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 dock at the Port of Jaraguá, located in Maceió.
The Port of Jaraguá is conveniently located close to downtown Maceió. It’s about a 5-minute drive or a 15-20 minute walk to the city center.
Printable map to take along.
Maceió is city in eastern Brazil and a sugar seaport on the Atlantic Ocean. Sites of interest include the Palacio do Governo including the Fundacao Pierre Chalita religious art, the church of Bom Jesus dos Martires (1870) and the cathedral, Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres (1840). The beaches are some of the best in Brazil and have a protecting coral reef. There is a natural swimming pool 2 km off Pajucara Beach.
Maceió’s sights are few, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy a great meal, catch some rays and soak up the relaxed atmosphere at the beautiful beachfront.
Getting around
At the dock, there are numerous stands to hire independent transportation to smaller and more faraway beaches.
The most popular and beautiful of the city beaches are Praia de Ponta Verde (5km from the city center) and Jatiúca (6km). Be forewarned that Praia do Sobral and Praia da Avenida, close to the center, are polluted.
From Praia de Pajuçara, jangadas sail out 2km at low tide to natural pools formed by the reef (R$15). On a busy day, the pools fill up with people (clouding the water for those interested in snorkeling) and waiters run around serving drinks from floating bars. You can arrange trips with any boat captain.
Nearby places
20 km to the south you can visit Marechal Deodoro, an attractive colonial town that overlooks Lagoa Manguaba, and see the 17th century Convento do Sao Francisco and the Igreza Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao (1783).
You could go to Pontal da Barra (about 5 miles away) to walk around and see the craftspeople and buy some nice embroidered pieces and lace goods to take home. There, you can also find a schooner cruise to go on (about 5 hours) to some of the nicest beaches and islands nearby.
North and south of Maceió lie surfing beaches, tiny fishing villages and the dazzling, ever-present coastline.
Food and shopping
Maceio is known for handicrafts and embroidery which have colorful and intricate designs. Cheiro de Terra is a large trade complex where visitors can buy souvenirs such as fine laces, woven clothes, curtains and jewelry.
Money
Brazilian Real
Staying connected
Portuguese spoken.
Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers are sparse.
Opening Hours and
Basic hours for most stores and businesses are from 9am to 6pm, with an extended lunch hour from around noon to 2pm.
Many museums are closed on monday.
Maceió Fest, a Salvador-style, Carnaval in the third week of November, is the city’s largest festival especially at the Barra de São Miguel beaches.