Family Fun on Brazil's Coral Coast - 10 Days

Highlights

• Try your hand at frevo dancing in Recife and get the family carnival ready
• Get up close to colorful fish and seahorses in Porto de Galinhas
• Explore Maragogi's kid-friendly natural pools and the famous Moses Path
• Linger on Maceió's picture-perfect beaches and browse the local markets

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Recife, Transfer to Boa Viagem Neighborhood, Explore

Welcome to Recife, Brazil! The capital of the Pernambuco region is known for its attractive setting and vibrant culture. Your driver will meet you and your family at the airport and transport you to your hotel in the city's Boa Viagem neighborhood. Once you've settled in, take the family out for a stroll. An hour or two at the scenic Orla da Praia beach makes for the perfect leisurely start to your holiday—for the finishing touch, grab an ice cream with the kids at one of the nearby parlors. 

Alternatively, head into town. If you're lucky, you'll see frevo (an expressive, acrobatic dance) demonstrations live on the streets, but if not, all isn't lost—head to the Paço do Frevo Museum to see dance rehearsals and displays. You'll be impressed with the complexity and skill involved in this acrobatic dance style. There's an on-site café for a coffee and snack break. Afterward, head out along the waterfront near your hotel and enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant before retiring for the evening.

Day 2: Highlights Tour of Recife & Olinda

Brazil may be famous for its beaches, but its culture is also worth exploring. Take the kids on a day tour of the highlights of Olinda and Recife. Starting in Recife, you'll hit "Ground Zero" (Marco Zero Square), a colorful plaza surrounded by historic mansions memorializing the city's founding by the Portuguese. Next, take some time at the adjacent Pernambuco Handicraft Center before catching an exhibition or two at the Cultural Box or the Sertão Pier Museum (a record of life in the remote Sertão area). Explore the Old Town in Rua do Bom Jesus, and let the kids enjoy some fresh air at Arsenal Square.

Next up, it's Olinda, 30 minutes north of Recife. Refuel with lunch at Arte Grill, overlooking both cities, before hitting the sights. Olinda hosts one of Brazil's best carnivals, and the kids will be fascinated by the giant dolls at the Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes. Stop at the Museum of Sacred Art next door and take in a few masterpieces. You'll find astonishing examples of art in the churches, particularly São Bento Monastery with its gold-leaf altar. The tour also covers landmarks like the City Hall and Alceu Valenca House, with time to shop for souvenirs at the Ribeira Market before you head back to Boa Viagem. 

Day 3: Transfer to Porto de Galinhas, Natural Pools & Mangroves Boat Tour

It's time to travel to your next destination, Porto de Galinhas. After checking into your accommodation there, head out for a memorable day trip. Starting on a jaganda, a traditional flat-bottomed boat, you'll glide through crystal-clear waters—the kids will love spotting the colorful reef and fish as you enjoy the natural pools. Next, you'll cruise to the mangrove groves to visit a seahorse conservation project. You and the kids will be fascinated as the jangadeiro dives for seahorses and brings them to the surface so you can get a closer look before carefully returning them. 

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beaches of Ponta Serrambi, the ideal place to snorkel—this is also an excellent opportunity for any certified scuba divers in the family to explore the local underwater world (lessons are also available for beginner divers). The natural pools here are perfect for younger kids, or let them play around in the sand. As evening draws near, head to one of the beach bars and grab a refreshing drink, then dine out at one of the waterfront restaurants. 

Day 4: Catamaran Trip to Praia dos Carneiros

Today, take the family on a relaxing trip to the trendy Praia dos Carneiros. The kids will love the excitement of the catamaran ride there and back, and the beach's calm, clear waters are perfect for them to splash around in. There's no rush—relax on the loungers provided and let them play in the sand, then take a leisurely walk to the 17th-century Church of São Bendito. Nearby, you'll find the well-known Bora Bora Restaurant and Hotel— the perfect stop for a delicious lunch.

Afterward, take a catamaran trip up the Arikindá River to the mangroves. Linger here for a while—take a clay bath if you like—then once you're back down the river, take some time with the kids to explore the natural pools near the hotel. Swim and snorkel to your heart's content before taking the catamaran back to Porto de Galinhas. Enjoy a leisurely beachfront family dinner and a stroll on the sand before returning to your accommodation for the night.

Day 5: Transfer to Maragogi, Moses Path Boat Trip

After breakfast, head to the reception, where you'll meet your driver and transfer two hours south to Maragogi, your family's home for the next two nights. Famous for its calm beaches, crystal clear waters, and natural pools, it's the perfect spot for beachy family fun. Check in to your accommodation and then go to Praia de Xaréu, where you and the kids can splash in the extensive shallow waters. Head next door to Praia da Barra Grande and grab a bite to eat at the restaurant before visiting the beach's main sights.

