viewpoint · João Pessoa, PB
Ponta do Seixas e Farol do Cabo Branco
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.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ponta do Seixas e Farol do Cabo Branco
Ponta do Seixas is the easternmost point of the Americas, a narrow stretch of light-sand beach on the southern part of the João Pessoa waterfront. Just to the north, on top of the Cabo Branco cliff, stands the lighthouse that has become the city's symbol. The two are usually visited together, but they are different places: the lighthouse does not mark the extreme point, which is on the beach, a few hundred meters to the south.
The Farol do Cabo Branco (lighthouse) opened in 1972. Designed by architect Pedro Abraão Dieb, it has a triangular shape with three points that recall the leaves of sisal, a plant that long supported Paraíba's economy. It is more a navigation marker than a classic lighthouse, and the tower is not open for climbing.
From the top of the cliff, the view opens onto the sea and the city waterfront stretching north to Tambaú. It is a quick stop, good for photos, and many people arrive early to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. Next door is Estação Cabo Branco, a cultural center with its own viewpoint.
Down below, Praia do Seixas (beach) has calm water and, at low tide, is the departure point for boats to the Seixas natural pools, formed by reefs a short distance from the coast. At high tide, the strip of sand gets very narrow.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour at the lighthouse; half a day if you include the beach and the trip to the natural pools.
Best time
At dawn, to watch the sun rise over the sea, or late in the afternoon, with softer light; for the Seixas pools, low-tide days, preferably in summer, when it rains less.
How to get there
The lighthouse stands on top of the Cabo Branco cliff, at the southern end of the João Pessoa city waterfront, about 20 minutes by car from downtown. You can get there by car, taxi or ride-hailing app. Praia do Seixas (beach) is just to the south, at the foot of the cliff.
Tip
For the Seixas natural pools, check the tide table before you go: the trip only runs at low tide. Entry to the lighthouse is free, but parking on site is paid.
A look at the place
Ponta do Seixas e Farol do Cabo Branco in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ponta do Seixas e Farol do Cabo Branco
Is the Farol do Cabo Branco the easternmost point of the Americas?
Not exactly. The easternmost point is Ponta do Seixas, on the beach just to the south. The lighthouse is nearby, on top of the Cabo Branco cliff, and has become the symbol of the place.
Is there a fee to visit the Farol do Cabo Branco?
Visiting the lighthouse is free. Parking on site is paid.
Can you climb the lighthouse?
No. You visit from outside, in the area around the tower, which has views of the waterfront and the sea.
What is the best time to go?
At dawn, to watch the sun rise over the sea, or late in the afternoon. For the Seixas natural pools, go on a low-tide day.
How do I get to the Seixas natural pools?
By boat, on trips leaving from Praia do Seixas and other beaches along the waterfront. They only run at low tide, so check the tide table first.