One of the hot, up-and-coming destinations in the Northeast, Maceió is a navigable modern city set on some truly beautiful beachfront. It has a small but lively bar and restaurant scene and fairly laid-back streets; it's also the gateway to wonderfully idyllic shoreline to the north and south. On the city's beaches, vivid, emerald-hued water laps the powdery sands that are lined with palms and brightly painted jangadas (traditional sailboats). By night, local residents follow the meandering beachside path as it weaves past thatched-roof restaurants and palm-shaded football pitches. Maceió's sights are relatively few, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy a nice meal, catch some rays and soak in the relaxed atmosphere