Tours are timed around the tides—the Moses Path and the natural pools are visible only at low tide. If you're there at the right time, you can sometimes access natural pools on foot from the shore, but it's generally best to jump on a boat (a tour takes around three hours) and head out. The shallow pools surrounded by coral reefs are a fabulous place to snorkel—perfect for the kids. Next is the Moses Path, a sandbar named for how it "parts" the ocean at low tide and sure to thrill the little ones. In the evening, head into the Maragogi township for dinner.

Day 6: Discover Maragogi's Best Beaches

Rise and shine, ready for another day in beach lovers' paradise. Maragogi and the surrounding regions are part of the Costa dos Corais, a 74-mile (120 km) stretch of protected coastline, allowing you to explore pristine beaches and coral reefs, both popular and off the beaten path. Take a buggy ride to Praia de Antune—this is one of the area's most popular stop-offs due to its fantastic backdrops, so be sure to take a few family snapshots. This beach is also one of the few with stalls selling food and drink, so it's easy to settle the kids for a few hours of happy play.

In the afternoon, head to the neighboring municipality, Japaratinga. This old fishing colony now houses a resort, but it's still a little-known destination with plenty to explore. With five beaches, natural pools, coral reefs, and sandbanks, this peaceful place is perfect for you and the kids. You'll get the best of both worlds: enjoy being away from the crowds while still having the convenience of restaurants nearby. When you and the kids are ready to turn in after your day in the sun, head back to your accommodation in Maragogi.

Day 7: Transfer to Maceió, Coastal Walk

This morning, a driver will transport you about 2.5 hours farther southwest to Maceió, a modern city set on 25 miles (40 km) of attractive, coconut tree-lined coastline. The capital of Brazil's Alagoas state, this is also a great place to experience some culture and the increasingly well-known regional cuisine. Once you've settled into your accommodation, take the kids for a leisurely walk along the coast to get your bearings. Maceió's beaches are linked, so you can walk as far as you like, play in the sand, or take a dip anytime the fancy strikes. 

When the family gets peckish, head back to the city for many fine restaurants. There's something to suit all tastes, with a smattering of Asian and European offerings, or keep it local and enjoy traditional Brazilian fare and fresh seafood. Let the kids stay up a little late and head to the beach huts along the waterfront to enjoy a refreshing beer and soak up the atmosphere while the kids play in the sand before heading back to your accommodation for the night. 

Day 8: Praia de Paripueira Beach Day & Barrier Reef Reserve 

Get the kids up bright and early for breakfast today—afterward, you'll be headed on a day-long tour of Praia de Paripueira, where you'll find the Municipal Marine Park. The park is the world's second-largest and is a conservation area for manatees. The kids will love to see these intriguing creatures and an astounding variety of bright tropical fish. The beach is also perfect for young families, with calm, shallow waters and a lovely sand expanse. 

Back in central Maceió, take your pick of family-friendly restaurants. For outstanding traditional cuisine, head to Filé do Zezé—their dedicated kids' area with toys, a playground, and a trampoline will ensure you can enjoy your meal in peace while the kids let off steam! For bar food and good beer, head to Terraço Bar and Brewery, which has a space for kids to play, draw, and color. Hearty eaters will love the tasty and generous steak portions at Salt and Ember, or head to Villa Maceió Food Park, where you'll find an assortment of cuisines to please everyone.

Day 9: Pajuçara Markets & Natural Pools

After breakfast, make a beeline for Pajuçara, one of Maceió's most popular neighborhoods and an ideal spot for families to spend a day. About 1.2 miles (2 km) from downtown Maceió, you'll find Praia de Pajuçara. Clean and calm enough for the kiddies, you'll also discover plenty of handy food and drink stalls. Book a 20-minute jaganda trip and take the little ones to the nearby natural pools. They'll love splashing in the shallows and getting close to the abundant marine life. Back on shore, you'll find the Pajuçara Markets, where there's an abundance of local crafts and souvenirs on display.

If you're keen on beach hopping, head to adjacent Ponte Verde, which is considered one of the region's most beautiful beaches. Its crystal clear waters and flawless sand make the perfect backdrop for some family photos. Active families should head for Jatiúca, a hotspot for surfing and other watersports. If you're keen to head out of town, try Barro de São Miguel, 18.5 miles (30 km) away—this beach has it all, with natural pools, family-friendly shallows, walking trails, watersports, and plenty of local eateries. The picture-perfect Praia do Gunga is nearby, and the kids will love visiting one of the floating restaurants there. 

Day 10: Depart Maceió

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