Maceió
The capital of Alagoas state has stunning seas in shades of blue and green, and calm warm waters. When you add the local coconut trees to all that, it looks like a movie set. This is Maceió, the city you will fall in love with.
The first thing people notice when they get to Maceió is the color of the sea, sometimes green, sometimes blue, and the almost constant presence of the sun all year round, resulting in wonderful warm waters. The name of the city has indigenous origins, more specifically from the word “Maçayó”, which means flooded land.
Historians claim that the capital of the state of Alagoas started at an old sugar plantation around the 18th century. Others believe that, because it is a coastal city, its origin would be a small fishing village. The city stands out economically due to the local fishing activities and the importance of sugar in the region. The product is responsible for most of the activity at the Maceió Harbor, which makes it the largest sugar export terminal in the world.
Aerial view of Maceió
For those who love the sun and the beaches, Maceió is a wonderful destination. A really popular attraction with all tourists are the boat rides to the natural pools of Pajuçara Beach. All along the shore you will see the famous colorful rafts, which take visitors to the pools so they can swim in the middle of the fish and enjoy this unique experience.
Local cuisine is rich and diverse. When you go to the numerous local kiosks, bars, or restaurants, make sure you try sururu broth, made with a local mollusk similar to mussels, the various tapioca options, and the city’s specialty, seafood dishes.
The local culture is expressive and memorable, especially because of its rich local folklore, typical handicrafts, and local artists, writers, and musicians. A visit to the Arts and Crafts Market is totally worth your time. The market area has more than 250 stands where you can buy a wide range of souvenirs made from varied materials, including leather, wood, clay, lace, straw, and ceramics, not to mention cotton clothes and the traditional embroidered pieces.
When in Maceió, a visit to Praia do Francês, the Frenchman’s Beach, must be part of your itinerary. It is located only 20 km from the center of Maceió. Maragogi, known as the Brazilian Caribbean, is also worth a visit. It is located about 130 kilometers from the capital, and it has beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, some of which are the beaches of Antunes, Porto das Pedras, São Miguel dos Milagres, and Japaratinga.
By Plane
+55 (82) 3036-5200
Maceió’s International Airport, Zumbi dos Palmares, is located in Rio Largo, in the metropolitan region of Maceió, 22 km from the center of the city. The Airport operates domestic flights from most Brazilian capitals, as well as international flights.
By Bus
+55 (82) 3223-5404
The Maceio Bus Station operates bus routes from several Brazilian States, intercity and interstate lines.
By Bus
There are several bus lines serving the city. If you want to find out more about bus routes and timetables, please visit the “SIMM” website.
Bicycles
The beachfront area in Maceió has excellent infrastructure for cycling and it may be an excellent option for late afternoons.
Personal Vehicles or Rentals
A good way to get around the city and to visit nearby destinations is to rent a car.
Taxis and Ridesharing Companies
Taxis and ridesharing companies are a comfortable way to get around the city of Maceio.
Useful Numbers
Maceió Tourist Information:
+55 (82) 3336-4409
Military Police: 190
Paramedics: 192
Fire Department: 193
Power Voltage
220V
Local Weather
In Maceio, summers are long and hot while winters are short and warm. There are strong winds all year long and the temperature varies between 22°C and 31°C. If you are looking for warm weather and beaches, the best time of the year to visit the city is between the months of July and October.
