Piauí

Handmade Treasures

Piauí is a state that breathes culture and tradition, and its crafts vividly reflect this. Here, talented artisans dedicate their time and skills to create true works of art, incorporating indigenous, African and Portuguese influences into each piece.

Fine and delicate lace: The State is famous for its bobbin lace, which is expertly handcrafted. The most famous lacemakers in Piauí are those in Morros da Mariana, in the coastal municipality of Ilha Grande.

Opals of Pedro II: Piauí is home to one of the only opal deposits in the world, located in the small town of Pedro II, in the north of the State. Opals extracted from clay are known for their rare beauty, preciousness, and rainbow iridescence, which have been highly appreciated in jewellery since the times of the Roman Empire—Marvel at the dazzling jewellery created from these unique stones.

Basketry and braiding: these are very typical manifestations of Piauí. We found emphasis in the municipality of Parnaíba through the Trançados da Ilha group and in Luís Correia, with groups that produce utilitarian and decorative pieces using carnaúba fibre (a typical palm tree in the region). This craft born from the skilled hands of the people of Piauí is much more than simply an ambience piece. It symbolises the cultural richness and connection with nature that permeates the entire territory of Piauí.

Ceramics: Ceramics is also a very prominent artisanal expression in Piauí, with great relevance for high-temperature ceramics, and inspired by rock art produced in the municipality of Coronel José Dias in the southeast of Piauí in the Serra da Capivara region. The pieces from Cerâmica Serra da Capivara are produced to a high-quality standard, with the charm of craftsmanship. Using selected clays with specific characteristics from the semi-arid region of Piauí, the pieces are modelled or turned by local artisans, which also adds social value to the materials, as the acquisition of this product generates income and improves the quality of life of people who live in the area surrounding the park.

It is also possible to find low-temperature ceramics, emphasising the Poti Ceramic Pole, located in the north of the capital of Piauí. At the site, the work of women potters who conquered their respective spaces of citizenship in a riverside and previously violent region stands out through the skilful work of modelling pieces of red clay.

Leather Arts: Leather also plays a significant role in Piauí crafts, even due to the State's colonisation during the Cattle Cycle. Country clothing consists of various items made from leather, such as boots, hats, and clothing, among others. Everything is of high quality and made with skill and passion.

Wooden art: Wooden art is present throughout the State, with great prominence in the capital, Teresina, especially with santeira art - decorative for churches in the shape of saints and sacred furniture.

In addition to Teresina, in the North of the State, there are also several saint makers, as they are called, of great relevance in the art scene. We also have wooden art representing the local fauna, emphasising animals from the Caatinga area.

Piauí crafts are not just a product but a window into this State's rich and diverse culture. By purchasing these unique pieces, you are taking home a work of art and a piece of Piauí history and tradition. Don't miss the opportunity to explore and take home these handmade treasures while visiting Piauí.

Ilha Grande – One of the most significant geological spectacles in the Americas

Ilha Grande is considered the gateway to the Parnaíba Delta, with its meanders providing shelter for several species of wild animals, from birds to fish.

On one of the islands in the delta, it is possible to watch a unique spectacle, the flight of red guarás, which return to their resting areas as the sun sets. There are hundreds of birds dyeing the sky and sea a vibrant red.

The Parnaíba River Delta is one of the largest in the world and the only one in the Americas that flows into the sea.

With white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Ilha Grande offers breathtaking landscapes and an invitation to relaxation and contemplation.

Ilha Grande offers excellent water sports opportunities for the more adventurous, such as kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Parnaíba - Meeting point between past and present, culture and nature

Parnaíba is the second largest city in Piauí that breathes history and culture. Its historic centre enchants with its charming colonial buildings, testifying to the region's rich and diverse past. Every street is a portal to the past, and stories are engraved on every door.

The city is considered the Capital of the Parnaíba River Delta due to its location and infrastructure for receiving visitors.

The Parnaíba Delta, one of the only open sea deltas in the Americas, is a magnificent attraction. Boat trips through the delta are highly recommended, mainly for connecting with nature and stunning views of its islands, majestic dunes and mangroves full of wildlife.

Luís Correia – a destination that captures the hearts of travellers with its beauty and authenticity

This charming coastal town is a destination that surprises and delights, offering an authentic experience for those searching for nature, culture and relaxation. The locals are known for their warm hospitality, which makes a stay in Luís Correia even more welcoming.

The stunning Atalaia Beach, Praia do Coqueiro, Itaqui, Arrombado, Maramar, and Macapá are authentic pearls with crystal clear waters and natural pools formed during low tide. It is the ideal place to relax on the white sand, swim in the warm ocean waters and practice exciting water sports.

Still, in Luís Correia, we have the beauty of Lagoa do Portinho that makes up the sheets of Piauí, in a perfect combination of wind, dunes and warm, crystal clear waters, which change location depending on the influence of winds and rain, being very popular for leisure trips. UTV and quad bike.

The Combed Tree is another essential and mystical point of Luís Correia, among his legends; in a curious formation, due to the influence of the winds that blow strongly from the sea, its branches remain hanging to just one side. It was recently declared a Historical and Environmental Heritage Site of Public Interest in Piauí.

The beaches of Luís Correia are also home to one of the largest turtle nurseries in Brazil, with the familiar presence of the types: hawksbill turtle, leatherback turtle, olive turtle and green turtle. The entire community and tourists are made aware of the spawning period, highlighting the understanding of the sustainability of local tourism.

Cajueiro da Praia – Ecological paradise

Owner of an exuberant and unique beauty, the municipality of Cajueiro da Praia is considered a true ecological paradise not only for its paradisiacal beaches but also for the diversity of fauna and flora, whose most famous specimens are the manatee and the seahorse.

With high-end inns and rustic architecture, Barra Grande Beach is one of the main spots in the world for kitesurfing due to its constant winds and the rustic atmosphere of a fishing village. There have already been stages of Brazilian and world championships for the sport, which has become a profitable activity that involves the natives of Cajueiro, who have kite guards and kite schools, bringing development opportunities to the region.

Curiosity: Cajueiro da Praia is part of the APA Delta do Parnaíba, as are the other municipalities on the coast and which claims the title of largest cashew tree in the world in the Guinness Book, after studies carried out by UESPI and IFPI with support from USP and Unesp.

Plan your adventure for the Rota das Emoções to the coast of Piauí.

When exploring the Rota das Emoções on the coast of Piauí, don't forget to plan accordingly. Book accommodations in advance, choose local restaurants to experience the region's authentic flavours and plan your adventure activities. The first semester is a time of rain and full lakes, while the second semester, in the period we call BR-O-BRÓ, is a time of lots of wind and excellent conditions for practising kites and other wind sports. The coast of Piauí is a treasure to be discovered, and we hope your journey is full of unforgettable emotions.