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Twenty years ago, Porto de Galinhas (Port of Chickens) was just another fishing village at the end of a dirt road, with a palm-fringed beach and a few Recifenses’ holiday homes. Today it's one of Brazil’s booming beach destinations, with several large resort hotels strung along Praia Muro Alto and Praia do Cupe, north of the center, and dense festive crowds flocking here at holiday times. Pedestrianizing the few streets that make up the town center, where the odd restaurant opens right on to the beach, has preserved some village ambience. Beautiful beaches with light-colored sands stretch several kilometers in both directions from the town.
The town gets its name from the period between 1853 and 1888, when the trade of enslaved people, but not the enslavement of people itself, was illegal in Brazil, and ships would land here loaded with crates of chickens (galinhas) as cover for their human cargo.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Porto de Galinhas.
Natural Pool
A major factor in Porto Galinhas' popularity is the collection of amazing tidal pools full of tropical fish that appear in the coral reefs around 100m in front of the town during low tide. It's possible to wade out to the pools but the local government limits numbers on the reef at any time, so you'll need to get a free wristband at the Praça do Relógio and wait for the next group. Take a snorkel to scrutinize the abundant marine life.
Beach
This lovely long beach just to the south of Porto de Galinhas is backed by swathes of coconut palms and has excellent surf – it sometimes hosts national competitions. It is far less busy than the main beach in Porto de Galinhas and is a pleasant place to get away from the crowds. On its southern edge, a river leads up into mangroves behind the town, where you'll find a nice bar among the trees, and there are tidal pools just offshore.