Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport: where to stay, areas…

Castro Pinto airport is out of town, 15 km from Tambaú and 21-23 km from Cabo Branco and Manaíra: by car or app it takes about 40 minutes, more if traffic on the BR-230 is heavy. The city bus goes via the rodoviária with a change and can take up to two hours, so those arriving or leaving outside normal hours should book a private transfer or an app instead. In João Pessoa there's no point staying near the terminal: there's nothing nearby, and all the worthwhile hotels are on the seafront between Tambaú, Manaíra and Cabo Branco, the area where the beach, restaurants and evening life are concentrated.

Tambaú

Neighbourhood · about 15 km and a 40-minute drive from the airport, depending on traffic on the BR-230

Best for: for those who prefer the city's most historic stretch of seafront, with the craft market just steps away

Pros

Craft market and beach within walking distance
One of the most central areas of the João Pessoa seafront

Cons

Some hotels in the area report noise from evening bars facing the beach
A more limited choice of hotels than in Manaíra

Recommended hotels in this area

Hotel Caiçara João Pessoa: a short walk from the beach and the craft market, with a panoramic rooftop terrace

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Manaíra

Neighbourhood · about 23 km and a 40-minute drive from the airport, depending on traffic on the BR-230

Best for: for those wanting the city's most polished neighbourhood, with the big shopping mall and top-level restaurants

Pros

More restaurants and shops within walking distance than any other part of the seafront
Free bicycles at some hotels for getting around the beach

Cons

Beach a few minutes' walk away, but not right on the hotel's doorstep
Room rates among the highest in the city

Recommended hotels in this area

Manaíra Hotel: close to the beach and the big Manaíra shopping mall, convenient for those staying several days
Verdegreen Hotel: a 7-minute walk from Tambaú beach, with free bicycles and an outdoor pool

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