Things To Do
in Conde

Conde is a coastal municipality in the state of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil, known for a string of scenic beaches framed by red sandstone cliffs and coconut palms. Its best-known beaches include Coqueirinho, Tambaba (famous for its naturist area), Tabatinga and Carapibus, each offering a different mix of surf, sand and coastal vegetation. Conde mixes relaxed, small-town charm with growing eco- and beach-tourism infrastructure, while remaining quieter than nearby João Pessoa.

The surrounding Atlantic Forest patches, estuaries and reefs make it a good base for nature walks, birdwatching and coastal photography.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day at the charming Praça da Independência, where you can enjoy a fresh cup of Brazilian coffee from a local café. As the sun rises higher, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets, admiring the colonial architecture that tells the story of Conde's rich past. Don't forget to visit the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a beautiful church that showcases the artistry of local craftsmanship.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a nearby traditional restaurant, head to the Museu do Artesanato, where you can explore local handicrafts and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir. Spend the afternoon wandering through the vibrant local markets, sampling exotic fruits and street food from friendly vendors. Engage with artisans displaying their work, gaining insight into the cultural significance of their crafts.

evening
:

As dusk settles, find a cozy spot at a waterfront restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the ocean. The soothing sounds of the waves and the gentle breeze create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the beach, soaking in the beauty of the coastline illuminated by the moonlight.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

Kick off your day at Praia de Tabatinga, one of Conde's stunning beaches, where the golden sands meet crystal-clear waters. Spend the morning sunbathing or engaging in water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking, with equipment available for rent nearby. The friendly beach atmosphere and the sound of the waves provide a perfect backdrop for a leisurely morning.

afternoon
:

After a refreshing swim, enjoy a beachside lunch featuring local delicacies like grilled fish or shrimp prepared with traditional spices. Spend your afternoon trying your hand at snorkeling, exploring the vibrant underwater life just off the shore. Alternatively, relax under a coconut tree with a good book and watch the world go by.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, join a beach bonfire, where locals and visitors gather to share stories and enjoy music. Sample delicious beach snacks and sip on refreshing caipirinhas as the night unfolds. The lively atmosphere will have you dancing under the stars, creating unforgettable memories with new friends.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee or snack at a café$1.50-4
🚕Short taxi ride (within town)$3-8
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$40-100
🍹Cocktail or drink at a beach bar$2.50-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful, varied coastline with dramatic cliffs and several distinct beaches
  • Less crowded and more relaxed than larger regional resorts
  • Good base for nature activities, birdwatching and coastal photography
  • Affordable local food and accommodation options
  • Limited public transport and tourist infrastructure outside peak season
  • Some beaches have strong currents; swimming can be risky without local guidance
  • Nightlife and specialized services are modest compared with nearby João Pessoa
  • Language barriers may arise—fewer English speakers compared to major tourist centers
  • "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado (if you are male) / Obrigada (if you are female)" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Aceita cartão?" - Do you accept card?
  • "Onde fica a praia?" - Where is the beach?
  • "Socorro!" - Help!
  • "Banheiro?" - Bathroom?

Places to Visit in Conde

Visit one of these nice places.

Mirante de Coqueirinho

A cliff-top viewpoint offering sweeping vistas over Coqueirinho beach, the rock formations and the coconut groves—excellent at sunrise or golden hour.

Tambaba Cliffs and Beach

Dramatic red sandstone cliffs meet the sea with textured rock faces and tide pools; be respectful of signage around the naturist area while photographing public sections.

Tabatinga Beach and Tide Pools

Flat rock shelves and clear pools ideal for macro and low-tide landscape photography, with colorful fishing boats adding local character.

Carapibus Sunrise

A quieter stretch of sand east of Coqueirinho where soft morning light and local fishermen can make compelling compositions.

Barra de Gramame Estuary

Mangrove channels, rustic boats and birdlife create moody, reflective shots—best in the calm light of early morning or late afternoon.

Culinary Guide

Food in Conde

Conde’s cuisine is typical of northeastern Brazil with an emphasis on fresh seafood, coconut, cassava (manioc) preparations and regional seasonings like malagueta pepper and coconut milk. Beach kiosks serve simple, delicious dishes and cold drinks, while small restaurants serve more elaborate regional stews and grilled fish.

Conde Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Peixada (Fish Stew)

A local fish stew cooked with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions and cassava or plantain — commonly found at beachside restaurants and family eateries.

Must-Try!

Acarajé and Tapioca

Street snacks influenced by Afro-Brazilian cuisine: tapioca pancakes filled with cheese or coconut and acarajé (fried black-eyed pea fritters) available at local markets or stalls.

Moqueca de Peixe (Regional Variation)

A coconut-milk and palm-oil based fish stew served with rice — ask at seafood restaurants for their local twist.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Beach Kiosks

Small kiosks along Coqueirinho, Tabatinga and Carapibus offer fresh juices, grilled fish, tapioca, fried snacks and cold drinks — perfect for a casual meal with ocean views.

Weekend Handicraft and Food Stalls

Look for small weekend markets near the main beaches selling regional sweets, coconut-based treats and handheld savory snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Conde has a tropical coastal climate: warm to hot year-round with relatively small temperature swings. The warmest months are around December–February, while the highest rainfall generally occurs in the March–July window depending on year-to-year variability. Sea temperatures remain pleasant most of the year, and humidity is typically high. Trade winds from the Atlantic often provide refreshing breezes along the coast.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Friendly, warm greetings are common—use 'bom dia' (good morning), 'boa tarde' (good afternoon) and 'boa noite' (good evening). Among acquaintances, brief cheek kisses or hugs are common; handshakes are fine in formal situations.

