Traveling by car along Northeastern Brazil's exuberant coastline is a real adventure. If you take the route known as the Green Line, or Linha Verde, which starts in the city of Salvador, in the state of Bahia, and goes to Praia do Francês beach, near the city of Maceió, in the state of Alagoas, you'll have a chance to experience excellent resorts, charming inns and the culture of the Brazilian Northeast, with its unique cuisine and handcrafts.

One option to experience this route is to start on the Coco Highway, which leads out of Salvador towards the north coast of the state of Bahia. A good place to make your first stop is the Praia do Forte beach, where sea turtles hatch in the summer. Praia do Forte has a number of inns and interesting stores, particularly around the Tamar Project – a pleasant place for adults and children to learn more about turtles, conservation and – the best part – to see them hatch from July through October. You might also spot humpback whales swimming in the ocean nearby.

As you follow the Green Line towards the south of the state of Sergipe, the beaches get wilder. The beach village of Mangue Seco, made famous by the author Jorge Amado in his novel Tieta, offers dune buggy rides or walks to the dunes. It's a peaceful village in the municipality of Jandaíra, with few inhabitants. It's a perfect place to spend a day.

To top off your trip along the Green Line, stop at the Praia do Francês beach in the state of Alagoas, about 20 km (12.5 miles) from the city of Maceió. You'll find a wide variety of things to do here. It's considered one of the best places to surf in Brazil, and also has options for families and for people who like to spend a fun day at the beach.