The coastline in the state of Paui, 96,886 sq mi (250,935 sq km), isn't very long, but the beaches are wonderful. The capital, Teresina was laid out in 1852 and named for Brazilian Empress Teresa Cristina Maria, but now instead of Portuguese, it has a definite middle Eastern flavor in the names of its streets and hotels.

On the Parnaíba River, Teresina is the only state capital in Northeastern Brazil that is not on the coast. It is the commercial and agricultural distribution center in the Parnaíba valley and is being developed as a tourist center. Several museums and the Centro Artesano containing leatherwork, lacework, furniture and other crafts offer a change from outdoor activities. Teresina boasts of being the hottest city in Brazil and welcomes tourists who come for the beach at Praia Pedra do Sal and the Lagoa do Portinho, a lagoon surrounded by dunes and dune buggies. The Parnaíba empties into the Atlantic through a wide delta with many islands, white sand beaches and quiet nooks.

The Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades, 180 km from Teresina, is named for rock formations, thought to be 190 million years old, or more, and offers a great walking tour.

Please continue with Exploring Brazil's Northeast - Part 2 for the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará and Maranhão.