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Cabo Branco Lighthouse

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Landmark
—°14
Cabo Branco Lighthouse (Brazil)

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The Cabo Branco Lighthouse (Farol do Cabo Branco) is a striking architectural landmark located in João Pessoa, the capital city of Paraíba, Brazil. Inaugurated in 1972, the structure is perched atop a 40-meter-high cliff that symbolically marks the easternmost point of the American mainland, Pontal do Seixas. The lighthouse is renowned for its unique triangular design, which was inspired by the leaves of the sisal plant, a crop that has historically been vital to the regional economy. Standing at 19 meters tall, the concrete structure serves as an essential navigation aid for maritime traffic in the Atlantic Ocean while functioning as a major tourist destination. Its modernist aesthetic deviates from the traditional cylindrical shape of classic lighthouses, reflecting Brazil's architectural trends of the 1970s. Visitors are drawn to the site not only for its geographic significance but also for the sweeping panoramic views it features of the coastline and the vast ocean beyond.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828272625252525262728
Rain mm86961271691732331709547251830

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Cabo Branco Lighthouse can be visited from the outside at any time. The interior is usually only accessible through guided tours.
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Typical hours
The outdoor area is accessible 24/7. Interior visits typically occur during daytime, but exact hours vary by season.
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Photography
Photography outdoors is allowed anytime and encouraged. Inside, flash may be restricted to preserve the interior.
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Time needed
A quick visit to the lighthouse takes about 30 minutes. For a thorough exploration with a guide, allow one hour.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Cabo Branco beach. The adjacent nature reserve is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
From João Pessoa city center, you can reach the lighthouse by taxi or bus. A rental car has more flexibility for exploring the area.
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Insider tip
Visit the lighthouse at sunrise - it marks the easternmost point of the American mainland. You'll have the place almost to yourself, and the light is magical.

Geography

Coordinates
-7.14810, -34.79580

Facts

  • Inaugurated on April 21, 1972, during the administration of Governor Ernani Sátiro.
  • Symbolically marks the easternmost point of the Americas at Pontal do Seixas.
  • The triangular architecture is inspired by the leaves of the regional sisal plant.
  • The tower stands 19 meters tall on a cliff 40 meters above sea level.
  • Its light signal has a visibility range of approximately 27 nautical miles.
  • Located roughly 14 kilometers away from the city center of João Pessoa.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

João PessoaJoão Pessoa8 km · SExplore →
OlindaOlinda79 km · WExplore →
RecifeRecife83 km · WExplore →
PipaPipa88 km · EExplore →
Jaboatão dos GuararapesJaboatão dos Guararapes91 km · WExplore →
Tibau do SulTibau do Sul94 km · EExplore →
Port of SuapePort of Suape115 km · WExplore →
Massangana Sugar MillMassangana Sugar Mill116 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cabo Branco Lighthouse (14)

Ponta do Seixas📍 landmark

This coastal stretch is known as the easternmost point of the mainland Americas.

Farol do Cabo Branco📍 landmark

The triangular lighthouse represents a sisal plant and marks the eastern tip of Brazil.

Estação Cabo Branco – Ciência, Cultura e Artes🌳 park

This modern center designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer is dedicated to science, culture, and arts.

Floresta Branca🏛 museum

This art gallery showcases contemporary works by regional artists in a modern setting.

Casa de José Américo de Almeida🏛 museum

The museum is located in the former residence of the prominent Brazilian writer José Américo de Almeida.

Estação das Artes🏛 museum

This large exhibition space is dedicated to promoting and showcasing regional visual arts.

Parque Três Ruas🏺 historical

This urban green space serves as a recreational area and a spot for sports activities for residents.

Centro Cultural de Mangabeira🎭 culture

The community center features diverse cultural workshops and performances for the Mangabeira neighborhood.

Teatro A Pedra do Reino🎭 culture

This modern theater is one of Brazil's largest and is known for its impressive architecture.

Centro de Convenções de João Pessoa Poeta Ronaldo Cunha Lima🎭 culture

The modern convention center stands out for its distinctive wave-like roof design right on the coast.

Igreja New Life Quadramares⛪ religious

This modern Christian church is located in the Quadramares neighborhood near the coast.

Capela Imaculado Coração de Maria⛪ religious

A Catholic chapel in the Cabo Branco neighborhood dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

terreiro de candomble de Ialorixa Gorete⛪ religious

A ritual site for Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion, led by Ialorixá Gorete.

Igreja N.Sra.das Neves📍 landmark

A historic church dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows, the patroness of João Pessoa.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of the lighthouse?
The interior is usually closed to the public, but the exterior can be visited freely.
What makes this place special?
It marks the easternmost point of the American continent in João Pessoa.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there are public parking spaces directly at the Cabo Branco viewpoint.
When is the best time to visit?
At sunrise it is most spectacular, as the sun rises first here in the Americas.
Is access wheelchair accessible?
The area around the lighthouse is mostly flat and accessible via paved roads.
Cabo Branco Lighthouse: where is it located?
Cabo Branco Lighthouse is located in Brazil.
Cabo Branco Lighthouse: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ponta do Seixas, Farol do Cabo Branco, Estação Cabo Branco, Ciência, Cultura e Artes.
Cabo Branco Lighthouse: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Cabo Branco Lighthouse: why is it worth visiting?
The Cabo Branco Lighthouse (Farol do Cabo Branco) is a striking architectural landmark located in João Pessoa, the capital city of Paraíba, Brazil.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

João Pessoa — Cabo Branco Lighthouse (Brazil)
João Pessoa
One of the oldest cities in Brazil and the easternmost point of the American continent.
Campina Grande — Cabo Branco Lighthouse (Brazil)
Campina Grande
An important technological and cultural center in the interior of Paraíba, famous for the world's largest São João festival.
Olinda — Cabo Branco Lighthouse (Brazil)
Olinda
One of the best-preserved colonial cities in Brazil, adjacent to Recife and world-famous for its colorful carnival.