Recife Brazil Tourism & Travel Information Hotels Tours Airport Transfers

Recife					Brazil

Recife Travel Information

About Recife and Olinda

Recife is the capital of the State of Pernambuco, located in the northeast of Brazil and 2,400 Km. (1,450 mi.) away from Rio de Janeiro (see map). It is surrounded by rivers Capibaribe, Beberibe, and Jordão and crossed by several bridges and channels, and for this reason it is known as the "Brazilian Venice".

Recife has a coastline of 10 Km. (6.2 mi.) of vast beaches with white sands, reefs, and palm trees. The name derives from the great coral reef that protects its coast, shaping beautiful natural swimming pools.

Recife has grown rapidly, although without altering the harmony between the old and traditional, present in almost every neighborhood, and the modernity of new buildings and architectural works surrounding beaches (see photos).

The city displays its great cultural heritage, in particular in Capela Dourada, Patio de São Pedro, Francisco Brennand’s Ceramics Workshop, Northeastern Man Museum, and Roberto Freyre Museum, located in the sociologist and writer’s old house.

Other spots tourists cannot miss are the beaches of Boa Viagem, Porto de Galinhas, Calhetas, and Paraíso, as well as the neighborhood of Old Recife, the city’s nightlife hub (see customers’ reviews).

Olinda is 6 Km. (3.7 mi.) away from Recife and it is known as the cradle of Brazilian culture. Its carnival is one of the most popular among domestic visitors due to its large variety of styles, costumes, and music rhythms (see packages).

Hotels in Recife and Olinda

Hotels and apart hotels in Recife and Olinda are generally located along the coastline, facing the beaches, and have really good facilities.

The hotels and inns in Recife that are a few blocks away from the coast also offer good services and rates.

Olinda and other beaches that are farther from Recife have few hotels but offer excellent services. In fact, there are more inns, with customized service, colonial-style atmosphere, and different number of rooms, which results in a wide range of rates.

Tours in Recife and Olinda

Tours in Recife and Olinda offer an opportunity to enjoy the sun and beaches, participate in cultural events and take delight in local cuisine.

There are tours that travel around Recife sailing on catamaran boats along nearby rivers, passing under bridges and through channels.

The most popular beach in Recife is Boa Viagem, which is 7 Km. (4.3 mi.) long and features a calm sea and a pedestrian area along the coastline; it offers complete facilities, including stands where the famous iced coconut water can be bought. Here, several events take place, such as the official summer opening ceremony, sport tournaments, the Carnival, as well as other traditional festivals (see customers’ reviews).

Recife has countless churches, forts, and old buildings, which reveal the traces of Portuguese and Dutch colonization in the region. The neighborhood of Old Recife is a historical and cultural bhold, where it is possible to see this legacy, enjoy the nightlife in its bars, restaurants and venues displaying traditional artistic expressions.

Olinda is the former capital of the State of Pernambuco. In addition to the natural beauty of its beaches, it is one of the most important cultural hubs in Brazil, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. All along its streets, visitors can discover the history of Brazil.

In the riverbank area of Recife there are 14 shipwrecks of old vessels. For those fond of scuba diving, the calm sea and great visibility make this city one of the best places in the country to practice this sport.

Transportation and Car Rental in Recife and Olinda

The service of Car rental in Recife and Olinda can be hired in the main rentals located at the airport or downtown. This service is available to visitors willing to travel throughout the area on their own.

Air access to Recife is through Dos Guararapes International Airport, 11 Km. (6.8 mi.) away from downtown. There, shuttles, taxis, or buses can be hired.

Taxi service in Recife offers two options: special taxis, which are more comfortable, safer, and therefore more expensive, and regular taxis, which can be taken in the street.

Interestadual de Passageiros Station (TIP) is the node of national bus transportation. It is located far from downtown and beaches.

Urban transport offers a good option: a line of minibuses with air conditioning and frequent departures, running along Conselheiro Aguiar Avenue, parallel to the main beach avenue. · Another means of transport available in Recife is the metro train, including a central and a south line, with changes to buses. The rest of the system is under development.

Tourist Information in Recife and Olinda

Tourist Information in Recife and Olinda can be obtained at the office of the Government of Pernambuco, located at Dos Guararapes International Airport, and at other posts located in the most important tourist centers.

In June, during Festa Junina, and in summer, particularly in New Year and during the Carnival season, it is essential to make hotel reservations in advance.

It is bly advised not to go far into the sea and to remain on low waters protected by reefs, as there may be sharks in the area, especially in deep waters. Surfing is not allowed in some beaches.