Recife, derived from the Portuguese word for reef, got its name from the coral
reefs that line the coast. It is one of the most visited tourist cities in
Brazil and the beach of Boa Viagem is among the most famous Brazilian beaches.
Recife is a wonderful city in which to wander about and is often called the “Venice
of Brazil” for its many canals, bridges and tiny one-way streets. As
a major port city today, its energy and culture comes from its mix of markets,
high rises and colonial churches that create a vibrant mix of old and new.
The wealthy Boa Viagem district provides a good base for exploring and the
waterfront area of Recife boasts both the city's finest beach and a wealth
of fine restaurants. The carnival of Recife is also one of the most popular
in Brazil.
Other cities near Recife are also
traditional tourist destinations,
like Olinda and Itamaraca,
or have recently become major attractions,
like Porto de Galinhas. One of
its most beautiful, Porto
de Galinhas is known for its warm clear waters
surrounded by coral reefs, mangroves
and coconut trees. It is a gorgeous
and laid-back town with wide, long
beaches, and hotels that cost but
a fraction of other larger resorts.
Located in the north shore of
Pernambuco, just 50 km from capital
Recife, Itamaraca island
is popular among tourists and investors
alike. The beach lovers here keep
the Pernambucan popular culture
well alive. The Pilar, the Forte
Orange, the Coroa do Avião
and the famous Vila Velha are some
of the places that bring tourists
from all over Brazil. The Coroa
do Avião is an extensive
sandbank located between the Island
of Itamaracá and the Canal
de Santa Cruz, and used for research
of migratory birds. Always popular
for simply sunbathing or swimming,
surfers and hang gliders can also
be found here.
Nearby and known as one of Brazil’s
hidden treasures, the archipelago
of Fernando
de Noronha is easily
reached by a short flight from
Recife. This isolated group of
21 volcanic islands supports a
large variety of wildlife and is
now a model environmental protection
area. The island has many historic
forts as well as a national marine
reserve. Its clear waters are also
a mecca for divers and snorkelers
with its paradise of coral, fish,
manta rays, and lemon sharks. There
are many inns and one hotel, but
the island only allows 420 visitors
at any one time.
When you’re visiting the
region, be sure not to miss Olinda,
a restored and preserved 17th-century
colonial town that was declared
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
1982. Between 1535 and 1630, Olinda
was the great economic center of
colonial Brazil due to the production
of sugar. Situated on a steep hill
overlooking the harbor, Olinda
is a picturesque coastal town,
boasting a number of lovely colonial
churches and handsome mansions.
Pernambuco today is a region rich
in natural beauty and cultural
diversity while providing many
tourist amenities. Together with
its dynamic growth in the areas
of information technology, medicine
and education, this region is not
to be missed as a place for the
serious investor. Getting There
Recife is the major gateway to the
northeast of Brazil with regular
flights from its International
Airport of Guararapes to all major
cities in Brazil as well as Lisbon,
London and Frankfurt. TAM Brazilian
airlines flies to Recife via Sao
Paulo from major US cities.
The airport is located in the
middle of Boa Viagem and the train
station is about 1 km from the
airport.
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