Pernambuco’s Reef

In Portuguese, the word "recife" means "reef", and it is the reefs that sit off the coast of Pernambuco that have helped make its beaches so special, the reefs breaking the waves rolling in from the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

This includes the beaches of Recife itself, including the popular Praia de Boa Viagem.

Recife and neighbouring Olinda boast a fine collection of colonial buildings and churches dating from the 16 and 17 century. Olinda, one of Brazil’s best-preserved colonial centres, is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Olinda’s carnival celebrations, along with those of Recife, are amongst Brazil’s most popular and are driven by the region’s signature frevo beat.

Like Salvador, Recife grew and was influenced by its residential mix of Portuguese settlers, Amerindians and African slaves. The city also reflects the Dutch settlers’ influence, who invaded and controlled Recife and Olinda from 1630 to 1654. During this period, the city was considered one of the world’s most cosmopolitan.

Close to Recife are some of the most popular beach resorts in Brazil. Fifty miles (83 kilometres) to the south is Porto de Galinhas, where it is possible to visit the reef and even swim in natural tidal pools teeming with exotic tropical fishes. Porto de Galinhas’s village has character and charm that is reflected in its many bars and restaurants.

Other popular areas along the coast of Pernambuco include Tamandaré, Itamaracá and, for surfers, Maracaípe. Inland the main attraction is Caruaru, famous for the region’s ceramic figures, and Nova Jerusalém, where the Passion of Christ is performed each Easter week.

One of Pernambuco’s most famous destinations is actually located in the Atlantic Ocean, 220 miles (354 kilometres) off the Brazilian coast. It is an unspoilt archipelago known as Fernando de Noronha. The main island, which makes up 91% of the total landmass, is just six miles long and 2 miles wide and has a population of 2,000. As well as its outstanding beaches and a laidback lifestyle, Fernando de Noronha offers the best diving in Brazil. The diversity of the different sea life species and the unique accumulation of dolphins lead UNESCO to declare the islands a World Heritage Site in 2001.