Things to Do in Maceió
Maceió's main activities organized by type, with links to each guide.
Updated on October 5, 2026 ✓ Information checked on October 5, 2026 adapted from the Portuguese original
Maceió, the capital of the state of Alagoas, Brazil, combines urban beaches, reefs, lagoons and a strong popular culture. You could spend days just on the waterfront, but the trip feels more complete when you add the lagoon, the historic center and a beach outside the capital. Use this page as a starting point and open each topic’s guide.
Beaches and natural pools
The urban waterfront has four main beaches: Pajuçara, Ponta Verde, Jatiúca and Cruz das Almas. At low tide, the Pajuçara natural pools form on the reefs, reached by jangada (a traditional raft). Outside the capital, there are beaches to the north and south.
See them all in Maceió beaches and plan your outings with the tide table.
The lagoon and tours
Mundaú Lagoon, next to the city, offers the boat trip around its islands, a visit to Pontal da Barra and a stop at Massagueira. Farther afield, there are day trips to other parts of Alagoas. See Maceió tours.
Culture, history and museums
- Maceió museums: collections of popular culture, history and art.
- Alagoas popular culture: folk performances, festivals and crafts.
- History of Maceió: from sugar mill to the port of Jaraguá.
Views and late afternoons
High points and stretches of the waterfront offer great views of the city and the sea. See Maceió viewpoints.
Shopping and crafts
Filé lace, straw pieces, ceramics and regional sweets. The main spots are in shopping and crafts in Maceió.
Nightlife
A lively promenade, bars and restaurants on the waterfront and the old buildings of Jaraguá. See Maceió nightlife.
Rainy days
It rains more between April and August, according to INMET’s normals. Have an indoor plan in Maceió in the rain.
By traveler profile
| Profile | Start with |
|---|---|
| Couples | Maceió for couples |
| Families | Maceió with kids |
| Food lovers | Where to eat in Maceió |
| Those short on time | Maceió itineraries |
Guides on this topic
-
Maceió Lookouts: Where to See the City and the Sea from Above From the São Gonçalo lookout, in Farol, to the view of the Gunga cliffs: where to find the best views in and around Maceió and how to make the most of each. Read guide -
Maceió Nightlife: What to Expect in Each Neighborhood Where the night happens in Maceió, what kind of outing each area offers and how to get around afterwards. Read guide -
Shopping and Crafts in Maceió Filé lace, other laces, ceramics and wood: the main craft spots in the Alagoas capital and how to shop well, directly from the makers. Read guide -
Maceió on a Rainy Day: What to Do When the Weather Turns Indoor plans and strategies so you don't lose the day when it rains in Maceió. Read guide - Maceió Museums The main museums in the Alagoas capital, from folklore to natural history, with addresses from the state government's official list and tips for planning your route. Read guide
-
Alagoas Popular Culture Folk performances, dances and traditional crafts that shape Alagoas identity, what is registered as state heritage and where to see it up close in Maceió. Read guide
Attractions mentioned
-
PaidTide-dependent Maceió city waterfront Pajuçara Natural Pools The Pajuçara pools only appear at low tide, and you get there by jangada from the sand at Pajuçara. Plan with the tide table. See details -
Free access Maceió city waterfront Pajuçara Beach Pajuçara is the most central city beach on Maceió's waterfront and the departure point for jangadas to the natural pools. See details -
Free access Maceió city waterfront Ponta Verde Beach Ponta Verde is the point of Maceió's city waterfront, marked by the striped lighthouse on the reefs and a sea that becomes shallow at low tide. See details -
Free access Maceió city waterfront Jatiúca Beach Jatiúca continues the city waterfront after Ponta Verde, with a busy promenade and a sea less sheltered by reefs. See details -
Free access Maceió city waterfront Cruz das Almas Beach Cruz das Almas closes Maceió's city waterfront to the north and has a more open sea, with waves that draw surfers. See details - Maceió city waterfront Pajuçara Craft Fair On the Pajuçara waterfront, the fair brings together about 200 craft and souvenir stalls, a few steps from the beach. See details
- Free access North coast Garça Torta Beach Garça Torta is a beach neighborhood on Maceió's north coast, with a very different pace from the city waterfront, on the way to Riacho Doce and Ipioca. See details
- Free accessTide-dependent North coast Sereia Beach (Riacho Doce) In the Riacho Doce neighborhood, a sculpture about four meters tall has stood on the reefs since 1964. It's the most photographed stop on Maceió's north coast. See details
-
Free access North coast Ipioca Beach Ipioca is at the northern tip of Maceió, inside the Costa dos Corais APA, with less densely built-up beaches and river mouths. See details -
Tide-dependent North coast Paripueira Beach and Natural Pools Paripueira is the municipality just north of Maceió and has natural pools with visits regulated by the Costa dos Corais APA. See details -
Tide-dependent South coast Praia do Francês The best-known beach on the south coast is in Marechal Deodoro, about half an hour from Maceió, and combines a reef-sheltered stretch with a stretch of waves. See details -
Tide-dependent South coast Barra de São Miguel Beach A south coast municipality about 32 km from the Ponta Verde waterfront, with a reef-sheltered sea and departures for trips to Gunga Beach. See details
Things to do
In this section
- Maceió Lookouts: Where to See the City and the Sea from Above From the São Gonçalo lookout, in Farol, to the view of the Gunga cliffs: where to find the best views in and around Maceió and how to make the most of each. Read guide
- Maceió Nightlife: What to Expect in Each Neighborhood Where the night happens in Maceió, what kind of outing each area offers and how to get around afterwards. Read guide
- Shopping and Crafts in Maceió Filé lace, other laces, ceramics and wood: the main craft spots in the Alagoas capital and how to shop well, directly from the makers. Read guide
- Maceió on a Rainy Day: What to Do When the Weather Turns Indoor plans and strategies so you don't lose the day when it rains in Maceió. Read guide
- Maceió Museums The main museums in the Alagoas capital, from folklore to natural history, with addresses from the state government's official list and tips for planning your route. Read guide
- Alagoas Popular Culture Folk performances, dances and traditional crafts that shape Alagoas identity, what is registered as state heritage and where to see it up close in Maceió. Read guide
Frequently asked questions
What should I not miss on a trip to Maceió?
Walking along the waterfront, visiting the Pajuçara natural pools at low tide, seeing a beach on the southern or northern coast, taking the Mundaú Lagoon tour and trying sururu (a small local mussel).
What is there to do in Maceió at night?
Stroll along the promenade, visit the Pajuçara craft fair, have dinner on the waterfront or head to Jaraguá, which has a more cultural, bohemian feel.
What can I do in Maceió when it rains?
Museums, the historic Jaraguá district, crafts at Pontal da Barra and a long lunch of typical dishes.
Keep reading
Keep planning
- Maceió Beaches A quick map of Maceió's beaches: the city waterfront with the Pajuçara pools, the calmer north coast and the south coast of lagoons and coconut groves. Read guide
-
Tours from Maceió The classic outings from Maceió, organized by type and length, with what to consider before booking. Read guide -
Maceió Itinerary: How to Plan a 2 to 7-Day Trip In Maceió, the itinerary starts with the tide table. See how to organize your days and choose the 2 to 7-day itinerary that fits your trip. Read guide