Close to the sea, a big lagoon creates perfect conditions to row or kitesurf in calm waters and unique scenario.

In Barra Grande is possible to find natural nursery of birds and sea horses, the presence of manatees, great culinary experience, the sun almost all year around and the perfect winds for kiting.]

Windy season starts in July and will last until January. In Oct​ober and November, the wind is so strong, mainly over 30 knots by the end of the day, leaving the weather pleasant and perfect for a sunset session.

Barra Grande was firstly discovered by kitesurfers, who found the perfect conditions for the sport by this beach.

Piauí state took a while to start being associated as a touristic destination in Brazil. After some years, many outsiders started to come here to invest in tourism, so Piauí emerged between the travelers that were looking for a tranquil place to enjoy the nature.

Barra Grande belongs to the city of Cajueiro da Praia, located 332 km away from the capital Teresina and 78 km from the city of Parnaíba, the second biggest of the state. It is not easy to get lost in Piauí's coast, as it has only 66km of extension. Small enough compared to the thousands of kilometers of beaches that Brazil has.

Central point in the Rota das Emoções (Route of Emotions, the path that connects Jericoacoara to Lençóis Maranhenses), Barra Grande is a great stop point for the travelers that decide to explore the route.

Kitesurf is the trend sport here, due to the strong winds, the long windy season and the privilege to have the side on shore wind, perfect and safer for kiting. Due to this conditions, Barra Grande is also considered one of best beaches to kite, both for beginners and professionals. There are some kite schools in the village, so you can have some lessons.

Not difficult to wonder why we decided to move here and build ou Terra Patris! Atelier Pousada!

What to do in Barra Grande

People tend to spend the day by the beach, in one of the beach tents, where you can enjoy the view, being protected of the strong sun and wind, always with options to eat and drink. There are some restaurants inside the village that are also open for lunch. For the ones that prefer to move around, there are plenty of sports options.

You should always go to the restaurants area, also called village night center. It is not the proper village center (where the church is located), but the area where the charming restaurants, bars and stores are open by the end of the day. There are plenty of options to have dinner, a snack or just a drink! Just pay attention to the clock: it is very difficult to find food after 10h30pm! 

In case you come to Barra Grande during low season (just after the Carnival, until end of May), prevent yourself: many restaurants and tents tend to be closed during the week.

Tours

Sea horse Tour and Mangrove​

This traditional tour is organized by Barratur, a local association trained by CARE, in a small boat through the mangrove  until the Sea Horse nursery.

Coroa de Iemanjá - Iemanjá's crown​

During low tide, it is possible to walk inside the sea until Coroa de Iemanjá, a rock formation in the shape of a crown that appears only during this time of the day. The view of the Barra Grande village is unique!

Manatees in Cajueiro da Praia

A calm tour, always in the early morning, to avoid the strong sun. The boat leaves from Itam beach in Cajueiro da Praia, to the observation tour of the Manatees, in the middle of Timonha rive. To finish, there is also a tour in the mangrove, where you can (with a bit of luck!) see the manatees in their natural environment.

Outside Barra Grande

​Besides Barra Grande, depending on how many days you have on your trip, it is possible to get to know another destinations around the area.

• Cajueiro da Praia: the main city, which Barra Grande is part of, has also many beauties that are still unknown by the tourists. Enjoy a sunny day and drive the 8 km of road until the beach and village of Cajueiro, stopping at every beach to admire the incredible views. When in the city, follow the signs to the biggest cashew tree of the world (Cajueiro Rei) to end your tour to Cajueiro.
• Luís Correia and its beaches: an unusual day and a lot of different beaches to know. If you have a car and don't know the region, it is really worth to do it! You can find a complete guide of all the beaches in Piauí on our other project, Praias do Piauí.
• Delta do Rio Parnaíba: the biggest Delta of the American continent (also known as America´s Delta), is also and unmissable tour to do when in Piauí. Just do it! You can find more about the Delta and the tours in Praias do Piauí website.
• Praia da Pedra do Sal: the only beach of Parnaíba, with one of the best sunsets in the state, is worth a stop when doing the Delta tour, as it is really close to the main port.
• Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades: (Seven Cities National Park) one of the smallest parks in Brazil, has beautiful views and nature, besides lots of history with the rock inscriptions that can be found there. As the park is almost in the middle of the path from Teresina to Barra Grande, it is always a good idea to plan a stop.
• Jericoacoara: the famous fishing village is really close to Barra Grande. If you ​don't have time to stay more days in Jeri, you can always do a day trip. It will last the hole day, but you should never miss getting to know this enchanted village.
• Serra da Ibiapaba (CE): the mountains, located 200 km from here, were part of Piauí's state in the past, but where "exchanged" with Ceará state for the actual coastline. If you have some days and love to be in contact with nature (waterfalls, forests, it is a good alternative to beach life.
• Lençóis Maranhenses: when visiting Barra Grande between May and September, we recommend that you include some days in the Lençóis in your trip. It is amazing!

