Orientation
The city center grids out on a hill between a lake lagoa and the river. Some 7 kilometers to the east, along Presidente Epitácio Pessoa, are the beaches of Tambaú to the left as you hit the beach and Cabo Branco to the right, where most of the tourist infrastructure is found. The landmark and point of reference here is the Tropical Hotel Tambaú and the feirinha handicraft market in front of it. Further north are the less attractive ManaÃra, and then the pleasant but rather deserted Bessa. The beachfront avenue receives several names: Avenida Cabo Branco, Avenida Almirante Tamandaré and Avenida João Mauricio.
Understand
Joao Pessoa is, for its sheer size, an undiscovered paradise: There are few foreigners and lots to do.
History
João Pessoa is one of the oldest cities in Brazil, dating back to 1585. From 1634 to 1654 it was controlled by the Dutch.