This present study relates environmental risks in the coastal zone of Areia Branca municipality (Northeastern Brazil) with the aim to identify and discuss the main hazardous processes on this portion of the territory. The methods of study were based on empirical observations in land between the years 2009 and 2013 and interpretation of satellite images with ArcGIS software. The main hazardous processes identified are related to coastal erosion resulting from a combination of natural factors, in particular related to coastal and hydrological dynamics, and anthropogenic factors, mainly by the disorderly occupation of land and without regard to active natural environmental processes. The results show a need for territorial and environmental planning for tourism aiming at minimizing the risk situations, reducing susceptibility to environmental hazardous processes and the vulnerability of populations.