Maragogi, Alagoas

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:42:00 -0400

Description of Maragogi by maragogionline Maragogi is the gateway to a cluster of eight closely knit cities along the northern coast of the state of Alagoas, Brazil called the Coral Coast or the "Costa dos Corais". Besides Maragogi, these towns include Japaratinga, Porto de Pedras, and São Miguel dos Milagres, Passo de Camaragibe and Barra de Santo Antonio. Maragogi's twenty-two kilometers of beaches are on a wide lagoon formed by a continuous tropical reef that stretches over 130 kilometers along Brazil's Northeast Coast between the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas. The region's never ending reefs are perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling either at the reef or just beyond. Many visitors prefer to wander along the reef (using appropriate footwear) or its pristine beaches looking for sea life or shells, admiring the coral formations, or to just relax marveling at the constantly changing color of the Caribbean-like, clear waters. Background and History The Coral Coast region is still in the process of being "discovered" and developed. But, for centuries, this coast has been witness to the rich history of the competition for the conquest of the New World. In the region of Maragogi, battles between the Dutch and the Portuguese were fought in the early 16th century. Slightly inland from the coast some of the early sugar plantations produced the first local oligarchies and local legions such as Calabar, a local landholder who fought the Portuguese along side the Dutch in his quest for an independent Brazil. Later, the cultivation of coconuts would add to the commercial prominence of the region. Yet, its most important resource continues to be the natural beauty of its reefs and waters and the kilometers of hard packed sand that make its beaches so delightful to stroll and to shell. Maragogi was initially a small village called Gamela. In 1887, it was granted the status of a Town and adopted the name of Isabel, to honor the Brazilian Princess who signed a law ending slavery in Brazil. Later on, in 1892, it was named Maragogi after the river that baths the city. "Maragogi", according to some historians, comes from "Marahub-gy", or river of the Marauba tribes. Today, its 344 square kilometers contain sugar cane and coconut plantations and a large number of plots dedicated to family agriculture Maragogi Photo Album

Guajiru, Ceara

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:26:00 -0400

Guajiru, here presented by PraiadeGuajiru.com Praia do Guajiru is an idyllic beach nestled between Lagoinha to the south and Flexeiras to the north and about an hour and a half from Fortaleza to the south. Guajiru has been popular with wealthy families from Fortaleza for decades, a place they called home at weekends and during the holiday seasons. However in recent years, as the road infrastructure has improved, Guajiru is becomin recognised as a destination of choice for Brazilians from other regions of the coutnry as well as international visitors You will regularly see jangadas paraded up and down the coast in locally organised races, when they are not out fishing for the catch of the day in the mornings. Crowds gather on the beaches to wave encouragement to the sailors and families that crew these small yet stable boats Interspersed with the boats you will see windsurfers and kitesurfers "catching air" as they leap effortlessly from the wave tops thanks to the breezes which cool this area of northeast Brazil. Afterwards they gather in the local pousadas that are sprinkled along the shore and fervently discuss what went right or wrong over a bottle or two of their favourite beer and a plate of freshly caught fish. If you are insearch of a dream destination where the beaches are mostly empty, where the locals treat you like guests instead of targets, then Pria do Guajiru is well worth considering. The cost of living is low compared to most European countries, infact life on the whole is relatively laidback - so be prepared. Howver it is is the spark of the Brazilians that catches the attention of most visitors and draw them back. The spontaneity of the dancing and singing, the smiles on the faces of the children and the relaxed attitude to pretty much everything and everyone. They are all contagious and once you leave you will wonder when will be the next time you get to indulge your freedom in such an exhilirating way. In fairness it will probably not be until you revisit this unique part of the world! wannakitesurf??? click here Guajiru Photo Album

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Maragogi, Alagoas

Guajiru, Ceara