After the João Pessoa International Marathon: Costa do Conde

The Route: João Pessoa beach hotel → Coqueirinho → Tambaba → Tabatinga → João Pessoa beach hotel → Airport Logistics: Two extra nights at a João Pessoa hotel and one operator tour with air-conditioned pickup from partner hotels. The coast starts about 35 km from the city, according to the operator. Marathon Month: August Duration: 2 nights

Beach hotel ──(operator vehicle, hotel pickup)──> Coqueirinho ──> Tambaba ──> Tabatinga
     ▲                                                                           │
     └───────────────────────────(same vehicle back)─────────────────────────────┘
Beach hotel ──(taxi)──> Airport (JPA)

The marathon course runs north to Intermares. The beaches in this itinerary are south, on the other side of the city, and an organised tour is the simplest way to reach them without a car.

August in João Pessoa is the wet season, with roughly 200 mm of rain across the month on long-term normals and highs near 28°C. Sand and rain together can make for a slippery day, and the operator says tides and weather can change the itinerary. Leave one flexible day.

Night one: rest

Do nothing on the Monday after the race. The beach avenues at Cabo Branco, Tambaú and Manaíra are the easiest ground for a short walk, because the coast here is a flat plain below the bluff. Eat close to the hotel.

Night two: the day out

Luck Receptivo's Costa do Conde tour names three stops, Coqueirinho, Tambaba and Tabatinga, with air-conditioned pickup from partner hotels along the waterfront. Meals and optional activities are extra. Choose the least sandy options, and skip any optional rough-vehicle activity if your legs are still stiff.

Tambaba has two areas, one of which is a naturist beach and one where swimwear is worn. The operator says so on its page. Ask which part the tour uses before you leave the hotel.

Cliffs and steps lead down to some of these beaches, and the number of steps varies by beach. Ask the operator before you go, and bring shoes that cope with wet sand. Carry water, sunscreen and a light shell.

Where to stay

Use the hotels in João Pessoa. Hplus Beach João Pessoa (Avenida Cabo Branco 1984) offered a discount to marathon runners for a recent edition. Atlântico Praia Hotel (Avenida Almirante Tamandaré 440, Tambaú) is on the city's tourism list. Ask both about luggage storage if you check out before an evening flight.

Where to eat

Back in the city, Mangai (Avenida General Edson Ramalho 696, Manaíra) takes reservations through its social page. NAU Frutos do Mar (Rua Lupércio Branco 130, Manaíra) is a seafood restaurant. Check Sunday and Monday hours first.

Getting to the airport