Description: The fourth oldest city in Brazil, steeped in history and colonial architecture.
- Attractions: Praça São Francisco (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Museum of Sacred Art, Historical Museum of Sergipe and several historic churches.
2. Laranjeiras
- Description: A historic city known for its colonial churches and rich cultural traditions.
- Attractions: Historic Centre, Mother Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Afro-Brazilian Museum, Museum of Sacred Art, and the Lambe-Sujo and Caboclinhos Festival.
3. Xingó Canyon
- Location: Canindé de São Francisco
- Description: One of the largest navigable canyons in the world, with stunning landscapes.
- Attractions: Catamaran trips on the São Francisco River, ecological trails, and a visit to the Xingó Archaeology Museum.
4. Itabaiana Mountain National Park
- Location: Itabaiana
- Description: An environmental preservation area with rich biodiversity.
- Attractions: Hiking trails, waterfalls, viewpoints, and Pedra do Sino, one of the highest points in the state.
5. Aracaju beaches
- Description: The capital of Sergipe offers beautiful beaches with excellent infrastructure.
- Attractions: Praia de Atalaia, Praia do Refúgio, Praia de Aruana, and Praia dos Náufragos.
6. Praia do Saco
- Location: Estância
- Description: Considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil, with dunes, coconut groves and crystal-clear waters.
- Attractions: Buggy rides through the dunes, boat trips, and bars and restaurants on the seafront.
7. Mouth of the São Francisco River
- Location: Brejo Grande
- Description: The meeting of the “Velho Chico” with the sea, creating a unique setting.
- Attractions: Boat trips along the river mouth, a visit to Cabeço Island, and observation of the rich local fauna and flora.
8. Museum of the Sergipana People
- Location: Aracaju
- Description: An interactive museum that celebrates the culture and history of the people of Sergipe.
- Attractions: Interactive exhibitions, educational games and a diverse cultural collection.
9. Crôa do Goré and Ilha dos Namorados
- Location: Near Aracaju
- Description: Popular destinations for boat trips, ideal for a day of leisure.
- Attractions: Sandbanks that appear at low tide, crystal-clear waters, and infrastructure for tourists.
10. Parque dos Falcões
- Location: Itabaiana
- Description: A centre for the preservation of birds of prey, unique in Brazil.
- Attractions: Observation of various species of hawks, owls and other birds, and environmental education programmes.
11. Mangue Seco
- Location: On the border between Sergipe and Bahia
- Description: A picturesque village with beautiful landscapes of dunes and mangroves, known for being the setting for the novel “Tieta do Agreste”.
- Attractions: Buggy rides through the dunes, quiet beaches and cinematic landscapes.
12. City of Propriá
- Description: A riverside town with a rich culture and history, located on the banks of the São Francisco River.
- Attractions: Boat trips along the river, the Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio, and the city viewpoint.
Sergipe is a tiny state, especially when compared to neighbouring Bahia or states in the North, such as Pará and Amazonas. But despite its small size, it has many natural beauties.
Tourist publications about Sergipe
Sergipe is a tiny state, especially when compared to neighboring Bahia or states in the North region, such as Pará and Amazonas. But, despite the small territorial extension, it has many natural beauties.
- Atalaia beach, the most popular of Aracaju.
- The catamaran or schooner rides through the canyon of the São Francisco river, in Canindé de São Francisco.
- The historical center and the Museum of Sacred Art of São Cristovão.
- The beautiful architectural ensemble of the city of Laranjeiras, which arose at the end of the 16th century.
- South Coast of Sergipe attracts tourists in search of tranquility
- Ilha Croa do Goré is only available for six hours a day
- Praia Ponta dos Mangues in the Santa Isabel biological reserve
- Ilha de Santa Luzia is a refuge for surfers and fishermen
- Pirambu is a fishing center of the Northeast and also has beautiful beaches
- Praia do Saco is an option for those seeking tranquility
- Pantanal Sergipano em Pacatuba
- Park of the Falcons and Serra de Itabaiana
- Cânion do Xingó is paradise that is in the hinterland of Sergipe
Guest Tips
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Sergipe is during the dry season, from September to March.
- Transport: Aracaju is a good starting point for exploring the state, with several transport options, including buses and taxi/ride-sharing services.
Sergipe offers a rich variety of attractions ranging from paradisiacal beaches and impressive natural landscapes to historic cities and a vibrant culture. Every corner of the state offers a unique and authentic experience.
When To Go To Sergipe
- In January, if you want to attend the folkloric presentations of the Cultural Meeting, which takes place in Laranjeiras and is a basic reference of northeastern popular art.
- To better enjoy the beach or walks along the São Francisco River, avoid the months when it rains the most (from April to July).
- In June, when the Forró Caju takes place, the highlight of the São João festivities.
Sergipe Tourism and Travel Guide
