Sergipe is Brazil's smallest state, but that isn’t to say that it should be bypassed on your visit to South America. Sergipe offers tourists many of Brazil's iconic vacation settings: sandy beaches, turquoise ocean water and plenty of places to party. The state also gives you a glimpse of the Old World, with a well-preserved legacy of Portuguese and African culture that dates back as early as the 16th century.
Sao Cristovao is one of the first Portuguese settlements in the New World. The site dates back to 1591, making it the fourth oldest town in Brazil. It also served as Sergipe’s initial administrative capital. Local and federal governments have successfully preserved the colonial history of the town, with the original cobblestone streets and colonial architecture still standing today. The 17th century churches and houses surround Sao Francisco Square are especially charming. Sao Cristovao was deemed a National Treasure by the Brazilian National Historical and Artistical Heritage Institute in 1967, and Sao Francisco Square was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
The state capital was moved up the coast from Sao Cristovao to Aracaju in 1855. At that time, Aracaju was a major port and economic center for the sugar and slave trades. Today, the city of over 600,000 is viewed as an up-and-coming modern tourist destination. Aracaju boasts many fine theaters, concert venues, museums, an oceanarium and a center for sea turtle preservation. The city is also home to Emperor’s Bridge, built to commemorate the visit of Emperor Pedro II in 1860, which provides great views of the city and the Atlantic harbor. Travelers should consider visiting Aracaju during Festa Junina, when traditional forro music fills the air and dance exhibitions take to the streets.
Like many of the coastal towns in Brazil, Aracaju is renowned for its white sand beaches. The coast to the south of Rio Sergipe is popular for tourists, especially near the warm waters and coconut groves of Praia do Robalo and Praio dos Artistas. Praia de Atalaia is Aracaju’s most lively beach area, with many of the city’s hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs concentrated there. The beaches of Santa Luzia Island are more secluded from the crowd, but those seeking a true hidden gem should head south to Praia do Refugio, an unspoiled slice of paradise away from it all.
On the banks of the Sao Francisco River lies the small town of Caninde do Sao Francisco. Over time, the Sao Francisco carved steep canyon walls through the Sergipe countryside, some measuring well over 50 meters. Xingo Canyon opens up to form a lake with depths close to 200 meters. The resulting rock formations, sheer canyon faces, coves and caverns -- contrasted with the meandering turquoise waters -- make for some truly breathtaking sights. The river traverses across almost 2,000 miles of Brazilian land, making it the longest solely Brazilian waterway.
