North-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Joao Pessoa
Discover the serene beauty of João Pessoa, where white-sand beaches and a laid-back vibe lead you to the most eastern point in the Americas
João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba, is known for being one of the greenest cities in Brazil, with numerous parks, urban forests, and an eco-friendly atmosphere. The city’s location on Brazil’s easternmost point makes it the first place in the Americas to see the sunrise. João Pessoa offers a mix of historic architecture, vibrant markets, and gorgeous beaches like Tambaú and Cabo Branco.
Top 10 Things to See & Do in João Pessoa
Visit the Cabo Branco Lighthouse: Located on Ponta do Seixas, this is the easternmost point of the Americas. The lighthouse sits on a cliff 40 metres above sea level and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Watch the sunset at Jacaré Beach while listening to a live saxophone performance: A saxophonist performs Ravel’s "Bolero" from a boat at sunset each day. Visitors watch from the riverbank at Jacaré Beach, a popular late afternoon destination with nearby shops and restaurants.
Stroll through the Botanical Garden Benjamim Maranhão: Also known as Mata do Buraquinho, it covers over 500 hectares and is one of the largest preserved urban forests in Brazil. Guided trails provide information on native flora and fauna.
Explore the craft markets at Feirinha de Tambaú: This nightly market near Tambaú Beach features local handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs and regional food items. It is one of the most visited artisan markets in the city.
Go dancing at the Saturday Sambadinho: This weekly event features live samba music and dancing. It takes place every Saturday afternoon in Praça Rio Branco.
Relax on Tambaú Beach or take a tour of the southern beaches: Tambaú Beach is a central urban beach known for its calm waters and proximity to shops and restaurants. Tours to the southern beaches such as Coqueirinho and Tambaba depart from Tambaú and include stops for swimming, viewpoints and dune landscapes (tickets).
Take a sunset boat tour to Areia Vermelha: Areia Vermelha is a natural sandbank off the coast of João Pessoa that becomes visible at low tide. Tours depart by boat and allow visitors to walk on the sandbank, swim in the shallow waters, and eat food served on floating bars.
Visit Parque Sólon de Lucena: This park surrounds a lagoon in the city centre and includes walking paths, gardens and monuments.
Visit the Paraíba Museum at the São Bento Monastery: Located in the city’s historic district, the museum displays religious art, historical documents and artefacts related to the history of the state of Paraíba. The adjacent monastery dates from the 17th century.
Visit the Science Station (Estação Cabo Branco): Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the building includes exhibition areas, an auditorium and a panoramic tower. It hosts science, technology and cultural events.
How long to spend in João Pessoa
Spend at least 3 days in Joao Pessoa to visit the Cabo Branco Lighthouse, botanic gardens, and see a variety of the city's beaches.
Where to stay in Joao Pessoa
In João Pessoa, the best areas to stay are along the coast, and include Tambaú, Cabo Branco and Manaíra. The neighbourhoods located along the beach and are generally considered safe for tourists, especially during the day. Other areas like Bessa also offer accommodation, but visitors should take standard precautions at night.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Joao Pessoa.
Fort of Santa Catarina, Joao Pessoa
Where is Joao Pessoa, Brazil
Quick Facts about Joao Pessoa
Population of Joao Pessoa
897,633 people (IBGE, 2025)
Nicknames
People from João Pessoa are called pessoenses, while people from anywhere else in Paraíba State are called paraibanos.
Closest airport
Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA)
Main bus terminal
Rodoviária de João Pessoa
Main port
Pier da Praia do Jacaré, Cabedelo
How to get to Joao Pessoa
João Pessoa is well connected by domestic flights and buses. There are direct flights from major Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, and Brasília. International visitors typically fly through São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro before connecting to João Pessoa.
How to get to Joao Pessoa by Bus
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Joao Pessoa
Long-distance buses connect João Pessoa to cities like:
How to get to Joao Pessoa from Recife
Several daily buses operate between Recife and João Pessoa, taking around 2+ hours (tickets & timetable).
How to get to Joao Pessoa from Natal
Several daily buses operate between Natal and João Pessoa, taking around 3+ hours (tickets & timetable).
How to get to Joao Pessoa from Pipa
The easiest way to travel between João Pessoa and Pipa is to take a BlaBla Car. There are numerous cars running throughout the day and night, and generally cost less than a bus ticket.
If you prefer to travel by bus, you will first need to travel by minivan to Goianinha. A minivan runs regularly to Goianinha, starting from nearby the supermarket Pai e Filho (map) and arriving at the front of the church called Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres. The van ride takes around 40+ minutes and costs R$5.5. Alternatively, it is possible to take an Uber or 99 to Goianinha from Pipa for around R$40.
From the church, walk 2 minutes down to the main highway and cross to the other side. Check if your ticket has specific pick-up instructions. Most busses stop along the side of the highway. The bus company Progresso runs a bus every 2 hours from Natal to Joao Pessoa that will stop to pick up passengers in Goianinha (tickets & timetable).
Top tours in Joao Pessoa
How to get around Joao Pessoa
João Pessoa has an bus system that connects most parts of the city, including the beaches and downtown area. The bus fare is R$4.50, and the main bus terminal is located in the city center. However, busses don't run on time according to the schedule and can be unreliable.
You can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99, which are very affordable and widely available.
For short distances, consider renting a bike or taking a leisurely walk along the scenic coastal paths, especially between Tambaú and Cabo Branco beaches.
Things to know before you go
Where to stay: Tambaú Beach is a great area to stay, with several beachfront hotels offering excellent amenities and easy access to restaurants, bars, and the famous craft market. For a more eco-friendly experience, consider staying at an eco-resort near the Botanical Garden or Cabo Branco.
Local Cuisine: João Pessoa offers delicious regional dishes with a northeastern twist. Be sure to try "carne de sol" (sun-dried beef), "macaxeira" (cassava), and fresh seafood dishes.
Sunset at Jacaré Beach: A must-see in João Pessoa is the daily sunset ritual at Jacaré Beach. As the sun sets, a saxophonist serenades the crowd from a boat, creating an unforgettable atmosphere as day turns to night.
Eco-Friendly City: João Pessoa is known for its dedication to preserving green spaces and maintaining its eco-friendly urban planning. You’ll find plenty of parks and nature reserves to explore.
Sun Protection: Joao Pessoa enjoys sunny weather year-round, so always use sunscreen, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Remember, João Pessoa is one of the sunniest cities in Brazil!
Language: Portuguese is the official language, and English not widely spoken. It’s helpful to know a few basic Portuguese phrases to navigate more easily.
Stay Safe: João Pessoa is a generally safe city, but it’s still advisable to take precautions. Stick to well-populated areas, especially at night, and avoid displaying valuables in public. The city’s beachfront areas, especially Tambaú and Cabo Branco, are popular with tourists.
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