Brazil's North-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Maceio
Maceió is the gateway to the Alagoas, a string of beaches with calm clear water and natural pools.
Maceio, the capital of Alagoas, is known for its stunning coastline, lined with palm trees and turquoise waters. Its urban beaches, such as Pajuçara and Ponta Verde, are famous for their natural pools formed by coral reefs, while the nearby beach town Maragogi is known for its vibrant marine life.
Top 8 Things to See & Do in Maceió
Walk along Ponta Verde: This beach area includes a boardwalk, coconut palms, cycling lanes and beachfront vendors. It is adjacent to Pajuçara and considered one of the main recreational areas in the city. The Ponta Verde Lighthouse is a local landmark accessible during low tide.
Visit Pajuçara Beach and the Piscinas Naturais de Pajuçara: Situated in the urban area of Maceió. The beach features calm, reef-protected waters, kiosks, a promenade and cycling paths. Jangada (raft) tours depart from the shore and take visitors to natural pools that form during low tide, offering opportunities for snorkelling and viewing marine life. Tours depend on tidal schedules and are generally offered in the morning.
Take a boat tour in Lagoa Mundaú: Departing from the Pontal da Barra area, these boat tours visit various islands and mangroves within the lagoon system. Stops often include Ilha das Andorinhas and local artisan communities. Tours typically last two to three hours.
Relax at Praia do Francês: Located in the municipality of Marechal Deodoro, about 20 kilometres south of central Maceió. Known for calm waters on one side due to the coral reef and stronger waves on the other. The beach has restaurants, kiosks and rental services for chairs and umbrellas.
Visit the Palácio Marechal Floriano Peixoto: This early 20th-century palace functions as the headquarters of the state government and includes a museum open to visitors. The building features historical furniture and artwork related to Alagoas state politics.
Tour the Museu Théo Brandão de Antropologia e Folclore: Located in a colonial-style building on Avenida da Paz. It is managed by the Federal University of Alagoas and houses exhibitions on regional folklore, crafts, traditional festivals and cultural practices.
Explore the Historic Centre of Marechal Deodoro: A town located 30 minutes from Maceió, known for its colonial architecture. Key sites include the Church of Santa Maria Madalena and the Casa de Marechal Deodoro, the birthplace of Brazil’s first president. The area is listed by IPHAN (National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage).
Visit the Feira de Artesanato da Pajuçara: This artisan market is located near the beachfront in Pajuçara. It offers handmade goods from across Alagoas including lace, leatherwork, ceramics and regional food products. The market is open daily.
How long to stay in Maceió
Three days is sufficient to see the main beaches in Maceio and take a day trip to the nearby area of town of Marechal Deodoro and the nearby beach Praia do Francês.
Where to stay in Maceio
There are several main areas to stay in Maceió for tourists, including Ponta Verde, Pajuçara and Jatiúca. These neighbourhoods are located along the beachfront and have the highest concentration of hotels, restaurants and services, with generally better security compared to other parts of the city. It is recommended to avoid staying in areas far from the coast due to safety concerns, especially at night.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Maceio, or see my personal recommendations below:
Hotels in Maceio
Best Western Premier Maceió - best for those seeking an international hotel (availability)
Jatiuca Hotel & Resort - located on Jatiúca Beach and surrounded by the palm trees (availability)
Hotel Brisa Tower Maceió - beachfront luxury hotel at Jatiúca Beach (availability)
Boutique Hotels & Pousadas
Kyros Pousada - guesthouse with small pool and courtyard (availability)
Hotel Praia Bonita Jangadeiros Pajuçara - a boutique hotel at Praia da Pajuçara (availability)
Backpacker Hostels in Maceio
Dani Hostel - a cheap & friendly backpackers with a pool (availability)
Jangada boats on Praia de Pajuçara, Maceio
Where is Maceio, Brazil
Quick Facts about Maceio
Population of Maceio
994,952 people (IBGE, 2025)
Nicknames
People from Maceió are called maceioenses, while people from anywhere else in Alagoas State are called alagoanos.
