Maceió is the capital of Alagoas and one of northeast Brazil's easiest beach cities to like. The city spreads between the Atlantic and lagoons, with coconut palms, reef-protected water, and a waterfront where the main urban beaches roll into one another: Pajuçara, Ponta Verde, and Jatiúca.
The headline experience is getting on a jangada from Pajuçara at low tide and heading out to the natural pools. Back on shore, the promenade is busy with tapioca stalls, craft markets, runners, families, and beach kiosks. Ponta Verde is calmer and prettier, especially when the tide drops around the lighthouse and reef.
Maceió also has a cultural side that should not be skipped. The Théo Brandão Museum gives context to Alagoas folk art and popular culture, while Pontal da Barra keeps the city's filé lace tradition visible around the Mundaú Lagoon.
Use Maceió as both a city break and a base. North and south of town are some of Alagoas' best beach trips, but the city itself has enough beach, food, craft, and lagoon life to fill several easy days.