Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of white sand, surf and thick palm forest, it even boasts several
pousadas
and a
burgeoning restaurant scene. Most folks end up at the northern end, a protected
lagoon formed by a large reef offshore; surfers take in the pounding waves at the less
busy and unsheltered end. Beach bars line the northern section, while Avenida Dos
Corais and Rua da Algas run parallel to the sand and are lined with shops and
restaurants. Given its proximity to Maceió, it's no surprise Francês has effectively
become a city beach - don't expect peace and quiet.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
PRAIA DO FRANCÊS
By minibus
Minibuses (R$2.50) depart the Estação
Ferroviária in Maceió for Marechal Deodoro via Praia do
Francês every 20-30min. They drop off where the road
(Rua Caravelas) into town meets the beach and Av dos
Corais, before turning around for Marechal or Maceió.
By car
Parking just behind the beach in Praia do Francês is
R$10 (daily 8am-5.30pm).
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
Dona Madalena
Av dos Corais 1
T
82 3260 1369.
One
of the best restaurants in the area, with specials such as the
house lobster (
lagosta da Madalena
), shrimp risotto and
pumpkin shrimp (
camarão na abobora
). Around R$25/
head.
Thurs-Sun noon-10pm.
Hotel Ponte Verde
Rua da Algas 300
T
82 3260 6100,
W
hotelpontaverde.com.br/praiadofrances.
Purists may
not like the biggest, most luxurious hotel on the beach, but
all things considered it hasn't made much difference to the
already booming beach scene, with compact
but cos
y a/c
rooms, exceptional service and excellent food.
R$220
Padrino
Av dos Corais 7
T
82 3260 1143.
Fabulous
Italian food from
carioca
Alexandre Nigro (mains
R$14-20), tasty pastas (crab ravioli) and fresh salads.
Mon-Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-10pm.
Pousada Roanna
Rua Mexilhão 55
T
82 3260 1318,
W
pousadaroanna.com.br.
Very comfy B&B just off
the beach, with only two rooms, a large pool, tranquil
grounds (where sagui monkeys visit) and amazing food
prepa
red by
friendly owners Roger and Hannah. Free
wi-fi.
R$250
4
ALAGOAS: BEST OF THE BEACHES
If your time in Alagoas is short, agencies in Maceió offer a plethora of easy day-trips to the best
beaches in the state, many of which are hard to reach without your own transport.
LITORAL SUL
(listed in km south of Maceió)
•
Barra de São Miguel
(32km) & Praia do Gunga (40km): São Miguel is the gateway to the
incredible white-sand headland of Gunga - you have to take a boat across the Rio São
Miguel (R$30). Day-trips are usually only R$25.
•
Dunas do Marapé
(Jequiá da Praia; 65km): gorgeous beach where the Jequiá River meets
the sea, surrounded by mangroves. Day-trips from R$40.
LITORAL NORTE
(listed in km north of Maceió)
•
Angra de Ipioca
(16km): long stretch of golden sands, backed by coconut palms. Day-trips
from R$37.
•
Barra de Santo Antônio
(38km): tranquil fishing village near a fine beach on a narrow
neck of land jutting out from the coast a short canoe ride away (Praia Tabuba), and good,
fresh seafood is served in the cluster of small beachside hotels. There are five daily buses
between Maceió and Santo Antônio.
•
Japaratinga
(120km): an even more laidback fishing village and resort of coral reefs and
shallow, warm waters, just 16km south of Maragogi (see p.265) and easily reached by van
from there (R$2.50).
TOUR AGENCIES
MACEIÓ
Jaragua Turismo
Rua Jangadeiros Alagoanos 712
T
Pajuçara
T
82 3327 7711,
W
maceioturismo.com.br.
Transamérica Turismo
Av Dr Antônio Gouveia 487
T
82 2121 7373,
W
www.transamericatur.com.br.
82 3337 2780,
W
jaraguaturismo.com.
Maceió Turismo
Rua Firmino de Vasconcelos 685,
