The capital city of Paraiba State

Culture

The Capital, with close to 730 thousand inhabitants, was founded in 1585. It is the third oldest city in the country. It has warm, welcoming inhabitants, tree-lined streets and a seaside whose light and beaches are protected by a law that limits construction height in the city.

Walking through the historic centre, you will find colonial architecture like the 18 century church Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo and a mansion with a colourful façade of Portuguese tiles, which is called Casarão de Azulejos.

In this area, you will find one of the city’s best attractions, the Cultural Centre São Francisco, a historical complex with a Baroque church and chapel, two museums, a fountain and a sundial.

The city’s postcard image is the Farol do Cabo Branco lighthouse, which has become a symbol for the city.

Ponta do Seixas is at the most eastern point in the Americas, and the beaches are where the sun rises first.

Beaches

The tranquillity of João Pessoa’s seaside makes it feel more like a holiday resort. But its developed infrastructure reminds you that you are in a capital city by the sea. The beaches all have organised kiosks, clean sand, as well as conveniences like parking and showers.

Urban beaches: Tourists tend to flock to the beaches which have little stalls, bars and restaurants, such as Tambaú, Manaíra, Cabo Branco, Jacaré, Camboinha, Ponta do Seixas

Southern Coast: Tambaba offers tourists more rustic scenery. Not only does it have cliffs, sandbanks and mangroves, but it’s also home to the first nudist beach in Brazil!

Northern Coast: These are the surfer beaches. Here, the water is not as clear as on the southern coast, but there are excellent waves. Anyone travelling with children should make a point to go swimming in the natural pools at Picãozinho, which are full of colourful fish.

Gastronomy

Although its seaside location influences cuisine here, it offers a lot more than just seafood. There are many spots that offer country-style dishes, such as cured meats, cassava, rice pudding, bean stews and atypical, Northeastern condiment called manteiga de garrafa, which is like creamy, melted butter. The typical dessert here is solid, caramel coloured unrefined sugar, called “rapadura”.

Airport

João Pessoa’s airport is called Aeroporto Internacional Presidente Castro Pinto, it is 12 kilometres from the city.

Distance from other cities:

Recife: 122 kilometres; Natal: 181 kilometres; Fortaleza: 667 kilometres; Brasília: 2,271 kilometres; Belo Horizonte: 2,147 kilometres; Rio de Janeiro: 2,417 kilometres; São Paulo: 2,726 kilometres.