Praia da Pipa

Also known as the Praia do Centro, this is the main spot for beach-sitting activities. Here, a small swath of sandy beach is packed with beach bars (the only beach in the area with kiosks on the sand) that extend into the water itself during high tide. There are plenty of seats, but they still fill up on weekends and during peak season, as this is the gathering place for tourists, surfers, and locals. Beer, fried fish, live music, and fashion swimwear are the diversions at Praia da Pipa. The water is warm and shallow, but you’ll want to avoid the boats that park offshore. There are plenty of inlets for swimming and exploring at low tide. If you can’t find a seat on the main beach, walk out to the left to find one of the bars positioned higher up on the cliffs, overlooking the ocean. The cobblestone street that descends to the beach from the far end of the village passes numerous shops and private stands with clothes and local arts and crafts.