Making the most of Maceio
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth at the Port of Jaraguá in Maceió.
The Port of Jaraguá is conveniently close to central Maceió, approximately a 5-minute drive or a 15-20-minute walk from the city centre.
Bring the printable map with you.
Maceió is an eastern Brazilian city and Atlantic Ocean sugar port. Notable sites include Palacio do Governo with the Fundacao Pierre Chalita collection of religious art, Bom Jesus dos Martires church (1870) and Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres cathedral (1840). Some of Brazil's finest beaches lie here behind a protective coral reef. A natural swimming pool sits 2 km offshore from Pajucara Beach.
With relatively few conventional sights, Maceió leaves ample time for an excellent meal, sunshine and the laid-back mood along its beautiful beachfront.
Getting around
Numerous stands at the dock arrange independent transport to smaller or more distant beaches.
Among the city's most popular and attractive beaches are Praia de Ponta Verde, 5 km from the centre, and Jatiúca, 6 km away. Be aware that centrally located Praia do Sobral and Praia da Avenida are polluted.
At low tide, jangadas travel 2 km from Praia de Pajuçara to natural reef pools, costing R$15. On busy days, crowds fill the pools and cloud the water for snorkellers, while waiters serve drinks from floating bars. Any boat captain can organise a trip.
Nearby places
Travel 20 km south to Marechal Deodoro, an appealing colonial town overlooking Lagoa Manguaba. Here you can see the 17th-century Convento do Sao Francisco and the Igreza Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao (1783).
Pontal da Barra, about 5 miles away, offers a chance to stroll among craftspeople and purchase attractive embroidered items and lace goods. You can also join a schooner trip lasting about 5 hours to some of the area's finest islands and beaches.
Both north and south of Maceió are surfing beaches, tiny fishing communities and a dazzling stretch of ever-present coastline.
Food and shopping
Maceio is recognised for colourful, intricately patterned embroidery and handicrafts. At the large Cheiro de Terra trading complex, visitors can purchase souvenirs including delicate lace, woven clothes, curtains and jewellery.
Money
The local currency is the Brazilian Real.
Staying connected
People speak Portuguese.
Few cafés provide customers with free WiFi.
Opening Hours and
Standard trading hours for most businesses and shops are 9am to 6pm, with an extended lunch break from around noon until 2pm.
A large number of museums are closed on Monday.
Maceió Fest is the city's largest festival, a Salvador-style Carnaval staged in the third week of November, particularly around the Barra de São Miguel beaches.