João Pessoa
Capital Of ParaíBa, Founded 1585; Ponta Do Seixas Is The Easternmost Point Of The Americas · João Pessoa, Paraíba
João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba, holds a genuine continental superlative: Ponta do Seixas, at the foot of the Cabo Branco cliffs, is the easternmost point of the Americas, and the first place in the hemisphere to see the sunrise. Founded in 1585, it is also one of the oldest cities in Brazil, and its historic centre keeps the Church and Convent of São Francisco, one of the finest baroque complexes in the north-east. The modern city runs along calm urban beaches - Tambaú, Cabo Branco, Manaíra - protected by reefs, with a green, low-rise seafront that makes it one of the more pleasant state capitals of the region. Boats go out at low tide to the natural pools of Picãozinho and to the sandbank of Areia Vermelha. The best-known ritual is at the Praia do Jacaré on the river, where a saxophonist plays Ravel's Bolero every evening as the sun sets. It is a pleasant stop rather than a trip in its own right, and is often combined with Pipa, Natal or Recife.
Ponta do Seixas and Centro Histórico, João Pessoa, PB, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
A city, always open, but three things run to their own clocks. Boats to the natural pools of Picãozinho and the Areia Vermelha sandbank run only around low tide, so departure times shift every day and on some days there is no good daylight tide; check before you promise anyone a pool trip. The Bolero sunset at the Praia do Jacaré happens every evening, but the riverside tables fill well before sunset, especially at weekends. Sunrise at Ponta do Seixas comes very early for much of the year, so going means leaving the hotel in the dark by car. Churches and museums in the historic centre keep daytime hours, often close for a long lunch and on some days of the week, and the São Francisco complex may close to visitors on Mondays - confirm. The historic centre empties at dusk and should be visited by day. The seafront promenade is lively and lit into the evening. Heavy winter rains from about April to July can cancel boat trips.