Stone, Sea, and Salt: Get to Know Pedra do Sal, Parnaíba’s Only Beach.
“…The stone and the sun, the stone, the sea, and the sun — that’s how Pedral was made…”
And it’s with this musical tone that we begin today’s journey. This verse is from the song Pedra do Sal, by the renowned Piauí-born singer Teófilo Lima. And our destination? The place itself — Pedra do Sal Beach.
Located in Parnaíba, a municipality 338 km from Teresina, this beach is truly a scenic wonder. But what is it really like? What can you do there? Conheça o Piauí shows all of this to you.
#Where exactly is it located?
This beach in Piauí is 15 km from the urban area of Parnaíba. Getting there is easy, with access via paved roads. And the best part: plenty of wind in your face and the beautiful view of the wind turbines from a wind farm along the way.
Pedra do Sal is the only beach in the second-largest municipality of Piauí, which is why many call it the beach of the Parnaibanos. But, of course, it welcomes visitors from everywhere.
More specifically, the beach is located on Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel, the main island that forms the Delta do Parnaíba. To reach Pedra do Sal, you head toward Porto das Barcas in Parnaíba, cross the bridge over the Igaraçú River, and then follow the signs leading to the beach.
#What Pedra do Sal Beach is like
This 8 km–long beach is defined mainly by its formation of two large rock formations — one near the coast and the other farther offshore. Between them runs a channel 14 meters deep and 3 meters wide.
The name Pedra do Sal comes from the offshore rock. Salt accumulates in the cavities of the stone due to the evaporation of seawater that crashes against it.
The scenery is completed by the white foam of the strong waves breaking against the rock, creating an even more striking landscape. Overlapping stones add to the scene, where you can stand on them, feel the force of the sea, and take in all the magnetism of Pedra do Sal.
The rock formation closer to the coast creates a natural division between two sides of the beach. On one side is the “gentle” Pedra do Sal, ideal for swimming; on the other is the “rough” Pedra do Sal, deeper and not suitable for swimming, with its vast open waters.
In addition to these rocky walls, Pedra do Sal Beach is also composed of sand dunes that decorate its natural landscape, adding a charming touch.
#What to do at Pedra do Sal Beach
Enjoying the warm, blue ocean would already be enough — but there’s more! Pedra do Sal is home to a lighthouse from 1873, the very first lighthouse in Piauí, built as part of a coastal lighting improvement plan. It’s one of the beach’s attractions.
Another highlight is the possibility of practicing water sports, such as surfing, on the “rough” side, which isn’t suitable for swimming. On the “gentle” side, you can recharge with a swim, sunbathe on the sand, and relax.
To recover your energy, choose one of the many beach bars and restaurants in Pedra do Sal and order a traditional fish stew, crab dish, or whatever you prefer. We especially recommend Dona Rosa’s restaurant — she’s an exceptional cook known for her hospitality and culinary talent. Her contact number is +55 86 99551-2603.
To close the day, walk onto the rocks, sit on them, and wait for the spectacular sunset. The Pedra do Sal sunset is one of the most beautiful in Piauí.
The area around Pedra do Sal Beach still needs further revitalization to offer greater comfort to tourists. Even so, the existing structure is already enough to welcome visitors to this natural gem.
Besides its natural features, Pedra do Sal holds its curiosities. There are reports of extraterrestrial sightings and unidentified flying objects above the beach. Others say that Phoenician peoples once passed through the area. A place full of stories, isn’t it?
What we do know for sure is that Pedra do Sal Beach is one of Piauí’s treasures — and if we were you, we wouldn’t miss a chance to visit it. Shall we go?
Photos: @conhecaopiaui