Alagoas

The state

Alagoas is one of Brazil's smallest states, and that compactness is its strength. The name comes from the lagoons that shape the coast around Maceió, where a line of reefs creates calm, clear water and tide-dependent natural pools. North of the capital, the Costa dos Corais runs towards Maragogi and São Miguel dos Milagres, a stretch of small pousadas, coconut groves and protected reef that shelters the endangered marine manatee. Inland, the landscape turns to agreste and caatinga, with colonial Penedo on the São Francisco River, the old capital Marechal Deodoro and, in the far west, the river canyons around Piranhas and the Xingó dam.

For agencies, Alagoas works well for FIT couples and honeymooners seeking a slower beach stay, for small incentive groups based in Maceió, and for special-interest programmes on Afro-Brazilian history at Serra da Barriga or river culture along the São Francisco. Maceió's airport is the main gateway, and most coastal areas sit within a few hours by road. Reef excursions depend on low tides, so daily plans should be built around tide tables. The drier months, roughly September to March, bring the clearest water.