Sports

Kitesurf

For experienced or beginners, there are several schools and perfect conditions to kite or learn to. If you have at least 5 days in Barra Grande, we strongly recommend that you take the initial course. Trust us, you will regret not doing it afterwards!

• If you already kite, don't miss the Magrove Lagoon, where you will have the flat water and strong wind paradise. You can go there (and back) by donkey chart (necessary to schedule in advance) if you don't want to walk for an hour or go by downwind (20 minutes), returning on upwind (45 minutes).
• Schedule a group to do a downwind to Luís Correia. To come back, be aware that there are no regular transportation, so you should always book a car to get you at your final downwind stop.

When to come to Barra Grande if you want to Kitesurf?

> The strong wind season is more certain between August and January.

Temporada

S.U.P. & Kayak

 When there is no wind, it is possible to rent a SUP board or a kayak, so you can practice in the ocean. If there is wind, you can always explore the mangrove (with a guide or you can get lost!).

Book your tour with one of the specialized agencies:

* Marés Eco Tour: store located inside the Complexo da Ora (ice cream shop) or on WhatsApp +55 (86) 98166-7410

* BRZ Adventure: on WhatsApp +55 (86) 99446-3222.

Below you can watch a video of a kayaking tour made in the mangrove.

Fat Bike

The "new" thing aroung Barra Grande is​​ fat bike, a larger tire bike, that make it possible to ride even in the fluffy sand of the beach and some parts of the village.

WindWay Tours is the agency that does the fat bike guided tours in Barra Grande. To book yours, contact them on WhatsApp (86) 99853-0099 or e-mail windwaytours@gmail.com.

Walking

It is possible to walk the whole beach, preferably during the low tide, when the sand is more firm. To the left of the village (west), the walk you lead you to the edge of Barra Grande, where you can see the mangrove, the lagoon and Macapá beach. To the right of the village (east) is the beach of Barrinha, a lonely walk on the most desert part of the beach.

Below you can see a drone footage of all this beauty seen through the top!

Private lessons

For those who don't like to be away from regular guided practices or even wants some individualized assistance, there are some options in Barra Grande:

* Pilates: Leona Kaya, of WindWay Tours on WhatsApp +55 (86) 99853-0099.

* Yoga: Marie Jo, at KiteBliss Yoga & Kiteboarding on WhatsApp +55 (86) 98175-4714

* Kitesurfing techniques (intermediary and advanced): Reynaldo Torres, also in KiteBliss.

Relaxation & beauty

After a lot of sports or even for those that came to Barra Grande interested in relaxing and rest, there is also the possibility of getting a massage or a beauty treatment.

* Essência Brasileira: natural cosmetics shop and massage. Is located on th main road of Barra Grande, close to São José Pharmacy. To book your massage, fill the board in the the entrance of the shop or talk to  Marilu on WhatsApp +55 (86) 99926-9519.

* Espaço Mandala​: located inside the Complexo da Ora (of the ice cream shop), besides Bar Grande. Massage, skin clearing, waxing and other treatments with Rose. Book yours on WhatsApp +55 (86) 99960-5241.

* Manicure & pedicure: if booked in advance, we can provide you a manicure to attend you here, at our pousada. Talk to us during your stay at Terra Patris!