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João Pessoa is the capital of the state of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil, a green coastal city at the easternmost point of the Americas. It is famous for Ponta do Seixas and the Cabo Branco Lighthouse, its calm reef-sheltered beaches and a Baroque historic center.
Founded in 1585 as Cidade Real de Nossa Senhora das Neves, the city changed names several times, was held by the Dutch in the 17th century and took its present name only in 1930. Its old center keeps fine colonial churches and monasteries, and in 2017 UNESCO named João Pessoa a Creative City for its handicrafts.
Spend a morning in the historic center at the São Francisco Cultural Center, the cathedral and the São Bento Monastery, then watch the sunset from the Hotel Globo. Give the coast at least two days, from Tambaú and the reef pools of Picãozinho to Cabo Branco and Ponta do Seixas. September to March is the driest season.
São Francisco Cultural Center in the historic center of João Pessoa is a great Franciscan complex built between 1589 and 1788. Its church, Convent of St. Anthony, golden chapel, cloister and large churchyard with a stone cross form one of the finest Baroque ensembles in Brazil, now a museum.
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows stands on a hill in the old town of João Pessoa, on the site of a church built by the first settlers in 1586. Rebuilt several times, it took its present eclectic form after 1881 and was consecrated as a cathedral in 1894 for the city's patron saint.
São Bento Monastery in the historic center of João Pessoa was built by Benedictine monks, the monastery in the 17th century and its Baroque church in the 18th. Listed as a national monument in 1957 and restored in 1995, it is one of the most important Benedictine houses in Brazil and hosts concerts.
Hotel Globo in the historic center of João Pessoa was built in 1929 and is now a museum showing the Art Deco furniture once used by its guests. Its garden is famous for its view over the Sanhauá River and for watching the sunset over the water. It reopened in 2016 after restoration.
Cabo Branco Lighthouse stands on the cliffs of Cabo Branco in João Pessoa, about 800 m north of Ponta do Seixas. Opened in 1972, its white triangular concrete tower with three wing-like points is unique in Brazil. It is one of the city's most visited sights, with wide views of the Atlantic coast.
Ponta do Seixas is a beach at the foot of the cliffs in João Pessoa that marks the easternmost point of mainland Brazil and of the whole American continent. Named after the Seixas family who once owned the land, it has white sand below tall cliffs, with the Cabo Branco Lighthouse just above.
Estação Cabo Branco is a free center for science, culture and the arts in João Pessoa, designed by Oscar Niemeyer and opened in 2008 near the easternmost point of the Americas. Its striking raised building is one of the city's postcard views, and it hosts exhibitions, shows and talks.
Tambaú Beach is a lively 1.2 km urban beach in João Pessoa with fine sand and green-blue water. Its landmarks are the round Tambaú Hotel built on the sand and the Paraíba Craft Market nearby, full of local lace, crochet and leather. Boats leave from here for the reef pools of Picãozinho.
Picãozinho is a coral reef about 1.5 km off Tambaú Beach in João Pessoa that emerges at low tide to form clear natural pools full of fish. A boat ride of about 15 minutes takes visitors out to swim and snorkel, passing views of Cabo Branco. Visitors are asked not to walk on the fragile reef.
Areia Vermelha is a sandbank island off Camboinha Beach in Cabedelo, just north of João Pessoa, that rises from the sea only at low tide. Protected as a marine state park since 2000, it has clear natural pools and coral reefs. Boats bring visitors to swim and walk the sand before the tide returns.
Jacaré Beach lies on the Paraíba River in Cabedelo, just outside João Pessoa, and is famous for its sunsets. At dusk a local musician plays Ravel's Bolero as the sun sets over the river, a ritual he has repeated thousands of times. The calm river is also used for fishing, rowing and sailing.
Coqueirinho Beach lies in the municipality of Conde, about 35 km south of João Pessoa, and is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. It has warm, calm water, natural pools, rock formations and a long strip of sand backed by coconut palms, with stronger waves at one end for surfers.
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