Carneiros Beach

Carneiros Beach is one of northeast Brazil's most picturesque and peaceful beaches — a beautiful stretch of white sand with natural reef pools creating aquamarine coves of warm, crystal-clear water. What sets Carneiros apart from other reef-pool beaches on the Pernambuco coast is the presence of the Igreja de Santo Antônio — a 300-year-old whitewashed colonial church that sits right at the water's edge on a coconut palm-shaded point. The image of the colonial chapel reflected in the clear shallow water at sunrise is one of the most extraordinary beach scenes in all of Brazil.

The beach is accessible by boat from the Barra de Tamandaré fishing village, adding a sense of arrival and isolation that increases its appeal. The reef pools immediately offshore have excellent snorkeling with good coral coverage and tropical fish. The area was declared an Environmental Protection Area in 1988, limiting the level of tourism development and preserving the natural character that makes it special. The beach remains significantly quieter than Porto de Galinhas, and the journey by small boat through mangroves adds to the magical atmosphere.