Dress and Beach Behaviour

Beachwear is normal on the sand; if visiting Tambaba stick to the designated textile/nudist rules for each section. When entering shops or restaurants, avoid walking around visibly wet and sandy as a courtesy.

Politeness and Language

Attempting basic Portuguese pleasantries is appreciated; be polite and patient—locals value warmth and hospitality.

Environmental Respect

Avoid leaving trash on beaches and be careful with fire on dunes; respect signs protecting nesting areas and local wildlife.

Safety Guide

Safety

Conde is relatively safe for daytime beach and tourist activities, but standard precautions apply: watch belongings on the sand, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep valuables secured. Be cautious of strong currents and heed local warnings and lifeguard flags; swimming conditions can change quickly. Use official taxis or app-based transport when traveling at night and check recent local advice about neighborhoods before exploring after dark.

Tipping in Conde

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants sometimes include a 10% service charge (confira se está incluso); if service charge isn’t added, leaving around 10% is appreciated. For beach staff, porters and guides, small cash tips (R$5–R$20 or local equivalent) are common for good service.

Payment Methods

Brazilian real (BRL) is the local currency; most hotels and restaurants accept major credit/debit cards in busier spots, but many beach kiosks and small vendors are cash-only—carry small bills and change. ATMs and card acceptance are available in larger nearby towns; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

(December–February) Hot, sunny and beach-friendly; sea temperatures are warm and tourism peaks around holidays. Expect lively beach kiosks and crowded weekends; bring sun protection and hydrate frequently.

Autumn

(March–May) Transition season with increasing chances of rain as the rainy months approach; still warm and good for sightseeing, though some days may be overcast or wet.

Winter

(June–August) Slightly cooler and wetter depending on the year; many sunny days remain and beaches are less crowded, making it a good time for quieter visits and lower prices.

Spring

(September–November) Warming up with drier weather returning—great for outdoor activities, boat trips and photography as vegetation is often lush after the rainy season.

Nightlife Guide

Conde at Night

Conde’s nightlife is low-key and centered on beach bars, casual live music and small local festivals—weekends often have live forró or samba at bars near the beach. For a more diverse nightlife (clubs, larger concerts and late-night dining), a short trip to João Pessoa expands options considerably.

Hiking in Conde

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mirante Trails near Coqueirinho

Short coastal trails up to viewpoints that offer panoramic views of rock formations and beaches; accessible and suitable for most fitness levels.

Tabatinga Coastal Walks

Rocky shore walks and low-tide routes linking beaches for exploring tide pools and coastal flora—best at low tide and with local guidance for safety.

Mangrove and Estuary Walks at Barra de Gramame

Gentle walks and guided trails around estuarine channels and mangrove edges for birdwatching and learning about local ecosystems.

Airports

How to reach Conde by plane.

Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA) — João Pessoa

The closest major airport (about 30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic) with domestic flights and some regional connections; from the airport you can take a taxi, transfer or rent a car to Conde.

Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) — Recife

A larger international airport about 2–2.5 hours by car (depending on route and traffic) offering more national and international connections; useful if combining travel in the broader northeastern region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Conde’s small town areas and some beaches are very walkable, but many attractions (different beaches and viewpoints) are spread out along the coast and connected by coastal roads—having a car, renting a scooter or booking local transfers/buggy tours makes moving between beaches easier. Sidewalks can be limited outside central spots.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Coastal Communities

Long-established fishing and smallholder families who live and work along the coast and estuaries—many communities maintain traditional livelihoods and local customs.

Afro-Brazilian and Mixed Heritage Populations

The region has a culturally rich mix, with Afro-Brazilian influence strong in cuisine, music and festivals.

Tourists and Expat Visitors

Growing numbers of domestic tourists from other Brazilian states and international visitors, especially during high season and regional holidays.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Beach Football (Futebol de Praia)

A local favorite—informal games are common on wide sands and among families and friends.

Surfing and Bodyboarding

Popular at spots with consistent waves; both locals and visiting surfers can be seen at morning sessions.

Beach Volleyball

A common recreational activity on wider beaches, often played in groups during afternoons and weekends.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Conde itself is usually light compared to big cities, but roads connecting the coastal beaches can become congested during holiday weekends and peak season. Public transportation is limited—regional buses serve main routes but schedules can be infrequent, so many visitors rely on rental cars, taxis, private transfers or guided tours to move between beaches and nearby towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Conde.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with larger Brazilian cities; request tapioca with cheese or vegetables, rice and beans, salads, and coconut-based vegetable stews at restaurants—carry snacks if you’re in remote stretches.

Vegan

Vegan choices are possible (tapioca with fillings, fruit, rice and beans) but less common; communicating dietary needs in Portuguese (e.g., 'sou vegano/vegana') helps, and pick larger towns nearby for more options.

Gluten-free

Cassava-based dishes (tapioca, farinha de mandioca) are naturally gluten-free; still confirm cross-contamination at local kitchens and rely on fresh fruit, grilled fish and rice when in doubt.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and pharmacies serve routine needs in and near Conde; for serious medical care, hospitals and more comprehensive facilities are in João Pessoa (approximately 30–50 minutes by car). Carry any prescription medicines, have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed, stay hydrated, and protect against mosquito-borne illness with repellent when in vegetated or estuarine areas.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide