Offering just shy of 7,500 kilometres of coastline, it comes as no surprise that Brazil possesses some of the world's most beautiful beach towns. Porto de Galinhas is one of them, Here, days are hot and sunny, streets are relatively quiet and visitors spend their time in the turquoise sea and on sand that stretches for multiple kilometres in both directions.
Those who travel to Porto de Galinhas come for its beaches. Porto de Galinhas Beach, in the centre of town, is spacious and scenic and features several ocean-facing bars and restaurants to fuel up at between dips. This area is also home to natural tidal pools – pockets of turquoise water surrounded by coral reefs where tropical fish congregate at low tide. One of the best ways to witness this phenomenon is by taking a 'jangada' – a single-sail fishing boat – for some offshore snorkelling.
Porto de Galinhas's beaches aren't just for swimming. Cupe Beach's strong waves and currents lure experienced surfers, while wildlife lovers head to Pontal do Maracaipe to spot crabs and seahorses hiding among its mangroves. Kitesurfing is popular at Pontal do Maracaipe as well as at Muro Alto Beach, whose calm waters provide ideal conditions for kayaking and jet-skiing. For a taste of adventure, join a boat trip out to Carneiros Beach. This palm-tree-lined beach is only accessible from the water and features golden sands home to an 18th-century white church.