BEACHES

Ponta d'Areia, Calhau and Olho d'Água, easily accessible by bus from the Praia Grande bus station. Like all urban beaches, they are often polluted by sewage and the deafening music of the barracas. At high tide, when the beach is reduced to a bare minimum, soccer players and contemplative beachgoers find themselves concentrated on just a few square meters of sand.

Praia Araçagy, 19 km from São Luís, is more beautiful and quieter.

Praia da Raposa. The last one, which runs alongside a village where lace-makers still work.