Alagoas state at 10,707 sq mi (27,331 sq km)is Brazil's smallest state, but is growing as a tourist destination. The beaches are excellent, and inland, lush sugarcane fields abound.
The capital, Maceió, is located on a narrow strip of land between a lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, serviced by the port of Jaraguá. Maceió grew around a sugar mill following the Dutch occupation during the early seventeenth century and became and important sugar export center. It also became an important cultural center, and today hosts a federal university, an historical institute, museums, and an academy of letters. Today, Alagoas industrial strength lies in sugar refining, metallurgy, textile production, chemical processing, and coconut plantations.
The most outstanding landmark is a lighthouse in the center of the city. The Church of Bom Jesús dos Mártires is a notable example of Maceió's colonial architecture. The boom in the tourist industry has brought hotels, restaurants and other development to the area.
Unfortunately, the beaches nearest the city center may be polluted and dirty, but the ones five to seventeen kilometers north are excellent. Ponta Verde, Jatiúca, Cruz das Almas, Jacarecica, Guaxuma, Garça Torta, Riacho Doce, Mirante da Sereia, Pratagy and Ipioca are busy on weekends and during the summer.
At Praia de Pajuçara you can rent a traditional sailboat called a jangada to take you out to the reef to see the marine life. You can also enjoy the offshore natural swimming pools created by the reefs. From Pontal da Barra, you can take a motor or sail cruise to nearby islands and beaches. Take a look at Praia de Dos Coqueiros, for the Seven Coconut Palms that symbolize the city.
North and south of Maceió are more fine beaches, particularly Praia do Francês for scuba, and Maragogi where you can enjoy scuba and sailing. Don't miss a trip to Penedo, known as the capital of lower São Francisco river. River travel is popular, both with local residents who use it for transportation and with visitors who enjoy a boat trip to sightsee. Penedo is a colonial gem, with many Baroque churches and buildings almost untouched by time.
If you enjoy hiking, climbing and nature viewing you'll find them here in a portion of the Atlantic Forest, reachable from Murici and Quebrângulo, Piranhas and Olho d'Água do Casado. Hangliding and paragliding are popular in the Serra do Cavaleiro.
Sergipe
South of Alagoas, the state of Sergipe 8,321 sq mi (21,551 sq km) is the smallest Brazilian state. The capital, Aracaju, located on the Sergipe River is also the main port and commercial center. It was founded in 1855, when it replaced São Cristovão as state capital, and is the home of the Federal University of Sergipe.
Sergipe's beaches are not the main attraction, but you shouldn't miss São Cristovão and Laranjeiras. Both cities are colonial gems, nestled in the hills, and retain cobblestoned streets, many churches and colonial buildings. Both are easily reached by bus from Aracaju and Laranjeiras offers walkers great views from its three hills. See these photos of Sergipe and surrounding area.
Pernambuco
At 37,946 sq mi (98,280 sq km), the state of Pernambuco is not large, yet it is huge in Brazilian history. The capital, Recife , also called Pernambuco, is located partly on an island and partly on the mainland. Because of the numerous canals through the city, Recife is called the Venice of Brazil.
With a fine natural harbor protected by a coral reef, Recife developed first as the port for Olinda, the capital of the Pernambuco captaincy, and grew into the hugely commercial city it is now. Recife is the export center for sugar, coffee, cotton, and other products and is the transportation center for the region, with roads, airport and railoads.
Being the transportation hub of the Northeast, Recife has been easy for visitors to get to, and in the last decades has developed its tourism industry. Visitors have congregated in Recife for years for the intellectual and political reasons; now they come also for the three universities, research centers and history.
Founded originally in 1548 to service Olinda, Recife was sacked by the British in 1595, and captured by the Dutch and occupied from 1630-1654. The Dutch fortress is a tourist attraction now, as are the colonial buildings and government house.
The beach at Boa Viagem is a draw for some tourists, but many find it overpriced and not that special. What is special in Recife is carnaval, considered by many to be the best carnaval in Brazil. Shared with Olinda, carnaval preparations start months ahead with dance rehearsals, bailes, for Pernambuco's favorite dance, the frevo, and culminate in the night and day celebrations during the week of carnaval.
