Joao Pessoa & Coast - Brazil |
Destinations |
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The Paraibana capital is one of
the oldest in the Northeast of the Country. João Pessoa,
throughout its 400 years, knew how to keep its historic
treasures. At Barroco Park – one of the biggest in Brazil – the
slopes and the old colonial mansions tell a bit about the
journey of this delightful city, which marvels visitors with
some of the most beautiful beaches of the Brazilian coastline.
Contrasting with the secular architectural wealth, emerge the
modern and sophisticated buildings, giving João Pessoa that
business city feel. Big theatres, auditoriums and convention
centres are part of the available infrastructure in the city;
ready to host the most varied types of events and business
meetings.
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Basic information
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Climate
The climate in the region is tropical hot semi-humid. Average
annual temperature is around 24ºC – with maximum annual average
of 29ºC and minimum of 20ºC.
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Events
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Micaroa
Off-season Carnival party, gathering many revelers in the month
of January.
Passion of Christ
Enactment of Jesus Christ’s steps to the calvary. It happens in
open air, at Pedro Américo Square, in the month of March.
FENART
The National Arts Festival (FENART) is an event which occurs
every year at the José Lins do Rego Cultural Space, usually in
the first semester; bringing art from all over Brazil and from
many parts of the world to the paraibana capital.
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City facts
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João Pessoa
State: Paraíba
Region: Notheast
Population: 597.934 inhabitants
Area code: (83)
Distances
Campina Grande: 125km
Recife: 125km
Natal: 180km
Fortaleza: 688km
Salvador: 944km
Brasília: 2.338km
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Accommodation / Restaurants
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João Pessoa is a capital
filled with excellent options for accommodation and restaurants.
Accommodations vary according to the tourist’s wish; just
choose.
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How to get there
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By Air: The Presidente
Castro Pinto International Airport receives regular flights from
most Brazilian capitals, and from many other Brazilian cities.
By Road: For those coming from Recife or Natal, the
access motorway is the BR-101. Setting off from Fortaleza, the
best route is through the BR-116, and then the BR-230. The major
interstate bus companies make regular trips to the Paraíba State
capital.
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Services
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Municipal City Hall of João
Pessoa: +55 (83) 3218-9797
Tourism Information: +55 (83) 3218-6655 / 3253-4010
Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport: +55 (83)
3232-1200
Bus Station: +55 (83) 3221-9611
Hospital Samaritano (private): +55 (83) 3218-2100
Bank agencies: the Paraibana capital has branches from the
majority of large banks operating in Brazil.
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Attractions
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Barra
de Mamanguape Beach
The waves are small, because of the reefs. It shelters the
headquarters of a project for the protection of the marine
manatee.
Campina Beach
There are small dunes and mounts of fine and white sand. Cocount
trees embellish all the beach margin. The waves are strong and
attract a lot of surfers.
Oiteiro Beach
Also packed with coconut trees and sand mounts, it attracts
plenty of surfers to the strong waves waters.
Bessa Beach
Urban beach, with still waters and many coconut trees. The
Paraíba Yacht Club is located there.
Manaíra Beach
With many reefs, the waves are small and there are many kiosks
to serve visitors.
Tambaú Beach
It is an urban beach, with a promenade and many kiosks. There
are regular craft fairs there.
Cabo Branco Beach
Another urbanised beach in João Pessoa, Cabo Branco has a good
promenade for sunset walks.
Ponta do Seixas Beach
The easternmost point in South America is there.
Barra do Gramame Beach
Good for bathing, Gramame has still waters and is surrounded by
fishermen’s houses.
Barroco Park
It is formed by the colonial mansions scattered around the upper
and lower regions of the city. The secular architectural complex
represents one of the biggest historic treasures in Brazil. To
walk on the stone streets contemplating the colourful mansions
takes anyone on a trip into the past of João Pessoa.
Theatro Santa Roza
A building from 1889, this theatre was decorated in baroque
style. It is one of the oldest theatres in the Country. It is
located at Pedro Américo Square. Telephone: +55 (83) 3218-4384.
Redenção Palace
Erected in 1586, Redenção Palace used to be the home of the old
Jesuits convent. Today the building is the State Government
headquarters.
Cabo Branco Lighthouse
It is located at the easternmost inland point in the Country and
allows one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city;
from there all the Ponta do Seixas beach can be seen.
Santa Catarina Fortress
The fortress built in 1586 comprises the captain’s house, a
chapel and cannons from the XVI century. It is open for visitors
daily, from 8am to 5:30pm and there is staff available for
guided visits. Access to the Fortress is made next to the port.
It is located at Ponta de Matos beach, municipality of Cabedelo
– 25km from João Pessoa.
Saint Francis Church and Saint Anthony Convent
Totally embellished in baroque style, the church and the convent
were built in 1589 and 1779, respectively. The highlights are
the chapels of the Third Order of Saint Francis and Saint
Benedict, featuring Portuguese ceramic panels and sacristy. The
spaces also feature, regularly, popular art exhibitions. There
are guided visits and opening hours are 9am to noon and 2pm to
5pm, every day. It is located at São Francisco Square.
São Frei Pedro Gonçalves Church
Erected in 1843, the church was restored in 2002 and features
the foundations from the old XVII century building. In front of
it there are many restored colonial mansions, making a pretty
architectural set. The church is open to the public Monday to
Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and on Sundays from 3pm to 6pm. It is
located at São
Arruda Câmara Park
This Park is a real oasis amidst the movement in the Centre of
João Pessoa. Also known as “Bica”, because of an old mineral
water fountain, it features a zoo, botanic garden and leisure
areas. Arruda Câmara Park is certainly one of the most pleasant
trips for visitors, bringing together ecology, education and
culture.
Solon de Lucena Park
Located at the commercial centre of the paraibana capital, Solon
de Lucena Park, also known as “Lagoa”, is filled with centenary
imperial palm trees, golden trumpet trees and acacias – the tree
symbol of the city. At the centre there is a luminous fountain,
which on party nights lits this delightful tourist spot in João
Pessoa.
Boat trips to Picãozinho
This beautiful place is formed by coral reefs next to the coast.
There are natural pools, excellent for bathing during the low
tide. It takes 15 minutes by boat to get there.
Shopping
Crafts and regional products
Paraibano Crafts Market (MAP) – There it is possible to find
samples of everything that’s produced through workmanship in all
of the State of Paraíba, including foods, such as: curd-cheese
and butter-cheese, manioc gum, raw brown sugar block, country
honey, among others. The Market is located at Senador Rui
Carneiro Avenue, Tambaú.
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