It seems that the cities of tropical Northeast Brazil have been gaining popularity in the international tourism circuit. Natal, Fortaleza, Recife, and Salvador are now fighting to be crowned as the most visited city in Brazil.

Squeezed between Pernambuco, and Ceará's Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba remains off the radar, which is fortunate because the beaches there are virtually untouched.  Therefore it is clean and quiet. There are only a few hotels to choose from, but nevertheless they all can accommodate holiday makers comfortably. The culture is rich and its people are friendly.

Piquing British Interest

The internationalization of the airport in João Pessoa last July of 2005 took it out of virtual anonymity and investment opportunities seem to sprout out of nowhere. British and European tourists and potential investors are suddenly interested with the prospect of João Pessoa. In fact, the government of Sweden sent 40 people to the city to asses the investment opportunity in the area.

About João Pessoa

Aside from lovely beaches and pearly sands bathed by an azure sea, the capital of the state of Paraíba is a city whose characteristics are entirely unique. It is supposedly the 3rd oldest city in the country. Founded in 1885, its beautiful baroque buildings and architectural patrimony dates back to the 18th century.

Surrounded by beautiful gardens, squares and well cared for natural forests; João Pessoa is one of the greenest places in the world.  One of the city's allure is being the most easterly part of Americas which can be viewed from the Cabo Branco Lighthouse.

The island of Areia Vermelha and the natural pool formations of Picãozinho are great places to go on a boat stroll. The traditional sunset watching at the beach of Jacaré, coupled with the sounds Ravel’s Bolero, dates back to eternity. Wandering on board a buggy is a great way to see all the nearby beaches like Poço, Tabatinga, Tambaba, Coquerinhos and Jacuma. The city of João Pessoa itself offers the beaches of Bessa, Manaira, Cabo Branco, and Tambaú. For the most exhilarating nightlife, go to the beach of Tambaú, they have the nicest restaurants, bars, and clubs to suit everyone's taste.

Just a few stones throw away from the coast of Tambaú beach is a formation of rocky corals called the Picãozinho. During low tides forms are pooled which are excellent for snorkeling. On the island of Areia Vermelha, a sandbar appears when its low tide that’s about 1km wide and stretches for 2km. To reach these places will take 15 minutes.

Historical Joao Pessoa

The church of São Francisco and the Santo Antônio convent should be adamantly visited.  That is, if you are one of those who love intricate rococo styles of architecture. The structures actually date back as old as the founding of the city itself. Adorned with Portuguese tiling and gold, the church altar is a sight to behold. The churches of Palácio da Redenção, N.S. do Carmo and N.S. da Guia is considered to be great places to visit. The buildings are said to be dated as far back as 16th century. Still running until today is the Santa Rosa theatre, which was built in 1889.  It is the most aged theatre in Brazil. Cannons that are older than 400 hundred years can be seen at the Santa Catarina Fort 25 km out of João Pessoa in the municipality of Caboodle.

Renting or Purchasing a Holiday Home in João Pessoa

Going to João Pessoa might surprise you because you will see a lot of British and European people at home in the country and city. A lot of people are actually making more than a decent living in João Pessoa.  It is even better because most of them are foreigners. Here, you will meet a number of inhabitants who already own there dream homes or is planning of acquiring one.

There are many property owners who rent out the same houses they live in when they are in the city. It acts as a sort of investment, at the same time, as a place to get away. Properties in João Pessoa are extremely affordable, especially if you consider the exchange rate between the pound and the Brazilian real.

Others purchase a home simply for investment, or to retire in after 5 years. Still some purchase a condo or a villa by the beach as a rest house and then rent it out so that it takes care of itself while the family is way back home in England.

Key Terms to Remember

The language barrier is difficult, but it helps to know a few of the terms that Brazilian use when referring to homes. Condomínios are not flats or condominiums instead they are gated communities that may have townhouses or houses nestled within.

Flats and apartments are not like what you would expect back home in England. In here, they are individually run and maintained by the owner.  This is once it's bought from the contractors. 

Some of the properties available are located in condomínios but this should not be confused with condos, a word Brazilians don’t use for apartments. Condomínios are gated developments that include houses or town homes and may have security staff to patrol the grounds. Aluguel de temporada also means a place in only for rent during certain seasons, probably when the home owner is not using it.

Advantages of Owning or Renting a Holiday Home

João Pessoa and Brazil itself is very well known for its low cost of living, but during the peak season prices may go up because businesses do take advantage of the influx of visitors. So renting a flat can save you on hotel costs. What's more, you can go to the local market and buy fresh ingredients to cook for yourself or your family.

Owning a home in João Pessoa presents many advantages financially, but the gist of it is that it is an investment which you can rent out when you're not using the place. It gives you income and it is self maintaining. The other thing is that Brazil is experiencing a property boom.  In about five to ten years, it will be able to give you a hefty yield.