“Nordeste,” as it’s known in Brazil, is unapologetically alive and impossibly picturesque. This region of Brazil stretches across nine states—Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Sergipe, and Bahia—each one with its own distinct personality, pastimes, and culinary penchants. African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences collide, blending into vibrant music, dishes, art, and rituals. Oh, and some of the best carnival parties take place right here. For those who don’t mind a little heat, a little grit, and bucketloads of natural beauty, look no further.

1. Lençois, Bahia State

With its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and a backdrop of rivers and trails, the old mining town of Lençois is the gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park, which has hundreds of waterfalls, both seasonal and permanent. This slice of wild Bahia offers raw, untamed landscapes that pull you out of your routine and into nature’s grip. The best time to come is during the dry season from May to October, when the days are warm, the nights are cool, and the trails beckon.

Hotels in Lençois: Hotel Canto das Águas, Pousada Solar Azul

2. Morro de São Paulo, Bahia State

This tiny village on the island of Tinhare is a world apart, where cars aren’t allowed, and goods get transported by wheelbarrows. There you can spend your days moving from beach to beach, and they are handily numbered from one to five—Primeira Praia to Quinta Praia—so you’ll have no problems navigating them. Find your preferred sandy spot and kick back with a caipirinha in hand. You’ll see everyone sipping strong cocktails out of cocoa pods. When you want to turn up the tempo, you can zip-line down to the beach. Morro de São Paulo has a party atmosphere, so expect pumping music and opportunities to drink and be merry.

Hotels in Morro de São Paulo: Pousada Aroeira Eco, Pousada Residence Vila das Flores, Pousada Aquarela

3. Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco State

Meaning “Port of Chickens,” Porto de Galinhas is your beach paradise with natural pools and clear waters where you can swim with fish. Yes, it’s touristy, but sometimes that’s just what the doctor ordered. Seriously, don’t miss the natural pools.

Hotels in Porto de Galinhas: Pousada Porto Navegantes, Hotel Village Porto de Galinhas

4. Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco State

This is a once-in-a-lifetime, pinch-me-now kind of place that thoroughly lives up to the hype. Fernando de Noronha is a protected archipelago that’s closer to Africa than it is to São Paulo, and only a certain number of tourists are permitted at a time. It’s one of the most exclusive and expensive places in Brazil, as each day of your stay, you’re required to pay a fee that goes towards conservation. With pristine (and mostly empty) beaches, incredible nature, and the highest concentration of dolphins in Brazil, most visitors would say that it’s worth it.

Hotels in Fernando de Noronha: Fulô de Mandacaru, Ilha Hostel, Pousada Atalaia Noronha

5. Jericoacoara, Ceará State

“Jeri,” as the locals call it, feels like a postcard that’s come to life. Here, dunes roll down into turquoise lagoons, and life slows to a crawl. The sunsets here aren’t just beautiful; they’re a ritual. Jeri has miles of untouched shoreline and surreal rock formations like Pedra Furada, and if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, the kitesurfing scene is world-renowned.

Hotels in Jericoacoara: Acoara PRAIA, Apenunga Eco Hotel, Pousada CasAlice

6. Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte State

Pipa is to Rio Grande do Norte what Jericoacoara is to Ceará state: a small go-to coastal destination with big appeal. It’s easy to get around in Pipa, and you’ll find plenty of cozy cafes and guesthouses with good Wi-Fi and a welcoming vibe.

Hotels in Pipa: Recanto de Ibiza, Pousada Paraíso das Tartarugas, Pousada Morada dos Ventos

7. João Pessoa, Paraíba State

João Pessoa is a laid-back city with stunning beaches and a rich history. Praia do Jacaré offers a unique sunset experience—a live saxophone performance as the sun dips below the horizon from a homegrown musician, Jurandy, who’s been going for two decades. Located just north of João Pessoa, Cabedelo is known for its beautiful beaches and the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, a 16th-century fort that played a key role in Brazil’s history.

Hotels in João Pessoa: Nord Luxxor Sapucaia, Verdegreen Hotel, Manaira Palace

Juandy do Sax in Cabedelo, Paraíba