Coruripe

Coruripe is a city of 57,000 people (2020) in Alagoas at the edge of Coruripe river.

Understand
Its population lives mainly from growing sugar cane, collecting coconuts, and fishing, and also has other forms of subsistence such as passion fruit, papaya, pineapple, beans, handicrafts, trade and tourism.

The city has become better known for the beauty of its beaches, which attract more and more tourists.

Get in
Coruripe is 80 km south of Maceio along AL-101.

Access is easy by good roads, all of them in good conditions. On the road, you will pass by many breathtaking landscapes, as the "sea of coconuts tree" in Barra de São Miguel. Stop for photos there. The best way to travel is to rent a car. It's inexpensive.

See
The church of São José do Poxim is a landmark, with its fragile wooden decoration. The origin of this work of art dates back to the second half of the 18th century. In this church, religious and historical relics of the town are found in a small museum on its first floor. Among other relics is a heavy wooden cross of unknown origin found in the sacristy; the legendary image of São José do Poxim; and, according to legend, a secret tunnel.

The Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Coruripe is one of the city’s postcards. This religious temple was built in 1887 has an eclectic style, rich in details, where some wooden parts stand out. In addition, some images can be highlighted that are there, such as those of São Sebastião, São José, Santo Antônio, Nosso Senhor Glorioso and the Patroness, among others, and the deceased who historically rest there on the walls of the sacristy. However, this monument has lost much of its originality due to the effects of time on its original floor and ceiling and on the altar railings. It retains, however, its rich essence, highlighted in its altars, choir and pulpit. The Pontal lighthouse (Farol Coruripe) is one of the symbols of Coruripe. It is present in the logo of the city hall, in the coat of arms of the football team and, in the coat of arms of the city. It was built in 1948 and belongs to a nautical signalling centre.

Do
The beaches are paradisaical and there are not many tourists around. The city is of no interest, as it's not at the beach. Pontal de Coruripe has, in a small space, all kinds of seas: from the quietude of a bay, very suitable for swimming, to waves for surfing.

Among the several kilometers of coastline, the beaches of Lagoa do Pau stand out, ideal for surfing, the beaches of Pontal de Coruripe, with a barrier of corals and reefs forming a true pool of clear waters and waterfalls, further embellishing plus the postcard, beaches of Miaí de Baixo and Miaí de Cima and the Baixios de Dom Rodrigo, excellent for diving. In addition to the beauties of the beaches, Coruripe also has rivers and lakes, enchanting visitors even more.

For a good part of the year, Coruripe is synonymous with parties, starting in January with the festivals of Bom Jesus dos Navegantes and São Sebastião, Carnival in February, São José do Poxim in March, Political Emancipation in May, June festivals, São Roque and the Popular Culture Festival in August, and the feast of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.

Eat
The Baiano Restaurant, at the beach of Pontal de Coruripe, has all sorts of seafood. Ask for the "Sururu", a kind of vongoli, typical of this place.

Sleep
There are some hotels in Coruripe. There are a few small hotels in Pontal de Coruripe, named "pousadas": the best one (also the most expensive) is the surf paradise. The "Pousada da Ada" is owned by a Portuguese lady (Ms Ada), that speaks and can also teach some different languages. This is a small bed and breakfast lodge much appreciated by foreigners.