Maceio

Maceió is the capital of Alagoas state on Brazil's northeastern coast. The Port of Jaraguá is close to the historic centre, where pastel-coloured colonial buildings line quiet streets. The city's main draw is its beaches: Praia de Pajuçara has a reef offshore that creates natural pools at low tide, reachable by jangada (traditional raft). The water colour along this coastline is a distinctive green-blue. Praia do Francês, about 30 minutes south, is considered one of the best beaches in the northeast. The Mundaú Lagoon separates the city from a strip of land and has boat trips through mangroves. Maceió's food is centred on seafood: sururu (a type of mussel stew) is the local speciality, and tapioca crepes filled with coconut or cheese are sold from street carts. The currency is the Brazilian Real. Portuguese is the language, with very limited English. Negotiate taxi fares in advance.