João Pessoa, “the ball of the moment” in northeastern Brazil

Thinking of northeastern Brazil is to think of beaches, palm trees, and warm weather all year round. In João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba, the scenery is no different.Jampa – as it is affectionately called by its residents – is a capital that blends tranquility with beauty. Those who travel to the city notice its slowed-down pace, allowing for small pleasures like walking on the sand and swimming in the sea without much effort. The city’s waterfront, with low buildings, many palm trees, and all the proximity to the sea that a visitor deserves, is an invitation to walk and feel the sea breeze. Not to mention the cuisine, which mixes fish and seafood with flavors from the hinterland without exaggerating in price – both the palate and the wallet will thank you. Among the attractions of João Pessoa are the greenish beaches, such as Tambaú, Cabo Branco, and Bessa, where even turtle nests can be seen, and the excursions. Taking time to also visit the natural pools of Picãozinho, in front of Tambaú, and the Island of Red Sand, a sandbank that forms at low tide, is essential! Don’t miss out on visiting them! At the end of the day, the city’s most famous tradition is going to the river beach of Jacaré to admire Ravel’s Bolero played on sax by Jurandy – the ceremony is so famous that it has become a cultural and immaterial heritage of Paraíba. It is worth a visit!Tourist AttractionsMany tourists travel to the capital of Paraíba to enjoy the coastline, but those seeking a more cultural or historical side will also find that facet of Jampa. To start the itinerary in João Pessoa, there’s nothing better than going to the Cabo Branco Lighthouse. The view of the sea from the lighthouse is beautiful and makes for great photos! In the same area, it’s worth visiting the Cabo Branco Station, a space designed by Niemeyer dedicated to science, culture, and art, where exhibitions and experiments can be seen, as well as allowing for sky observation with telescopes.Take time to explore the center of João Pessoa and admire the old side of the city, seen in works like the Casa de Azulejos, the São Francisco Cultural Center, the Hotel Globo – which was very frequented in the past during tea time to enjoy the sunset – and the beautiful set of mansions in Praça Antenor Navarro.What to do in JampaJoão Pessoa may not be one of the most famous Brazilian capitals, but it has been standing out on the national scene and becoming a good competitor to major tourist cities. The success is due to the tranquility that Jampa offers and its good cost-benefit ratio.During the day, most tourists alternate between the beaches and the excursions offered in the city. For those staying on the waterfront, getting to the beach is very practical, as most hotels are close to the sea. Tambaú and Cabo Branco are pleasant beaches that should not be missed during your trip. After enjoying a swim and resting on the sand, take time to visit the tourist spots across the sea. Visit the Cabo Branco Lighthouse (a triangular-shaped lighthouse that symbolizes the easternmost point of the Americas – Ponta do Seixas, or “Porta do Sol,” as the people of Paraíba call it), the Cabo Branco Station, a Niemeyer project that hosts educational and artistic movements, and the historic center of the city, with the colorful mansions of Praça Antenor Navarro, the Hotel Globo, and the São Francisco Cultural Center, where the baroque style prevails. When it comes to excursions, you can’t miss the sunset at Jacaré Beach and the Island of Red Sand, a sandbank that forms at low tide. Both are beautiful excursions that you must do. At the end of the day, the best choice is to go to the river beach of Jacaré to enjoy the sunset accompanied by the sound of Ravel’s Bolero played by Jurandy on sax. The ceremony is so famous that it has become a Cultural and Immaterial Heritage of Paraíba – a spectacle for the eyes and ears! Don’t miss it! At night, the movement on the boardwalk and around the Tambaú market is intense. Those who prefer a lighter program can just go out dancing; while those looking for something more lively can find nightclubs and various bars in the city. A good idea is to take the opportunity of your visit to Paraíba to learn to dance forró, the local rhythm. The tip is to go to Fellini on Mondays and Thursdays or to KS Bar on Fridays and Saturdays. The main tip regarding excursions – which applies to other destinations in the Northeast – is always to pay attention to the tide table. The weeks of full moon and new moon are the best for excursions that depend on low tide. Check details on the Navy’s website.The natural pools of Picãozinho, in front of Tambaú Beach, are great for a swim and for observing little fish. The lower the tide, the better it is to see them! Stepping a little out of the urban area, let yourself be enchanted by the beaches of the southern Paraíba coast and discover the beauties of Coqueirinho and Tambaba – a very famous naturist beach. This excursion can be done by private car, van, or even buggy.One of the most eccentric excursions (and therefore highly sought after by tourists) is the one that goes to Red Sand Beach. The beach is actually a sandbank in the middle of the sea, visible only at low tide, which fills with visitors and vendors during the short time that the sea allows walking on its sands. At low tide, several boats arrive at the island, and as the tide rises, the boats return to the beach.Jampa is a city where tourism is developing rapidly and has a good structure for its visitors. Quality gastronomy, good cost-benefit, and opportunities to buy handicrafts and enjoy natural beauties are the strengths of this small capital. It is where the sun rises first, where forró speaks the loudest, and where tourists find a bit of peace, even while in a capital.Source: www.melhoresdestinos.com.br, by Camille Panzera