Maceió is a modern city set on a truly beautiful beachfront. Though not well known to international tourists – at least not yet – Brazilians have rediscovered Maceió as a vacation getaway, and the past few years have seen a boom in domestic tourism. The city has a small but buzzing dining and drinking scene and a much less hectic attitude than other larger cities; it’s also the gateway to wonderfully idyllic shorelines to the north and south. On the city’s beaches, vivid, emerald-hued water laps the powdery sands that are lined with palms and brightly painted jangadas (traditional sailboats). By night, locals follow the meandering beachfront path as it weaves past thatched-roof restaurants and palm-shaded football pitches. Maceió’s sights are relatively few, leaving you plenty of time to catch some rays and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.