Aracaju, the capital of Sergipe, is a charming city with a combination of beautiful beaches, rich culture and a welcoming atmosphere.

Aracaju was built to be the capital of the then province, replacing São Cristovão and founded in 1855.

Aracaju means cashew tree of the parrots, a word composed of the elements: ará = parrot and acayú = fruit of the cashew tree. This interpretation is very popular, although there are other versions.

The capital of Sergipe was born on Colina de Santo Antônio, in the north of the city.

From there, you can enjoy one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles: the meeting of the Sergipe River and the Atlantic Ocean. The panoramic view is enchanting.

The centre of Aracaju, which has been completely revitalised, offers options for leisure and history. Examples are the Thales Ferraz and Antônio Franco Markets and the Emperor’s Bridge, as well as clean, landscaped streets, impeccable urban planning and plenty of security.

Aracaju is the capital of Sergipe and is located on the banks of the Sergipe River and has around 30 kilometres of beaches with warm, calm waters.

In the centre of Aracaju, with Fausto Cardoso Square as a reference point, the city’s main historical monuments are concentrated, among them the Olímpio Campos Palace (1863), the former seat of government.

One of the attractions outside this region is the hill of Santo António, Aracaju’s first urban agglomeration; from the top you can see the estuary of the river that gives the state its name and practically the entire capital.

The new Atalaia waterfront in Aracaju should also be visited.

It’s about 4 kilometres long and offers a wide range of leisure options, including stalls, bars and restaurants that bustle with nightlife. Don’t miss the Municipal Market and other craft shops.

In June, Hilton Lopes Square hosts Forró Caju, a thirteen-day festival that attracts thousands of people.

At the same time in Aracaju, the traditional São João festivities take place in Estancia, a town 70 kilometres from the capital.

From Aracaju, you can reach the best beaches in the state on day trips.

Videos – Attractions and Sights of Aracaju SE

Aracaju’s Tourist Attractions

1. Beaches

Aracaju’s coastline is approximately 35 kilometres long, with flat, firm sands, perfect for walking; warm, shallow waters, great for swimming; as well as structured bars and restaurants.

1.1. Atalaia Beach

• Description: Aracaju’s most famous and busiest beach. The Orla de Atalaia is an iconic tourist spot, with a 6-kilometre stretch of promenade, cycle paths, sports courts, children’s playgrounds and a wide variety of bars and restaurants.
• Attractions: Aracaju Oceanarium, Passarela do Caranguejo (Crab Walkway), local handicrafts, and various water sports options.

1.2. Praia do Refúgio

• Description: Located around 14 km from the centre of Aracaju, Praia do Refúgio is ideal for those seeking tranquillity. It is less busy than Atalaia and has a more relaxing atmosphere.
• Attractions: Restaurants and bars by the sea, where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

1.3. Aruana Beach

• Description: Situated to the south of Atalaia, Aruana Beach is known for its warm, calm waters and wide stretch of golden sand.
• Attractions: Kiosks and stalls offering typical food, as well as areas for practising sports such as beach volleyball and football.
• Attractions: Kiosks and stalls offering typical food, as well as areas for practising sports such as beach volleyball and football.

1.4. Robalo Beach

• Description: Located between the beaches of Atalaia and Aruana, Praia do Robalo is another excellent option for those looking for a quieter atmosphere.
• Attractions: Bars and restaurants serving typical dishes such as moquecas and crab, and beautiful scenery for walks.

1.5. Mosqueiro Beach

• Description: Located at the mouth of the Vaza-Barris River, Mosqueiro Beach is known for its calm waters and natural beauty.
• Attractions: Boat trips along the river and through the mangroves, water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddling, and the famous catamaran trip to Crôa do Goré, a sandbank that emerges at low tide.

1.6. Praia dos Náufragos

• Description: A lesser-known and more secluded beach, offering a peaceful and little-explored environment.
• Attractions: A more rustic atmosphere, ideal for those who want to get away from the crowds and enjoy nature.

1.7. Praia do Saco

• Description: Located around 70 kilometres from Aracaju, but frequently visited by those staying in the capital. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the region, with its dunes and crystal-clear waters.
• Attractions: Buggy rides through the dunes, boat trips, and bars and restaurants with typical food.

