Maceio Brazil Tourism & Travel Information Hotels Tours Airport Transfers

Maceio					Brazil

Maceio Travel Information

Maceio

Maceio is the capital of Alagoas. The area has 800,000 inhabitants and offers more than 300 Km of beaches. It is geographically divided into the metropolitan area, the northern coast and the southern coast (see map).

Maceio was built along the shores following a star-like topography with open bays and narrow peninsulas. Maceio metro beaches are Cruz das Almas, Pajucara, Ponta Verde, Jatiuca, Avenida and Sobral (see pictures).

Maceio's downtown area is located between the Avenida beach and the Mundaú lagoon. New residential and hotel areas are being developed in Ponta Verde, Jatiuca and Cruz das Almas.

Cruz das Almas is a newly-developed area. Although with poorer infrastructure, it is the site where many of the best Maceio hotels are located.

Pajucara concentrates mid and low budget hotels oriented to domestic clients and tour groups. Pajucara beach is open and has good infrastructure of bars and beach rentals. There is a coral reef 2 km off the coast which forms a huge natural pool.

Ponta Verde is Maceio's residential area with upscale apartment buildings and hotels. Ponta Verde beach has calm waters thanks to a coral reef formed parallel to the coast. The beach offers good infrastructure of bars and lots of palm trees. It is visited by locals on weekends. In winter, rain brings seaweed and garbage to the coast making it less attractive.

Jatiuca beach also concentrates some of the best hotels in the area. The beach has calm waters and plenty of bars and restaurants.

Maceio´s northern coast is 130 km long and its main beaches are Jacarecica, Pratagi, Barra de Santo Antonio, Japaratinga and Maragogi.

Maceio southern coast is 163 km long and its main beaches are Frances, Barra de Sao Miguel, Gunga, Marapé and Coruripe.

Maceio Hotels

Maceio hotels can be divided into 2 groups: In Pajucara there are mostly mid-priced hotels, up to 3 stars. In Ponta Verde, Jatiuca and Cruz das Almas there are mostly 4 and 5-star hotels.

Maceio hotels that belong to international chains receive tourists mainly from Europe, Argentina and Chile.

Maceio hotels and inns located outside the metropolitan area offer less comfort and lower prices. In some cases, there are resorts located in isolated beaches that offer all inclusive packages and are very convenient for couples and families.

Hotels in Maceio tend to be overrated in infrastructure and services. For this reason, we recommend checking carefully each option before making a reservation. Many times air conditioning, TV, or beach towels are considered extras.

Maceio Tours

Maceio tours are mainly oriented to beach activities. The most recommended self tours to do in the metro area are Pajucara pools (2 km off the coast) and Cheiro da Terra craft market (Jatiuca).

Maceio tours include the main beaches on the northern and southern coast: Maragogi, Francês, Gunga, Barra de São Miguel and Marapé. Tours generally leave ate 7 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. and prices do not include food or drinks.

Maceio downtown area offers magnificent colonial buildings and good nightlife alternatives such as restaurants, discos and pubs with local music on weekends.

Most Maceio beaches on the northern and southern coast are good. There is difference among them in infrastructure (bars and restaurants) and water (open sea or calm waters). Maragogi, Gunga and Barra de São Miguel are the best options for those looking for a quiet environment. Francês, Pajucara, Ponta Verde and Jatiuca are crowded and noisy, especially on weekends.

Maceio Car Rental and Transfers

Maceio car rental is a good alternative for tourist willing to visit the northern or southern coast. All international car rental companies are located in the airport and in Jatiuca.

Maceio car rental services are also provided by local companies at lower prices. However, we recommend checking reliability and terms of service before buying.

Maceio's airport transfer takes over 45 minutes to get to the hotels area, so be sure to allocate extra time for flight departures.