Parnaíba combines breathtaking natural scenery, top-notch cuisine, and the finest of Northeastern culture. Explore the itinerary featuring the key attractions and make the most of your journey!
The northeastern coast is abundant in idyllic destinations and unparalleled scenery. Parnaíba, the second largest city in Piauí, is part of the Route of Emotions, which offers a blend of sun, dunes, and pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters from Jericoacoara to Lençóis Maranhenses in Maranhão.
Parnaíba may not be as popular as other destinations, but it surprises visitors, especially with the Delta do Parnaíba, a unique natural formation with canals leading to the sea.
Parnaíba is known for its diverse wildlife and plant life as well as its attractive beaches. Additionally, the city has a historic district where visitors can explore century-old mansions and palaces. They can also browse through artisan shops, sample local cuisine at restaurants, and enjoy a refreshing ice cream in the evening.
If you are considering exploring the coastline of Piauí, you will benefit from the advice in this guide we have put together for you.
In this article you will find:
- Activities to enjoy in Parnaíba?
- Where is the best place to stay in Parnaíba?
- Where can I dine in Parnaíba?
- When is the best time to visit Parnaíba?
- How long should I stay in Parnaíba?
- Directions to Parnaíba?
- Transport in Spain
- Emotional Journey
- National travel insurance
- Parnaíba flights
- Commonly Asked Questions
What activities can be done in Parnaíba?
Parnaíba is an ideal destination for nature lovers, with the Delta of Parnaíba being the top attraction in the region. It is a natural paradise for ecotourism, featuring mangroves, lagoons, sand dunes, wildlife, rivers, and pristine beaches.
The Museum of the Sea in Porto das Barcas, situated in the historic center of Parnaíba, is the biggest in Piauí. It exhibits pieces that narrate the area’s history and its connection to coastal culture. Explore the streets of the region’s historic center as well.
Another option to consider for your itinerary is a quad bike tour across the sand dunes in Parnaíba. Explore some of the key attractions listed below:
- Rio de Janeiro Delta
- Historic Center (Port of the Boats)
- Portinho Lagoon
- Beira Rio boardwalk
- Piauí Bed Sheets
- Canaries
- Our Lady of Grace Cathedral
- Grace Plaza located in the city center
- Atalaia Beach
- Pedra do Sal Beach
- Santo Antônio Square
- Sea Museum
- Rendeiras’ House
- Flock of Scarlet Ibises
- Island of Cashew
- Night Safari
Top beaches in Parnaíba
The region’s beaches are famous for their clear, warm waters and diverse marine life, offering unforgettable leisure and relaxation during your stay in the Northeast.
The Pedra do Sal beach is Parnaíba’s sole beach. Referred to as the Parnaibanos’ beach, it boasts calm waters and a blue hue, making it perfect for relaxation, fishing, and sunset views.
Some well-known beaches in the area include Coqueiro, Macapá, and Itaqui beaches, located in Luiz Correia about 40 minutes from Parnaíba. See the list of the top beaches in the region:
- Pedra do Sal Beach
- Barra Grande Beach
- Coconut Beach
- Beach in Macapá
- Carnaubinha
- Itaqui Coast
Check out our advice:
- Paraphrase: Paranaíba River Delta
- Accommodations in Teresina
Where should I stay in Parnaíba?
Parnaíba offers various accommodation choices including guesthouses, vacation homes, and hotels. The location of these options varies, with some in the city center, others by Pedra do Sol beach, and some even on the islands of Delta do Parnaíba. The ideal area for you will depend on your preference to be near either commercial activities or water.
After a day of exploring the city, if you’re looking for a relaxing hot bath and a cozy bed to unwind, it’s recommended to consider some lodging options in Parnaíba.
Parnaíba accommodations
There are various hotel choices available in Parnaíba. Many of them provide air-conditioned accommodations with complimentary Wi-Fi, swimming pools, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and delightful breakfast spreads to ensure a memorable experience. Explore our curated selection of hotels in Parnaíba below:
- Citi Executive Hotel offers rooms starting at R$ 210 per day with a rating of 8.0.
- Hotel Pousada Dos Ventos offers daily rates starting from R$ 213 with a rating of 8.0.
- Hotel Aveiro offers rooms for R$ 370 per day with a rating of 9.6.
- Arrey Hotel Beach offers daily rates starting at R$ 326 with a rating of 8.0.
View all available accommodation choices in Parnaíba.
Parnaíba hostels
Apart from the hotels, a variety of hostels are available in Parnaíba. Many of these lodgings include features such as a garden, private parking, air conditioning, wifi, and flat-screen TV. See the choices listed below:
- Porto Rio Inn – R$ 230 per day – Rating of 8.9
- Vila Cajuína Inn – Parnaíba – Starting at R$ 247 per day – Rated 8.6
- Porto das Barcas Inn – Daily rates starting at R$ 235 – Rating of 8.5
- Vila do Carmo Inn – Rates starting at R$ 149 per day – Rating of 8.0
Explore all accommodation choices available in Parnaíba.
Parnaíba vacation home
In Parnaíba, you can discover various vacation rentals that offer a homely experience for travelers, ideal for families or groups seeking privacy and ample space. Below are a few options:
- Cozy place in Parnaiba jw – Available every day starting from R$ 90 – Rating of 9.0
- House by the sea – R$ 260 per day – Rated 9.1
- Daily rates starting at 100 Brazilian reais – Rating of 8.9
- Guará Mansion is available daily starting at R$ 231 with a rating of 9.0.