2. Crôa do Goré Island

Crôa do Goré is a small island of white sand that rises with the movement of the tide. It is located in the Vaza-Barris river, between the municipalities of Aracaju,

Located between São Cristóvão and Itaporanga d’Ajuda, the Crôa do Goré is one of the attractions of the region south of Aracaju.

Access is via Mosqueiro beach, a fishing village, from where you can take a speedboat, boat or catamaran on 10 to 15-minute trips that reveal native mangroves, small river islands and unspoilt vegetation.

There’s a lot of activity at weekends because of the floating bars and rustic stalls made of thatch that serve fried fish, prawn cakes and broths of oysters, sururu, beans, aratu…

3. Ilha dos Namorados in Aracaju

After the stop at Crôa do Goré, the catamaran continues for another half hour or so, passing close to the mangroves, until it reaches Ilha dos Namorados, a large island formed between the Vaza Barris river and the Atlantic Ocean.

The island has a structure set up to serve snacks and drinks, as well as tables with parasols and attractions for children, such as large inflatable buoys.

4. Aracaju Oceanarium

The Aracaju Oceanarium is located on the Atalaia waterfront and is shaped like a turtle. It houses 20 aquariums that show the diversity of Sergipe’s marine and river flora and fauna. Various species of fish, turtles and other marine animals attract children and adults alike. Visitors are monitored by biologists from the Tamar Project, which manages the unit.

One of the highlights of this tourist attraction is the ocean tank with 150,000 litres of water, which reproduces the environment of the seabed off the coast of Sergipe. Stingrays, groupers and nurse sharks can be seen up close.

An underwater camera installed on the Petrobrás Camurim-09 platform allows you to observe the waters of the Atlantic in real time. The Aracaju Oceanarium is the first in the Northeast and the fifth in the country, occupying 1,100 square metres of floor space.

5. Sergipe Memorial

The 6,000 exhibits in this museum, spread over thirteen rooms, illustrate the socio-cultural history of Sergipe.

Created in 1994 by the Tiradentes University (Unit), the Sergipe Memorial occupies a house located in the Treze de Julho neighbourhood, close to the city centre. The first rooms reveal the chronology of the state’s history, followed by handicraft objects, folklore and sacred images.

Don’t miss the pieces that belonged to Lampião’s group and the weapons used by the policemen who killed him – in Grota do Angico, in the interior of Sergipe, in 1938.

The Rosa Moreira Faria room houses the work of this artist who painted the history of the state on porcelain.

The visit, monitored by Unit interns, lasts about an hour. Av. Beira-Mar, 626, 13 de Julho.

6. Museum of Sergipano Man

The Sergipano Man Museum was founded in 1996 and houses archaeological pieces, documents and photographs. Maintained by the Federal University of Sergipe, it is housed in an early 20th century townhouse in the city centre.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum houses temporary samples and a library. Guided tours can be booked for weekends. Rua Estancia, 228, Centro.

7. Handicraft and Culture Centres in Aracaju

Sergipe’s artisans produce remarkable basketry, embroidery and lace, among other works.

The Museu do Artesanato has a wide variety of clay and wood pieces, as well as several shops selling quilts, tablecloths and women’s clothing (Praҫa Olímpio Campos).

At the António Franco Municipal Market, visitors will find handicrafts from all over the state (Rua José Prado Franco, s/n).

For those looking for more sophisticated work, the best option is the Sergipe Art and Culture Centre, located on the Atalaia waterfront. There you’ll find a significant display of Sergipe’s handicrafts – and everything can be bought.

Highlights include the work of José Roberto de Freitas, known as Beto Pezão, an artist who creates clay pieces with huge feet, and the micro-works of Cicero Alves dos Santos (Av. Santos Dumont, s/n, Orla de Atalaia).

The Lourival Batista Cultural Complex has an art gallery, as well as the Sergipano Theatre Memorial, with old photos of actors from the state (Rua Laranjeiras, 1967, Getúlio Vargas).

8. Museum of Sergipan People

The Museu da Gente Sergipana opened in 2011 and is the first multimedia museum in the North and Northeast regions. Through installations with state-of-the-art technological resources used in the various themed spaces.

The history of the People of Sergipe is exhibited in areas called: “Our Squares”, “Our Goats”, “Our Parties”, “Our Talks”, “Our Fairs”, “Our Dishes”, “Your Cordel”, “Your Repente”, “Our Costumes”, “Our Gullies”, “Our Landmarks”, “Our Stories”, “Our Beds” and “Our Little Things”, as well as temporary exhibitions.

