Maceió Lookouts: Where to See the City and the Sea from Above

Maceió is a city with a flat waterfront, but it has high points that help you understand its geography: the green sea on one side, the port, the old center and the lagoons on the other. This guide gathers the lookouts and viewpoints confirmed in public sources. Some are in the center, others require a trip along the coast.

São Gonçalo lookout, in the Farol neighborhood

This is Maceió’s best-known lookout. It’s in the upper part of the city, in the Farol neighborhood, next to Praça Rosalvo Ribeiro. According to Maceió City Hall, from the lookout you can see the sea, the port area, part of the historic center and other parts of the capital. City Hall estimates that more than 200,000 tourists visit each year, and it’s a frequent stop on city tours.

The place also carries historical weight. City Hall points out that the São Gonçalo Chapel, described as the city’s first chapel, is nearby, which links the lookout to Maceió’s origins. To learn more about those beginnings, read the history of Maceió.

What has changed in recent years

• December 2020: City Hall reopened the restored lookout, with accessible sidewalks, wooden pergolas, landscaping, interlocking paving and an “I Love Maceió” sign.
• May 2024: the São Gonçalo Boulevard opened, about 3,365 m² integrated with the lookout. It has accessible sidewalks, gardens, a children’s playground, a pet area, an outdoor gym and improved lighting.

Ponta Verde Lighthouse, seen from the waterfront

The Ponta Verde Lighthouse isn’t a lookout, but it’s the most photographed view on the waterfront. The red-and-white striped tower stands on the reefs off Ponta Verde beach. According to the Navy, it was inaugurated in 1922, got its current tower, about 11 meters tall, in 1949 and was electrified in 1986.

The best way to see it is from the promenade or the sand at low tide, when the reefs appear around the tower. Check the tide table.

The Riacho Doce Mermaid

On Maceió’s north coast, in Riacho Doce, the Mermaid statue stands on the reefs, facing the sea. According to City Hall, the sculpture is by artist José Corbiniano Lins, is about 4 meters tall and was unveiled on March 22, 1964. City Hall restored it in 2022.

It’s not an elevated lookout, but it’s one of the postcard images of the north coast and a common photo stop. It’s near Garça Torta beach. See how to combine it with other stops in the guide to the beaches of the Alagoas north coast.

Gunga lookout, on the south coast

At the entrance to Gunga beach, in the municipality of Roteiro, there’s a lookout on top of the cliffs with a view of the beach, the coconut grove and the meeting of the lagoon and the sea. It’s one of the most sought-after views on the south coast and is usually part of Gunga trips.

We found no official source with the lookout’s opening hours and entrance fee. Ask locally or with the tour operator. To plan the day, see the guide to the beaches of the Alagoas south coast.

Summary

General tips

• Safety: at city lookouts, go at busier times and don’t flash your phone or camera unnecessarily.
• Sun: bring water and a hat; most spots have little shade.
• Photography: morning light favors shots facing the sea, since the waterfront faces east.

For other things to do in the city, see the things to do in Maceió guide.