Explore all vacation rental choices in Parnaíba.
Where can you dine in Parnaíba?
The primary dining establishments and bars can be found in the heart of Parnaíba. It is notable that the Parisian cuisine is known for its vibrant colors and rich flavors, with local dishes often featuring lobster, crab, and fish.
Seafood enthusiasts can visit Mangata Restaurant to try the tasty “Fartura do Mar” dish, made with fish fillet, lobster syrup, and grilled shrimp.
If you enjoy trying delicious Arabic cuisine, the Zayn Gastrobar Restaurant is a popular choice. The most sought-after dish at the restaurant is the kafta, which features seasoned ground meat cooked on a spit in the Arabic style, alongside tasty spiffins.
Check out our picks for the top dining spots in Parnaíba:
- Mangata Restaurant
- Zayn Gastrobar Restaurant
- Crab Express Restaurant
- Camarão Corner Restaurant
- Paladar Brotherhood Restaurant
When is the best time to visit Parnaíba?
The best time to visit Parnaíba is from May to August, when there is less rain and milder weather, although the ponds tend to fill up more during this period.
Visitors to the area for kitesurfing can plan their trip during the period from August to December, when the winds are consistently strong.
How long should I stay in Parnaíba?
It is recommended to set aside four days for a complete visit. Aside from exploring the historic downtown area, you can easily explore the region’s natural beauty, including Delta do Parnaíba, Lagoa do Portinho, and Pedra do Sal Beach.
How can I reach Parnaíba?
The most convenient way to reach Parnaíba is by air. You have the option of flying directly to the city’s small airport or arriving in Teresina, the state capital located 330 km away, and then driving to Parnaíba.
By air
The city hosts Parnaíba Mayor Dr. João Silva Filho International Airport, which serves regional and national flights. Airlines such as Blue, Latam Airlines, and Hahn Air Systems operate at this airport.
The airport only serves non-stop flights originating from Fortaleza (CE), São Luís (MA), and Teresina (PI). Travelers from the southern and southeastern regions of the country must connect through one of these airports.
By automobile
Anyone arriving at Teresina Airport will discover a longer route, covering approximately 330 km and taking around five hours to travel via BR-343.
The path from Fortaleza goes through the BR-222 and BR-343, covering about 490.3 km and taking around six hours. If traveling from Ceará to Parnaíba, the recommended route is via the BR-402, which is approximately 205.3 km and takes about eight hours.
Traveling by bus
The Guanabara car travels from Fortaleza, Teresina, and other northeastern regions to Parnaíba. The journey from Teresina to Parnaíba lasts five to seven hours, depending on the number of stops. From Fortaleza to Parnaíba, the journey takes approximately 10 hours.
If you opt for this mode of transportation, be aware that the area has only two close by routes, the Luís Correia Bus Station and the Parnaíba Bus Station.
From Parnaíba to Luís Correia
Visitors to Parnaíba can enhance their trip by exploring the nearby city of Luiz Correia, just a 15-minute drive away. Luiz Correia boasts stunning beaches, including popular ones like Coqueiro, Atalaia, and Macapá.
Spain’s transportation system
The most efficient way to travel within the city is by hiring a car. Yet, for certain excursions, you may need to use boats, and certain companies provide shuttle services to these sights.
Emotional Journey Route
Sebrae developed the Emotions Route to boost tourism in the area. It covers a 900-kilometer road trip through the key attractions of Ceará, Piauí, and Maranhão in Brazil.
The area offers beautiful beaches, sandy dunes, diverse wildlife, delicious food, and cultural sites. Extreme sports like surfing and windsurfing are popular activities along with horseback riding and buggies.
National travel insurance
Unexpected things can occur! If you lack health insurance or if your medical coverage doesn’t extend to the area, getting domestic travel insurance can be a smart choice. It’s very affordable – starting at R $ 4 per day – and provides peace of mind while traveling, preventing unexpected costs. – LEARN MORE HERE.
Parnaíba flights
Looking for the best deals on flights to Parnaíba? Use Promo Go to find affordable flights and save money on your tickets. Check out daily deals for attractive prices. – VIEW PRICES
Commonly Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about something? If so, take a look below at the main inquiries from our readers about Parnaíba.
Parnaíba provides various ecotourism attractions, including rivers, beaches, and sand dunes. It also offers opportunities for extreme sports and guided historical tours in the city center.
The primary attractions in Parnaíba include: Parnaíba River Delta; Historic Center (Porto das Barcas); Portinho Lagoon; Piauenses Sheets; Canary Island; Pedra do Sal Beach…
Pedra do Sal Beach is the top beach in Parnaíba, situated 15 km away from the city center, on the Big Island of Santa Isabel, which is the primary island in the Parnaíba Delta.
The ideal time to go to Parnaíba is in autumn and winter, when the weather is milder and the ponds tend to be fuller. For those interested in extreme sports, the period between August and December is preferable due to the more consistent winds and warm climate.
Paraphrase: Paraíba is located in Piauí, the state’s second most populous city and one of the waypoints on the Route of Emotions. It is seen as the entrance to the Delta do Parnaíba, the sole open sea in the Americas.
In Parnaíba, it is recommended to use a car for transportation as the attractions are spread out, and some require water transport for specific tours.