Cultural events such as “Folia da Gente”, “São João da Gente Sergipana”, “Agosto: Mês das Culturas da Gente”, “Tempo de Criança” and “Natal da Gente Sergipana” are part of the calendar.

Another interesting feature is that the museum is housed in the historic building of the former Atheneuzinho school, restored by Banese – Sergipe State Bank.

8.1 Media Library

Here, some highlights are explored with terminals where we can navigate through all the Museum’s spaces. A very nice example is the “Renda do Tempo”, a panel on which the main historical passages of the State of Sergipe appear.

9. Olímpio Campos Palace-Museum

With its eclectic, neoclassically influenced style, the Palace originally had all its walls built in stone and lime (from Cotinguiba) and with hardwood beams and wide plank floors of Jequitibá and other woods on the upper floor.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the palace underwent a major renovation, inspired by European eclecticism, which significantly altered its façade and interior.

It was carried out by a team of Italian artists who were in Bahia at the time – Belando Bellandi (architect and sculptor); Orestes Cercelli (architect and painter); Bruno Cercelli (painter); Orestes Gatti (sculptor, foundryman and painter); Fiori (foundryman); Frederico Gentil (who worked in the laying services); and Pascoal del Chirico (sculptor responsible for the sculptures on the plinth) – this remodelling was begun under General Oliveira Valadão and completed under Marshal Pereira Lobo in 1920, when Sergipe’s 1st Centenary of Political Emancipation was celebrated.

9. Squares, parks and churches

9.1 FAUSTO CARDOSO SQUARE

One of the city’s tourist attractions is Fausto Cardoso Square, the oldest square in the capital. Initially called Praça do Palácio (Palace Square), in reference to the Olímpio Campos Palace, the former seat of the state government, it was given its current name in honour of the political leader who died in the square in 1906. Location: Centre.

9.2. PRAÇA OLÍMPIO CAMPOS

Praça Olímpio Campos is located in the heart of the city and is home to the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Álvaro Santos Art Gallery. From Monday to Friday, a handicraft and typical food fair takes place in the square. Location: Centre.

9.3. TOBIAS BARRETO PRAÇA

Praça Tobias Barreto is located in the São José neighbourhood. It is a cosy and beautiful place. On Sundays, the Freguesia Project takes place, with a craft fair, typical food and musical performances. Location: São José neighbourhood.

9.4. CALÇADÃO DA 13 DE JULHO

The 13 de Julho promenade is one of the busiest areas in the capital. It is frequented by people of all ages for relaxing, jogging and walking in the early mornings, late afternoons and evenings.

The promenade has a belvedere, inaugurated in September 1998, where cultural events take place and from the tower you can see a panoramic view of part of the city. The promenade also has a sports court, children’s playground, kiosks, health centres and a police station. Location: Av. Beira Mar – Bairro 13 de Julho

9.5. GOVERNOR AUGUSTO FRANCO PARK

Parque Governador Augusto Franco is located in a prime area of the city, in the Jardins neighbourhood. The Parque Governador Augusto Franco, better known as Parque da Sementeira, has a large green area, an ecological forest and the Farmácia Viva, which sells natural products.

There you can have fun with pedalos, playing football, going for walks, picnics and cycling. Location: Av. Dep. Sílvio Teixeira, s/n – Jardins. Open daily from 6am to 6pm.

9.6. ARACAJU CITY PARK

Parque da Cidade is located in Bairro Industrial, in the north of the capital, and is still home to remnants of the Atlantic Forest. You can enjoy the mini-zoo on site, walk, cycle and enjoy the fresh air that nature offers.

On the cable car ride you can admire the park area.

9.7. PARQUE DOS CAJUEIROS

Parque dos Cajueiros is located on Avenida Beira Mar, in the south, and has a green area, football and tennis courts. For those who like to relax, the park has a restaurant on the banks of the River Poxim.

9.8. NOSSA SENHORA DA CONCEIÇÃO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

Nossa Senhora da Conceição Metropolitan Cathedral is located at Praça Olímpio Campos, s/n – Centro;

9.9. CHURCH OF SANTO ANTÔNIO

Santo Antonio Church is located in Praça de Siqueira de Menezes, s/n, in a place known as Colina do Santo Antônio – Santo Antônio neighbourhood;

9.10. SÃO JOSÉ CHURCH

São José Church is located in Praça Tobias Barreto, s/n – São José neighbourhood.