Closest airport
Aeroporto Internacional Zumbi dos Palmares (MCZ)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Maceió
Main ports
Port of Maceió
Jangada Boats depart directly from the Praia de Pajuçara
How to get to Maceio
Maceio, the capital of Alagoas, is the gateway to many of the best beaches in the region. A coastal city, it has both flight and bus connections to other cities in the northeast.
How to get to Maceio by plane
There is one direct international flight to Maceio, from Buenos Aires. Alternatively, the next closest international airport is located in Recife.
There are regular domestic flights between Maceio and major Brazilian cities including Sao Paulo, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and others.
How to get to Maceio by bus
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Maceio
Maceio has bus connections to several cities, including:
How to get to Maceio from Maragogi
There is a minivan connecting Maceio to Maragogi and other nearby beach towns departing from the Terminal Rodoviário de Maceió (map). There are also private transfers available.
Top tours near Maceio
How to get around Maceio
Getting around Maceió is convenient, especially during the day, when walking from one beach to another is a pleasant option. For longer distances, public buses offer a budget-friendly way to explore the city and are generally available throughout the day. However, for nighttime travel, it's advisable to use ride-sharing services like Uber or 99, as they provide a safer and more reliable way to get between different neighborhoods after dark.
Things to know before you go Maceio
Is Maceio safe for tourists
Like any big city, there are safer and more dangerous areas, but the majority of tourists who stay in the tourist areas and take some simple precautions will not have problems. Sticking to well-known areas, planning your movements in advance, and being aware of your surroundings will go a long way in avoiding trouble.
In Maceió, areas such as Ponta Verde, Pajuçara, and Jatiúca are considered safer and are popular with tourists for their beaches, restaurants, and coastal promenades. However, some areas that also attract visitors require extra caution, including the city centre at night, parts of Pajuçara after dark, and less crowded sections of the waterfront.
These are my personal recommendations for ways you can stay safe in Maceio:
Book accommodation in the recommended areas for visitors, such as Ponta Verde, Pajuçara, Jatiúca
Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach
Use Uber or other reputable rideshare services with a credit card linked to your account, as it avoids handling cash and provides a digital record of your trip
Avoid walking at night, particularly in quieter neighbourhoods or streets with little lighting
Keep your phone, jewellery, and other valuables out of sight when in public or travelling on public transport
Be cautious when withdrawing cash, choose ATMs located inside banks or shopping centres
If in doubt, ask your hotel or host for up-to-date local advice on places to avoid
Travel insurance for Maceio
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is a safeguard that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into a costly and time-consuming disaster. I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about the financial impact.
The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from lost luggage and delayed flights to medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
A few more things to know about visiting Maceio
When to visit: Maceió has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from September to March. During the rainy season, some beach activities may be limited.
Where to go:
Jatiuca has the best nightlife in Maceió, featuring a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to both locals and tourists looking for a lively evening.
Ponta Verde, on the other hand, has some of the nicest beaches in the area, with clear waters and soft sand. Additionally, Ponta Verde has a large market where visitors can shop for clothes, souvenirs, and local crafts.
Natural Pools: One of the unique attractions in Maceió is the natural pools that form at the beach during low tide. These pools are created by the coral reefs and provide a beautiful environment for swimming and snorkeling, and spotting some local marine life.
Outdoor Activities: Maceió offers options beyond its famous beaches, including nearby lagoons, rivers, and hiking trails. Adventure seekers can try water sports like kayaking, paddle-boarding, and surfing, with equipment rentals available along the beaches. Day trips to Praia do Gunga and the São Francisco River allow visitors to explore more of the natural beauty Alagoas has to offer.
What to eat: Maceió is known for its fresh seafood, and popular dishes include moqueca (a seafood stew) and sururu (a type of mussel). Street food stalls offer regional favorites, such as acarajé (fried balls made with black-eyed peas) and bolo de rolo (a rolled cake with guava filling).
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