Ponta do Seixas: The Easternmost Point of the Americas
João Pessoa's Ponta do Seixas lighthouse marks the exact easternmost point of the American continent — where the Americas are closest to Africa and where the sun rises first on the Brazilian mainland
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Ponta do Seixas lighthouse
The lighthouse at the easternmost point of the Americas marks the moment when America comes closest to Africa — the Portuguese and African connection seen in João Pessoa's cultural heritage begins here
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First sunrise in Brazil
Standing at Ponta do Seixas at dawn, the first rays of sunlight reach continental Brazil – the point's symbolic and geographical significance makes it a place of pilgrimage for visitors from all over the country
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Atlantic Forest Coastal Reserve
The coastal reserve around the headland protects the remnants of the Atlantic Forest on the clifftops — the dramatic meeting of forest and sea at this extreme point is spectacular
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João Pessoa's rocky coast
The rocky coast stretching north and south from Ponta do Seixas has natural pools, sea caves and the dramatic red sandstone rock formations (barreiras) on the north-east coast
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Africa Connection
João Pessoa's proximity to Africa — only 2,000 km to Senegal — is reflected in the town's history; the first Portuguese landfall in Brazil was nearby, and the African influence in culture and religion is profound
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Cabo Branco Lighthouse
The modernist lighthouse (Farol do Cabo Branco) at the headland is a Niemeyer-designed structure above the cliff — the approach road through the Atlantic Forest to the lighthouse is a scenic experience in itself