Unique Villa / Investment Opportunity
Still untouched by mass tourism and development, Joao Pessoa really is the virtually undiscovered jewel in the crown of N.E. Brazil.
But those who live there know it!.......... And so do we!
As a result, the beaches of Joao Pessoa preserve tranquility. Here is a place where nature is protected by law, and the city is the only North-eastern capital that prohibits the construction and development of high-rise buildings along it's beautiful shoreline.
It is often known as 'The green city', or 'The city where the sun rises'. And both for good reason. It is considered as "the second greenest city in the world", (United Nations survey) with it's numerous parks, gardens and 7 sq.kms of forest areas. (The first place surprisingly, is Paris!).
According to NASA research, Joao Pessoa also has the purest air quality on the entire planet! And it really is where the sun rises first in Brazil. (It is after all, the most eastern point of the Americas.) The locals, both young and old, can be seen each morning, up with the rising sun (5.00am!), exercising along the entire length of Joao Pessoa's beautiful beachfront.
But don't miss seeing some spectacular sunsets too, on Jacare Beach in Cabedelo!)
Founded in 1585, it is the third oldest city in Brazil. It is characterised by the juxtaposition of tropical beaches, colourful modern architecture and historic colonial buildings. A city full of parks, plaza's and avenues which abound with fruit and ornamental trees.
Although it has retained it's colourful and colonial 'old city', which is centred around Solon de Lucena Park, or the Lagoa (lagoon) as the locals call it, with some buildings from the 17th century still remaining, things have changed since those early days.
The climate and coastline hasn't, but the infrastructure and wealth of facilities has.
And in doing so, it now attracting not just international visitors, but international investors and those seeking permanent living with a quality of life, lifestyle and diversity, possibly unequalled anywhere in the world.
The city is served by Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport, located in the municipality of Bayeux, eight kilometres from downtown João Pessoa. It is currently undergoing expansion and remodelling program, which will raise the terminal's annual capacity to 860 thousand passengers.
Add to this Joao Pessoa's incomparable year round climate, (with an average temperature of 28C), and over 40 kilometres of glorious and varied coastline, as well as many small, natural islands, then it's growing appeal becomes even more apparent.
Climate:
Joao Pessoa has a typical tropical climate, with warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. However, these conditions are relieved by a near absence of extreme temperatures and pleasant trade winds blowing from the ocean. There is a fairly dry period from about October to January. The wettest months are from April to July. And in between? If it rains, no-one cares. They just carry on. It soon goes and dries.
Shopping and entertainment:
With a city of this size. (although it never feels like a 'big city') everything can be found. Hundreds of local and national shops line the streets and are throughout the city. From small mini-markets, to boutiques, high-tech furniture and kitchens showrooms, to well known names like Makro and Carrefour. There are also large shopping centres such as the 'Manaira' (the 2nd largest in the north east) and Mag Shopping, as well as Tambia in the centre of town. These are similar to a British or US style of shopping centre, with chain stores, restaurants and children's play areas. Even an H&M! Mag shopping also boasts an entertainment's hall for concerts and exhibitions.
The multi-screen cinema in Manaira Shopping is one of four in Joao Pessoa. This particular one is famous throughout Brazil for having the largest screens and most comfortable seats in South America!
Many of the local squares or "praças" have concerts too as does Praia de Jacare most weekends along with the local Forrock concert hall on the BR230. In fact Joao Pessoa is very fortunate to have a very culturally aware Prefeitura which invests heavily in local culture programmes such as art, drama and music. There are several orchestras and national choirs some of which are based at the huge Espaço Cultural in Tambauzinho. It has three theatres, book shops, museums, planetarium as well as some arts and crafts studios and dance classes. The centre hosts many exhibitions and auctions.
Joao Pessoa has a very rich and varied cultural programme which is actively backed by the local council. The wide range of activities includes everything from poetry readings to literary gatherings, art exhibitions and fairs to local handicraft shows. Joao Pessoa has several orchestras and choirs. Traditional dancing and music festivals are held throughout the year.
Even pop culture is catered for, and the December-January Christmas and New Year programme is the envy of Brazil. There are pop concerts virtually every weekend. The Council is committed to providing support to all of its many theatres and exhibition centres. It is actively engaged in promoting, developing and preserving Paraibas cultural heritage. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Science and Technology Centre, Cabo Branco near the Farol, where a whole range of shows and exhibitions take place. Special guides are regularly produced to enable everyone to get the best out of the regions festivals and events.
The Coast , Litoral of "Sul da Paraiba" and Paraiba State:
Paraíba (pronounced [para iba) is one of the smallest states of Brazil, squeezed between Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco, and remains nearly unexplored. Fortunately! All means the beaches are still clean and quiet. Hotels are fewer, but enough to accommodate visitors comfortably. The people are friendly, and the local culture is rich. It also means fewer vehicles, less transit. Lower prices! Nothing however, can change the hot sun, mild breeze, and delicious food.
The easternmost point of the Americas, is within Joao Pessoa. A cape called Ponta do Seixas.
It is here that the the new ESTAÇÃO CIÊNCIA, CULTURA e ARTES (Science, Culture and Art Station) is located. It is both an educational and cultural institution, as well as a national landmark. The stunning looking complex, inaugurated in 2008, was created by world renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, and is one of his latest projects.
Another treasure on the littoral of Joao Pessoa is Picaozinho, a coral formation 1,500 meters from the Tambau beach. There you can enjoy diving with colourful fish that live in the corals that form safe swimming areas at low tide. The same can even be found at Ponte da Seixas and also at Areia Vermelha, an island that appears during low tide for about 3 to 4 hours a day. This small but beautiful island turns into a place where you can even sit and eat lunch, as many of the local bars take everything they need to provide tourists with a full menu and plenty of tables and chairs!
The coast stretches both north, and south, with wonderful beaches in both directions. To the south, our own location of Tabatinga, with those of Coquerinho, Jacuma, Praia Bela and Tambaba (the only official naturists beach, just a few kilometres away) to name but a few.
In the interior of the State, another important city is Campina Grande. It is one of the Brazilian capitals of forró, together with Caruaru, and during the month of June it receives more than one million tourists for the festivities.
Marinas:
Where there is water, there are also boats! Joao Pessoa has two marinas.
One for smaller yachts and craft is located within the Yacht Club in Bessa Joao. The other, The Marine Club, in Cabadelo provides facilities for all. Gin palaces included! To the point that not only are there berths for all these crusiers, there are new large showrooms (one recently opened) where you can buy them too! There is also a fully functioning port nearby.
Golf:
There are no functioning courses open yet, but three are planned. One is already underway in Tabatinga. The others will both be in close proximity. One will be located in Pitimbu at the marine golf resort, the other in Jacuma.
Education:
The official language is Portuguese, and the dialectal differences are mainly phonological. Portuguese is the primary language taught in schools. But English and Spanish are part of the official high school curriculum.
Higher Education facilities:
Paraíba State University (UEPB).
The city is home to the Federal University of Paraíba and several other universities and faculties.
Below are just some of the higher education institutions at João Pessoa:
Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB);
Paraíba State University (UEPB);
João Pessoa University Center (UNIPÊ);
Paraíba Institute of Higher Education (IESP);
Federal Center for Technological Education (CEFET-PB);
Maurício de Nassau College (FMN);
Paraíba Medical Sciences College (FCM);
Nova Esperança College of Medicine (FAMENE);