Things to see and do Maceió

One of the attractions of this small state of the Nordeste is certainly its magnificent natural pools. During low tides, it is enough to go on one of the jangadas (kind of sailing boats) which are at the edge of the beach, directed by local fishermen, to go to the natural swimming pools of Pajuçara a little further in the sea. The transparent water makes us think we are immersed in a large pool, surrounded by multicolored fish. It's a pity that we are not the only ones to enjoy the idyllic setting...

The São Francisco River has a strong symbolic importance in Brazil, it is called the "River of National Unity" in memory of the time, during the Second World War, when the only way to transport food and manufactured goods between the south and the north of the country was to use the blue waters of the river, as the maritime routes were cut off by German U-boats, Brazil having chosen to side with the Allies.

Known as the Velho Chico, the river rises in Minas Gerais and flows through the states of Bahia, Pernambuco, Sergipe and Alagoas. Between these last two states is the mouth of the São Francisco River and the trip is worthwhile for those staying in either state. The trip begins with a journey from Maceio to Pitaçabu (140 km), in the south of the state, from where the boats leave for the mouth of the river. Stops for swimming and for admiring the landscape are planned. For those who spend their holidays in Maceió, for example, it is easier to go to the town of Piaçabuçu, in the Alagoas, from where the boat trips to the meeting of the waters depart.

The scenery along the river is beautiful and makes for an outdoor excursion. During the trip, it is possible to observe the beautiful forest and the local communities that live from fishing. The meeting of the waters is not as spectacular as that of the Rio Negro and the Solimões, because the river and the sea do not have such different colors, but the place has a unique beauty.

The city has some very nice beaches in its surroundings. The urban beaches are polluted and swimming is not recommended. If you can't go too far away, go to Ponta Verde (5 km away) and Jatiúca (6 km away). These beautiful beaches are very popular. By bus: take direction Riacho Doce (North).

To the north: Go even further north, there is plenty to choose from: Jacarecica (9 km), Guaxuma (12 km), Garça Torta (15 km), Pratagi (17 km), terminus at Riacho Doce (16 km).

To the south: Praia do Francês and Barra de São Miguel, sublime!

The quilombo of Palmares is a major place in post-colonial Brazil. The curious traveller who passes through Salvador cannot miss the statue of the "hero" of negritude: Zumbi de Palmares, an African king enslaved in Brazil. He managed to escape with many maroons and built a city in the northern hinterland. From the beginning of the 17th century, the slaves who managed to escape from the fazendas (farms) and engenhos (small sugar cane processing factories) began to gather in safe places where they could move freely, these communities are known as quilombos.

The largest and most famous quilombo in Brazil, the one "governed" by Zumbi dos Palmares, was established in the Serra da Barriga, 80 km from Maceió. It brought together runaway slaves, Indians and a few outcast whites, who resisted fiercely for almost 100 years, like the Canudos rebels not far from here, before finally being wiped out by the Portuguese crown army in 1694. The story goes that Zumbi fell after being betrayed by one of his own.

Unfortunately, the remains of the quilombo are not promoted: no guards, no means, and you will have to rent a vehicle. On the spot, guides offer, "voluntarily", to guide you. More than a visit, it is a small adventure for those who are particularly interested in this page of Brazilian history.

Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, this museum is named after a doctor who bequeathed to the University of Alagoas his collection of an infinite number of handicrafts from popular culture. This museum is dedicated to anthropology and regional folklore, of infinite richness. Popular toys, objects made of vegetable fiber (caçuás, baskets, abanos, hats, etc.), utilitarian ceramics from the Kariri Xocó ethnic group, from Alagoas, pieces of the Afro-Brazilian cult, elements of popular Catholicism, lace and embroidery

The museum of the Historical and Geographical Institute of Alagoas is located in the city centre of Maceió. It exhibits to the public part of the historical, archaeological and ethnographic collection of the institute. This museum offers a collection focused on the culture of the natives: ornaments, bows and arrows, native accessories and weapons that belonged to the bandit Lampião... an interesting journey through time, too bad that the place suffers from a cruel lack of maintenance.