Porto de Galinhas Info and Miniguide

If you are heading to Porto de Galinhas then you won’t be able to stay away from its beaches. Porto de Galinhas’s pride consists of spectacular and scenic beaches that are truly addictive. Here are a few of the best ones to consider visiting:

Gamboa beach located to the North of Porto De Galinhas, has smooth waters which make it ideal for a lazy swim. The waters of the beach form natural pools amidst coconut trees, which make it ideal for amateur swimmers. You can enjoy a lot of privacy, as this beach is not crowded with tourists except during a beach party! During party season you can relish gourmet hamburgers, T bone steaks, citrus cocktails and dance the night away! Muro Alto or the ‘high wall’ is a beach that has attractive aquatic life on display. The reef has created natural pools where you can go diving. If you are lucky, you might spot a turtle or two. The crystalline warm waters beckon you to just laze around and soak up the sun.

Porto De Galinhas beach is the most popular and hence the most crowded beach on the northwestern coastline. It is lined with bars and restaurants. There are sail boat rides and boat trips to natural swimming pools also called Piscinas Naturais, formed when the tide ebbs away. Some of them are big for enough for several people to get in. These pools trap fish when the tide leaves so you can actually interact with them. The fish are tame and are not scared of humans. The boatmen carry food to feed them. The most popular pool is shaped like the map of Brazil. You cannot get into this pool as security guards guard it. A boat ride to one of pools does not take long and costs you about $8.

If you are at Maracaípe Beach, then this is your opportunity to tame the surf. Known as the surfer’s paradise, the Maracaípe Beach frequently hosts surfing events including the world championship. It also features some of the finest restaurants and resorts in Porto De Galinhas. Some of these resorts include Xales de Maracaipe, Serrambi Resort, Maleleo and the Porto de Galinhas Praia Hotel.

Poço da Paixão

Poço da Paixão is close to the fishing side of Porto de Galinhas. Scuba diving here is recommended. The reef formations are intricate and there are tunnels that you can swim into, though it can be a little scary. Nighttime diving activities are encouraged but only if you are a professional diver.

Gonçalo Coelho

This reef grows on the famous World War II wreck that was used for cargo transportation to Recife. The wreck’s prominence looms large underneath the water. Cranes still hold on to the deck. You can find stingrays here so be careful. These beautiful creatures are docile but you have to be alert around them. Turtles can also be found.

Taçaiba

This reef ledge is the most colorful of the lot. There may be a strong current but if you can brace or wait for the low tide, you will definitely be rewarded.

Galeão, Marte, 30 Metros and Bolo are some of the other popular reefs where life is colorful and abundant.

Domingos Restaurant is the most popular restaurant in Porto de Galinhas. If you were to ask anyone where you can eat, you will be directed here. Any fish dish a delicacy here.

You can’t leave a beach town without sampling its shrimp. For the best shrimp dishes you have to head for Harmonia Do Mar restaurant. There is a crowd here on Thursdays and Fridays but the prices are lower on these Shrimp crazy days.

The sun dried, salted meat at Cunha Restaurant is a dish that you will not forget. Cunha is well known even in Recife. You just have to ask for it. Another dish that is a must have here is - Shrimp with cheese, served inside a pineapple. Barracuda, in Maracaipe is another restaurant where you should grab a bite!

Peixe Na Telha is a restaurant where fish is cooked in clay oven. The menu is very long and it is not easy to navigate through it without help. If you don’t want to have seafood, you can try the beef and chicken dishes. These places are just as good as any other restaurant on the mainland.

Brazil’s tryst with ice cream is evident even in this small beach town. Della Frutta Sorvetes Artesanais should be your destination for ice cream. You will be spoilt for choice as they have so many flavors!

There are shops you can visit to buy souvenirs like miniature turtles, pearls, shells and beachwear. Artesanato Edimilson Menezes Jóias is a designer jewelry store that is as popular as Porto De Galinhas itself.

Supermercado Hiper Econômico, Supermercado Socó and Salão Azul – Unissex are other places where you can shop for art and creative T- shirts which have coconut pieces stuck in them.

Porto de Galinhas has a sunny climate most of the year. Compared to other parts of Brazil where rain is frequent, Porto de Galinhas is a contrast. You can have a bath without the thought of shivering or catching a cold. The water is warm and the temperature stands at 26°C for most of the year. While it is humid, a breeze is always blowing, so it’s quite pleasant even outdoors. The weather stays great even during winter and the waters are just as welcoming as ever. Porto de Galinhas can be visited anytime of the year but February or the receding summer time is ideal.

Porto de Galinhas will definitely leave an indelible mark on your memory. A vacation here is just what your body, heart and soul needs!