From Wikitravel

João Pessoa[1], the capital of Paraíba, is a city on the northeast coast of Brazil.

[edit] Understand

Joao Pessoa is an undiscovered paradise, there is hardly any tourists and lots to do.

[edit] History

João Pessoa is one of the oldest cities in Brazil, dating back to 1585. From 1634 to 1654 it was controlled by the Dutch.

[edit] Orientation

The layout of the central city is very simple; at the center is the circular Lagoa (lagoon), which is more like a large pond with a shady park around it. Just to the west is Praça João Pessoa. The beaches are several kilometers to the east.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

João Pessoa has an airport some 25km out of town and only served by taxis (regular price - Airport/Town = R$ 52,00).

[edit] By bus

João Pessoa's long-distance bus station is in the middle of the old city leaving and arriving to/from others capitals like São Paulo, Salvador, Natal, Recife and Fortaleza.

[edit][add listing] See

• One of nicest churches in all of Brazil, the Igreja do São Francisco, built from 1589 to 1779, is on the north end of the city center. Its mixture of architectural styles is a fascinating reflection of the colonial empires at the time: the walls of the exterior courtyard, done in Portuguese azulejo tiling, are topped by curiously Chinese-looking lion statues (perhaps by way of Macau), while the church itself is a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch, and French styles and the Oriental dome shows influence from Goa. The ceiling features a 40 meter wide mural, and the interior is inhabited by lots of bats.
• The Ladeiro do Sao Francisco leads westward and downhill from the church, and affords a magnificent view of the Sanhaua River and surrounding lush tropical forest. Just down the hill is the Casa da Polvora, a small historical museum.
• Ponta do Seixas is the easternmost point in the Americas, at 34°47'38" west longitude and 7°09'28" south latitude. There is a monument to mark the spot, and it has a sweeping view of the Atlantic. Ponta do Seixas is south of Cabo Branco beach, and accessible by city bus.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Cabo Branco beach is beautiful, calm, and often devoid of people.

Tambau beach has the "picozino" for just a few dollars you are taken out to the surrounding reef at low tide and can get out and feed the fish while snorkling. They have a bar and snacks available on the boat. When I went, I didn't have a snorkling mask, so I just watched from the deck of the boat, but a native came over and handed me her mask so I got to go into the water, and I can't even tell you what an experience that was, like a whole other world! Awesome. The people of Joao Pessoa are the most honest and friendly I have found. There is hardly any crime and even traveling as a single woman, I was never afraid to go out at night or any other time.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Hammocks are beautiful woven cloth with fringe for around $25-35 US. The dresses are comfortable and colorful. Handmade jewelry is very affordable and fun.

[edit][add listing] Eat

For a quick bite, there are several hamburger stands around the lagoon.

• Natural, Rua Rodrigues de Aquino 177. Good health food and a nice setting as well.
• Pontal do Cabo Bar & RestaurantThe visual best of the seafront of the Cabo Branco, live music and screen with nacional and international clips. Try the Delicious Shrimp. Cabo Branco Street, 4912. Tel: (55) (83) 3247-4336.

The Bahama Restaurant on Tambau beach is fantastic!

Mondial makes great coney dogs and very inexpensive.

Try the churrasco barbeque, it is an all you can eat buffet, and they give you a chip with one side green and one side red. As long as you have the green side of your chip showing, they will continue to bring the wonderful variety of barbequed meats to carve at your table. Wonderful!

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Jacarés Bar a nice place near of Jacaré river when you can see and listen the Ravel's Bolero played with a sax. All weekends.

Drink the local caiparina, a mixture of smashed lime,sugar, and sugar cane liquor Cachaca. Delicious!

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Mar Azul Hotel Pousada, Av. João Mauricio 315, Tambau, ☎ +55 83 3226 2660. Small apartments with cooking facilities R$ 40.  edit

• Pousada Canta Marè, Rua Osòrio Pães 60 (2 blocks inland from Hotel Tropical), ☎ +55 83 3247 1047. R$ 30.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Hotel Aurora, Praça João Pessoa, 51 – Centro. Good central location and reasonably priced.

[edit] Splurge

Hotel Tambau is right on the beach, fairly priced with wonderful staff, a huge pool, spa, great restaurant, and a market right across the road where you can buy the most beautiful hammocks for almost nothing, then hang them on the balcony of your hotel room (hooks supplied). Paradise!

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Get out

The world famous Tambaba naturism beach is 40 km to the south on Highway PB-008. The nearest town is Conde, about 6 km inland, plus another 6 km passing four other beaches to the north of Tambaba. It is a public beach without any admission fee. Single men are not permitted on the main part of the beach -- they must be accompanied by a female. All clothing (except sunglasses, sandals, etc.) is prohibited by law. Children must be accompanied by an adult (and nude as well). Tambaba website (in Portuguese only).

This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!