Maceió, Coastal capital in Alagoas, Brazil
Maceió is the capital of Alagoas on the northeastern coast of Brazil, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Norte Lagoon. The city runs along several kilometers of white sand beaches with easily accessible reef pools at low tide and rows of palms parallel to the shore.
A sugar mill founded the first settlement in 1815 when Portuguese colonists opened the coastal area for agricultural use. The place became the state capital in 1839 and quickly developed into the main port for sugar exports in the region.
The Mundaú Lagoon and its neighboring waters shape daily life with small fishing boats and traditional tapioca stands along the shores. Colorful awnings shelter beach vendors who offer grilled shrimp and coconut water beneath the palms.
Most beaches lie north and south of the city center and are reached by coastal roads with regular bus connections. Water temperature stays warm year-round and low tide forms calm pools suitable for swimming.
Small rafts made from woven palm fronds still transport fishing catches between the shallow lagoons and open coastal sections today. These regional boats carry the name Jangada and glide with triangular sails across the calm waters between the reefs.
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