9.11. SAN SALVADOR CHURCH

São Salvador Church is located on Calçadão da rua Laranjeiras, s/n – Centro.

9.12. SÃO JUDAS TADEU CHURCH

São Judas Tadeu Church is located on Mexico Street, s/n – Bairro América.

Tips about Aracaju

Start the morning with a walk on the flat sands of Atalaia beach. A refreshing dip in the warm Atlantic waters and a tasty coconut water will make your day.

1. Atalaia waterfront

The Atalaia waterfront is an attraction in itself. It’s worth visiting the Aracaju Oceanarium and discovering the fauna of the São Francisco River and the Sergipe coast. Stroll along the promenades around the artificial lakes, visit the J. Inácio Art and Culture Centre and enjoy a delicious tapioca beiju.

2. Cuisine

Mouth watering? Then head for the beaches on the south coast. Choose a kiosk and, between snorkelling, enjoy the best of Sergipe’s cuisine: crab, crab, oysters, moquecas, coconut batida and other delicacies.

3. Historic Centre

Visit Aracaju’s historic centre. The public markets are a must. There you can sample cashew nuts, curd cheese, homemade sweets and delicious tropical fruit.

Visitors can’t miss the Cordel Stall, the talent of the repentistas and the variety of handicrafts from Sergipe, which depict our popular culture.

Still in the Historic Centre, stroll through the Fausto Cardoso and Olímpio Campos squares, admiring the architectural details of the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Olímpio Campos and Inácio Barbosa Palaces.

4. Mirante da 13 de Julho

Stop at the Mirante da 13 de Julho to see the Sergipe River meet the sea and the extensive mangrove swamp populated by elegant white herons.

5. Industrial Neighbourhood Waterfront

Take a stroll along the Industrial waterfront, visit the Chica Chaves Craft Centre and enjoy the breeze on the banks of the Sergipe River.

6. Santo Antônio Hill

Visit Santo Antônio Hill, where the famous Santo Antônio Church stands. From up there you can see the city from a privileged perspective and observe the streets and blocks arranged in a tableau format, as devised by the engineer Sebastião Basílio Pirro, who coordinated the planning of the city’s foundation.

7. Mosqueiro village

The evening light colours the sky in shades ranging from pink to red. From the village of Mosqueiro, you can see the last rays of the sun shining on the waters of the Vaza Barris river.

8. Augusto Franco Park

-Another option is to take a walk with family and friends in Augusto Franco Park (Sementeira). There you’ll find a lake with pedalos, a children’s playground, walking trails, a vegetable garden, kiosks, etc.

9. Crab Walkway

At night, the Passarela do Caranguejo (Crab Walkway) on the Atalaia waterfront is buzzing with bars and restaurants offering live music as well as delicious food and drink. Forró pé-de-serra is one of the main attractions.

HISTORY OF ARACAJU SE

Aracaju was born in 1855, already with urban planning, as it was built to house the capital of the province, which until then had been located in São Cristóvão.

The transfer took place on the initiative of the then provincial president, Inácio Joaquim Barbosa, because São Cristóvão did not offer the necessary conditions for an administrative centre.

Sugar was also responsible for moving the provincial capital from São Cristóvão, as the Vaza-Barris was difficult to navigate due to the number of sandbanks.

This led to the transfer to Aracaju, which at the time was “[…] just a small fishing village […] strategically close to the port, on the banks of the Sergipe River, from where the production of ‘white gold’ flowed directly to Europe”;

The sugar mills, besides being one of the main contributors to the profits of the captaincy of Sergipe;

The sugar mill owners of the Cotinguiba Valley, the largest sugar producing region in the province, demanded the move because Aracaju was on the seafront, facilitating the transport of sugar.

Its construction was an engineering challenge, given its location in an area dominated by swamps and marshes.

The city’s urban design was drawn up by a commission of engineers, with Sebastião Basílio Pirro in charge.

Until then, cities had adapted to natural topographical conditions, creating an irregular urban landscape.

The engineer Pirro countered this irregularity and Aracaju was one of the first cities in Brazil to have this geometric trend.

The centre of political and administrative power (today’s Praça Fausto Cardoso) was the starting point for the city’s growth.

All the streets were arranged geometrically, like a chessboard, all directed towards the banks of the Sergipe River.