Sand streets
A village without tarmac.
Mayra Pavanello Munerato — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Mayra Pavanello Munerato — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Mayra Pavanello Munerato — CC BY-SA 3.0
Atins is a fishing village of about 1,500 people at the mouth of the Preguiças River on the Atlantic, between the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, the river delta and the sea, and the largest coastal village in the municipality of Barreirinhas. Its name comes from the Tupi aty, meaning gull. You reach it by boat or four-wheel drive from Barreirinhas in about two hours, and its streets are sand without tarmac, so it keeps the calm of a remote village. From here you can walk or drive to the dunes and lagoons on the park's eastern side, quieter than the tours from Barreirinhas. Atins is also known for kitesurfing, with strong, steady winds from about July to December. It has small guesthouses and seafood restaurants, and it is best to stay at least two nights.
A village without tarmac.
Less crowded.
Strong steady winds.
Mouth of the Preguiças River, north of Barreirinhas
By boat down the Preguiças River or by 4x4 from Barreirinhas in about two hours; stay at least two nights.