Overview
Recife has a vivid character all of its own; hosting a mix of modern high rise building and colonial architecture reflecting the riches of the plantation boom which brought many African and Amazonian indian immigrants to the city. Recently there has been an artistic revival with traditional music and dance featuring in a modern, slightly gritty incarnation. Just up the road is Olinda, where cobbled streets and Portuguese baroque architecture have enchanted visitors for many years.
The tiny state of Alagoas, with its small-scale modern capital Maceió, is wedged between more illustrious neighbours but its homeliness and unpretentious charm attracts sun-worshippers to a string of silky, flour-white beaches lapped by impossibly turquoise seas.
Accessible by air from Recife is the only populated island in a protected Atlantic Ocean archipelago, volcanic Fernando de Noronha. The remote island attracts nature-loving visitors, especially divers and surfers. Craggy cliffs jacketed in scrubby vegetation close in on gorgeous bays of sugary sand, and the waters here are sapphire-clear. Much of the island is a protected marine park: sharks, dolphins, turtles and stingrays thrive there.
Holidays Recife, Olinda and Fernando de Noronha
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.
Private Journeys
Brazil
Active Brazil: Remote Bahia and Fernando de Noronha
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Brazil
Off the beaten track Brazil: Dunes and lagoons of Lencois Maranhenses
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Things to do
Recife is an exciting cultural hub and Olinda a preserved colonial masterpiece. Fernando de Noronha island offers optimum scuba diving. Book with Journey Latin America.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
Where to go when - our guide to Recife, Olinda and Fernando de Noronha
The weather in Recife, Olinda and Fernando de Noronha is wide and varied
Take in colonial architecture contrasting with gleaming modern buildings in Recife, wander Olinda’s quaint cobbled streets and swim in sapphire-clear waters of volcanic island Fernando de Noronha. It’s hot with plenty of sunshine all year round here, with most rain falling April - July. This means, unlike in other coastal areas further south, the Brazilian summer (December - March) is relatively dry. Christmas, and Carnival in February/March are the busiest times to visit, with particularly exuberant celebrations in Olinda.
View our Recife, Olinda and Fernando de Noronha weather guidePapagaio
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