Information about Recife in north-east Brazil

Recife has the perfect location on the northeast coast of Brazil.It was built as a port, amid tropical white-sand beaches and enjoys the status of being the Pernambuco state capital. Its colonial history is most interesting, and is often referred to as the Venice of Brazil on account of the city being dissected by numerous waterways and connected by many bridges.

 

Recife remains an important port city, indeed its wealth and growth has depended on being major exporters of the hinterlands products, sugar, cotton and coffee. 

However, the coastal waters remain the livelelyhood of thousands of local fishermen, who still take to the high seas in jangadas-log rafts with the most beautiful sails which are unique to the region. 

      

The capital city of Pernambuco is in constant excitement, just like the rhythm it made famous – the frevo, especially the Bairro do Recife, the area where the city began. A recent initiative is the revitalization of Old Recife. Mansions dating from the last century were restored with support from private initiative, as well as sidewalk pavements, lighting and gardens, all respecting the original architecture and traditions of the Bairro. The area was declared a landmark, and has since gained the status of National Historical and Artistic Heritage, with a new concept in terms of service, trade, and leisure, with its centenarian mansions now housing a complex of bars, nightclubs, galleries and clubs with live entertainment.

The Bairro was a refuge for the first Jews to arrive in the Americas and was the major economic center of Pernambuco until the beginning of this century. It is open all week long, with many restaurants open for lunch, Old Recife is where youth gather on Friday and Saturday nights and is a great place to spend happy hour in downtown Recife.

The Barrio also offers visitors a beautiful view of the bridges that span the Capibaribe, where one can take a boat tour day or night, leaving from Marco Zero - the place where it all began... 

      

The metropolitan population of Recife is some three and a half million people abound with energy and Recife is a wonderfil city to wander about, allowing chance to provide a memorable discovery or two.

Recife has a tropical climate and is a hot sunny city, light clothing and shoes are reccomended. The city is served by Recife Guararapes International Airport, and domestic flights can be easily arranged to the Amazon in the north or Rio de Janeiro in the south. The fourth largest city in Brazil derived its name from the Portuguese word for Reef, and being protected by a long coastal reef you will find some of Brazils best beaches along its coast, in particular, Porto de Galinhas which is considered to be the second most beautiful beach in Brazil. (in actual fact the beach considered to be the most beautiful is also in Pernambuco - on the island(s) of Fernando de Norohna). Recifes deep cultural roots are notable, and the citys cultural program should not be overlooked. You will find many fine restaurants, a pulsating nightlife, and rich places to explore art, craft, music and dance. Traditional handcrafts to look out for are clay figuerines, wood sculptures, leather goods and woven straw which you will find at markets and shops hidden away in the citys narrow streets.