Paraíba · Brazil Capital
In the destination Paraíba South Coast (Costa do Conde).
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The city
João Pessoa combines city beaches, cliffs and a historic center marked by churches and squares. The Farol do Cabo Branco (lighthouse) and the Tambaú waterfront are among the landmarks of Paraíba's capital.
3 places to stay in João Pessoa.
3 places picked to eat.
What to know before you go.
The local experience
A Baroque complex listed by Iphan (Brazil's national heritage institute) in 1952, it includes the Igreja de São Francisco (church), the Convento de Santo Antônio (convent), the Capela Dourada (Golden Chapel), cloisters and a fountain from 1717. The large churchyard with a stone cross opens up the view of the facade.
Discover Centro Cultural São Francisco
It is the easternmost point of the Americas, marked by the lighthouse on top of the Cabo Branco cliff. The view opens onto the waterfront and the sea where the sun rises first.
Discover Ponta do Seixas e Farol do Cabo Branco
The reefs, about 15 minutes by boat from the Tambaú waterfront, form clear-water pools with colorful fish. They are only accessible at low tide, especially in the weeks of the new and full moon.
Discover Piscinas Naturais de Picãozinho
Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and opened in July 2008, the complex offers free exhibitions and activities in art, science and technology. It has become one of the city's architectural symbols.
Discover Estação Cabo Branco – Ciência, Cultura e Artes
The former Lagoa dos Irerês became a public park around 1922 and got gardens by Burle Marx, with a ring of palm trees around the water. It has been listed by Iphaep (Paraíba's state heritage institute) since 1980.
Discover Parque Solon de Lucena (Lagoa)
Known as the Bica because of the freshwater spring at its center, it covers 26.8 hectares of Atlantic Forest with a zoo. The name honors botanist Manuel Arruda Câmara.
Discover Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara (Bica)
Opened in 1991 in Tambaú, the two-story colonial-style building houses 128 craft shops. You will find lace, leather and wood pieces, costume jewelry, clothing and souvenirs made in the state.
Discover Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano
The capital's city beach, with a promenade, hotels and seafront restaurants. Catamarans leave from here for the Picãozinho natural pools.
