The Best Beaches in Northeastern Brazil

Warning: Northeastern Brazil is very dangerous – There is a 25% chance you will get lost, there is a 50% chance you will get sunburned, and there is a 75% chance you won’t want to leave – be very careful.

The main culprit behind these scientific statistics (that I made up) is the never-ending coastline of beautiful beaches within the region.

From Sao Luis to Salvador, Northeastern Brazil is saturated with soft sand and plentiful palm trees.

While living and traveling across the country, I had the opportunity to explore many of these tropical treasures, and I’ve compiled a list of my favorites.

Here are the top five best beaches in Northeastern Brazil, in my humble opinion…

5. Porto de Galinhas

While Porto de Galinhas beach outside of Recife is a tourist hot spot, and can get pretty crowded, its long-stretching beach and clear, snorkel-friendly water is worth a visit.

I recommend eating fresh crab on the beach or going for a flat-bottom sailboat ride along the coast.

You can rent a car in Recife and make the quick hour trip outside the city to this oasis.

4. Praia dos Carneiros

From Porto de Galinhas, continue driving along the coast until you see signs for Praia dos Carneiros. Every local I spoke with in Recife said that while Porto de Galinhas is popular, Praia dos Carneiros is the real gem.

The beach is clean, the water is pristine, and the crowds are limited.

The most beautiful aspect of Praia dos Carneiros is the palm trees that line the sea like they’re ready for a swim.

As usual, locals were right.

3. Praia do Amor – Pipa

Natal is my favorite city in Northeastern Brazil, and it’s the perfect launching point for experiencing some of the most magnificent coastline I’ve ever seen – We’re talking beaches on beaches on beaches!

If you look at a map of Natal and the surrounding area, it’s crazy to see how many beaches are labeled.

My preferred destination was Praia do Amor in the lovely beach town of Pipa. Praia do Amor, or Love Beach, is laid back, somewhat hidden, and features dramatic cliffs along the water.

It’s a bit out of the way, but you can rent a car or easily take a public bus directly to Pipa from downtown Natal.

2. Jericoacoara

Speaking of a place worth its journey – the famous Brazilian destination of Jericoacoara is a long trip from Fortaleza, but the juice is definitely worth the squeeze.

Jericoacoara and the surrounding area are well known for it’s incredible white sand dunes that plunge into the sea, and also for the Kite Surfing conditions.

I took my first Kite Surfing lesson at Preá Beach just next to Jeri, and it was an awesome experience.

Whether you go for the adventure or the tranquility, it’s the place to be.

1. Fernando de Noronha

“The Hawaii of Brazil,” is how one Brazilian friend described Fernando de Noronha to me – Which I thought was insane considering how crazy-beautiful Brazil already is.

I couldn’t believe there was a place that trumped all the other amazing beaches I’d already seen throughout the country.

Fernando de Noronha can be expensive, they limit how many visitors arrive each day, but it is absolute paradise.

With dramatic cliffs, lush green landscapes, and crystal-clear water, the beaches of Fernando de Noronha are the most beautiful beaches (off the coast) of Northeastern Brazil.

Now, who’s ready for a Brazilian vacation?

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Gareth

My name is Gareth Leonard, a Marketing Director turned World Traveler with a passion for slow, meaningful travel. I have been traveling the world full-time for the past 9+ years and document it all on Instagram and YouTube. Come join me!