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Maceio

Maceio travel guide

Capital city of Alagoas, Brazil

Things to do21 experiences
Best time to visitAll year round
Nearest airportMCZ · 11 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−3
Population957,916

About Maceio

Maceió, formerly anglicised as Maceio, is the capital and the largest city of the coastal state of Alagoas, Brazil. The name "Maceió" is a Tupi Indigenous term for a spring.

Places to visit in Maceio

  1. Pajucara Beach

    Pajucara Beach

    Beach

    A central urban beach with calm water protected by reefs, and natural pools offshore. Rafts take visitors to the pools at low tide, so check the tide table before going.

  2. Ponta Verde

    Beach

    A popular beach and upscale neighborhood with a long seafront promenade lined with palms. Walk or cycle along the waterfront, and try local seafood at the beach kiosks.

  3. Praia do Frances

    Beach

    A beach south of the city with calm water inside the reef on one side and surf waves on the other. It gets busy on weekends, so visit on a weekday if you can.

  4. Gunga Beach

    Beach

    A beautiful beach with coconut palms and colorful cliffs south of the city. Many tours stop at the cliff lookout first, so bring cash for parking and beach chairs.

  5. Mundau Lagoon

    Mundau Lagoon

    Nature · 4 mi from centre

    A large lagoon on the edge of the city where fishermen catch shellfish and boats cross the water. Take a boat tour to see the islands and try sururu, a local shellfish dish.

  6. Marechal Deodoro

    Marechal Deodoro

    Historic · 11 mi from centre

    A colonial town south of Maceió with Baroque churches and a former convent now used as a museum. Combine it with a visit to nearby Praia do Frances.

Things to do in Maceio by type

21 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 12
Good for
  • Senior 6
  • Youth 6
  • Couples 6
  • Families 5
Browse all things to do in Maceio

Top experiences in Maceio

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 21 available.

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Where to stay in Maceio

Popular hotels in Maceio, out of 140 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Maceio

Best time to visit Maceio

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Maceio is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 80–87°F and rain falls on about 21 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 76° – 87° 15
Feb 77° – 86° 24
Mar 77° – 87° 22
Apr 76° – 85° 19
May 75° – 83° 27
Jun 73° – 80° 27
Jul 72° – 80° 28
Aug 72° – 80° 24
Sep 73° – 80° 22
Oct 74° – 83° 20
Nov 75° – 85° 8
Dec 76° – 86° 16

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Maceio weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 83° 78° 95%
  • Thu 22 Oct 83° 75° 92%
  • Fri 23 Oct 83° 73° 92%
  • Sat 24 Oct 84° 76° 29%
  • Sun 25 Oct 85° 75° 8%
  • Mon 26 Oct 89° 75° 0%

Know before you go

Currency
Brazilian real (BRL)1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05
Language
Portuguese
Calling code
+55
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/MaceioUTC−3
Capital
Brasília

Upcoming public holidays in Brazil

  • All Souls' DayDia de Finados
  • Republic Proclamation DayProclamação da República
  • Black Awareness DayDia da Consciência Negra
  • Christmas DayNatal
  • New Year's DayConfraternização Universal
  • Good FridaySexta-feira Santa

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Maceio

These are the airports closest to central Maceio. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • MCZ Maceió-Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport11 mi (17 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Maceio

Other taxis are everywhere and you'll have no problem finding them. There is an initial fee, then it depends how far you go.

By bus

The bus system is operated by the company "Transporte Tropical," operating in the "Aeroporto - Ponta Verde" line, which connects the airport to Ponta Verde Beach. The price is R$ 3.35 (March 2021) for a single trip. There are no transfers though so each bus you take will require you to pay again. Around half of the local buses require the bus card "Cartão Bem Legal". In the near future all local buses will require the card.

By car

You can rent a car. This is a great way to explore the nearby beaches on a day trip.

Maceio travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Maceio?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Maceio is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 80–87°F and rain falls on about 21 days a month.

What is the weather like in Maceio?

January is usually the warmest month in Maceio, with average highs of 87°F (31°C). August is the coolest, with average lows of 72°F (22°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 279 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Maceio?

Maceió-Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport (MCZ) is the closest airport, about 11 miles (17 km) from the centre of Maceio.

What currency is used in Maceio?

Maceio uses the Brazilian real (BRL). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05.

What time zone is Maceio in?

Maceio uses the America/Maceio time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Maceio?

Other taxis are everywhere and you'll have no problem finding them. There is an initial fee, then it depends how far you go.

What are the best places to visit in Maceio?

Top sights in Maceio include Pajucara Beach, Ponta Verde, Praia do Frances and Gunga Beach. A central urban beach with calm water protected by reefs, and natural pools offshore. Rafts take visitors to the pools at low tide, so check the tide table before going.

What are the top things to do in Maceio?

Popular experiences you can book in Maceio include Praia do Francês and City of Maceió Panormaic Tour, Trip to São Miguel dos Milagres Beach and Discover Maragogi Beach - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 21 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Maceio?

The most popular types of experiences in Maceio are day trips & excursions (14), outdoor activities & adventure (6), tour & activities (2) and art & culture (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Maceio?

Popular areas for hotels in Maceio include Maceio. Well-reviewed options include Tambaqui Praia Hotel and Ritz Praia.

How many hotels can I book in Maceio?

Destina Holidays currently lists 140 properties in and around Maceio, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.