Discover Maceió’s relaxed charms on a drive around Old Town and past gorgeous urban beaches, with visits to a historic cathedral and handicraft market. Made rich a century ago by sugarcane and blessed with some 13 miles of reef-protected beachfront, Maceió is a large but laid-back resort town beloved by Brazilians and only just becoming known by outsiders. You’ll get a sense of the city layout from São Gonçalo belvedere and take in the character of Jaragua, where the colonial mansions are pastel, and the 19th-century warehouses are now cafés, restaurants and museums. Admire the eclectic style of Bom Jesus dos Martirios, its façade clad in geometric blue-and-white Portuguese tiles, pass through leafy squares where the locals gather to relax, and be inspired on a tour of Maceió’s beautifully restored 1840 cathedral. Travel north from the city center to gaze on long stretches of beach at Ponta Verde and Pajuçara, the city’s most beautiful draw of all. And delve into the strong local handicrafts culture with some free time at Pavilhao do Artesanato market. The most sought-after merchandise here is rendas lacework that resembles fish netting and reflects the city’s deep maritime roots.
