Pernambuco is strategically located between the states of Paraíba and Alagoas, in the warm northeastern region of Brazil. It has an area of almost 98,500 km² and offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and places of interest. Despite its vast inland areas, it is the coastline that is appreciated for its paradisiacal beaches along its 200 km of coastline, as well as its capital, the unique and incredible Recife. A true theater of historical events that have marked the history of Brazil, Pernambuco was notably marked by the struggles and power games between the Portuguese, Dutch and French during the colonial era, leaving traces that are still valued and preserved today. In this article, we take you on a journey along the coast of Pernambuco, the true pearl of the Brazilian northwest, among its most popular places and its most preserved corners.   
With its tropical climate and postcard landscapes, the Pernambuco coast is one of the favorite destinations for Brazilians and tourists from all over the world / Photo: Tiffany
 

Tamandaré beach and Praia dos Carneiros beach 

Our itinerary begins at Tamandaré beach, located 20 km after crossing the border with the state of Alagoas. This beach is known for its proximity to Praia dos Carneiros, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Authentic tourist postcard, emblematic for its small chapel dedicated to St. Benedict, built in the eighteenth century, which directly overlooks the sea. It is also one of the ideal places to enjoy the numerous natural pools that enrich the coastline. With a different current, Tamandaré beach is busier for surfers and for those who wish to enjoy a quiet beach and a peaceful atmosphere. A few locals offering food and drink occupy the beachfront, but above all it is the serenity offered by Tamandaré that complements the touristy Praia dos Carneiros.    Travel tip: Located 90 km from Recife, a trip to Praia dos Carneiros allows you to spend the day enjoying this tropical jewel, which offers activities ranging from canoeing and curative mud baths to walks along ecological trails.  
The Chapel of St. Benoit was built in the 18th century at Praia dos Carneiros. Surrounded by gigantic palm trees, it overlooks the turquoise sea, offering a truly paradisiacal panorama full of history / Photo : Tiffany
 

Barra do Sirinhaém and the Island of Santo Aleixo

Our next stop is almost 6 km. There is plenty of time to enjoy the fine sand and turquoise waters. Barra do Sirinhaém is quite popular with Brazilians during the high season, but the rest of the year it is practically deserted. An unspoiled landscape where the golden sand leads you to clear and calm waters, offering a wild and always unique view. Also from Barra do Sirinhaém you can access the island of Santo Aleixo, an island of volcanic origin, which extends over 30 hectares and has been declared an Environmental Preservation Area. Being a private property, the maximum time allowed to stay on the island is 5 hours, but its beauty is well worth it.   Travel tip: It is also possible to access from Porto de Galinhas with agencies that offer 3-hour excursions. But be sure to visit this wonderful island conscientiously, as its preservation is the concern of several Brazilian organizations.   

Porto de Galinhas

This funny name of "chicken port" has its tragic origin in the time of the abolition of slavery, when the trade continued illegally, hiding the slaves in boxes of chickens. Its name has survived through time and today it is probably the most popular place on the Pernambuco coast, after Recife. Porto de Galinhas is a major tourist destination in the Northeast, known for its nightlife and family activities, which promise many a great vacation by the sea. Natural pools, aquabike, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone! If you are looking for a quieter atmosphere and a more unspoiled landscape, Maracaipe beach is ideal for you. With hippie essence and roots energy, it offers a small village with accommodations that allow you to spend your stay in comfort.  Travel tip: Maracaipe beach is located south of Porto Galinhas, but if you head north, a long walk of about 8 km along the coast will take you to the beaches of Cupe and Muro Alto.   
The neighborhood of Maracaipe and its beach are the places of refuge for locals and visitors who wish to find a quieter and more rooted environment / Photo: Tiffany
 

Recife, the Venice of Brazil

Founded in 1537 as a small fishing port, it became the capital of Dutch Brazil in 1630 after its colonization. Called "New Holland", it passed into the hands of Portuguese, Brazilians, Indians and Africans in 1654 and became the capital of the state of Pernambuco in 1837. Today, Recife owes its name to the barrier reef offshore and is known as the Venice of Brazil for its many bridges, rivers and canals, which date back to Dutch colonization. It is the fifth largest city in Brazil and has more than 10 km of beaches. It is a favorite destination for tourists, especially for its incredible carnival! When one thinks of Recife, one inevitably thinks of the authentic small city of Olinda, with its colonial remains classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, as well as its emblematic Boa Viagem beach.  A city of marked contrasts between its immense and countless buildings that make up the landscape of its downtown, the authentic Olinda, claimed as the first cultural capital of Brazil in 2005, and its picturesque historic center, Recife has pleasant surprises and discoveries in store for you.   Travel tip: To make your visit to Recife a success, have a guide on your city Tour so you don't miss its history, anecdotes and secrets. A tour that goes unconditionally to Olinda, to know its incredible legacies of Brazil's past.   
The church of Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia is one of the oldest religious remains in Brazil, and its annex was the first hospital in the country / Photo: Tiffany
 

Itamaraca Island

Our route ends halfway between Recife and the border with the state of Paraíba, on Itamaraca Island. This ecological paradise is separated from the mainland by the Santa Cruz channel, which is accessed by the Presidente Getúlio Vargas bridge from the city of Itapissuma. Coconut trees, paradisiacal beaches, transparent waters and colonial remains await you on this charming island of the Pernambuco coast. Although fishing and tourism are the main economic activities of the island, it is interesting to discover a completely different way of life, which opposes the madness of Recife. Between calm and serenity, your visit to the island is dotted with natural treasures such as Sossego beach, the Peixe-Boi preservation center, Pontal da Ilha beach and Baixa Verde beach, among many others! But also among its historical treasures such as the Forte Orange, erected by the Dutch in 1631, the Forte de Santa Cruz, the church dedicated to Nossa Senhora de La Conceição and that of Nossa Senhora do Pilar.  
The entire northeast coast is a succession of coconut forests, offering a landscape as impressive as it is peaceful, to be admired without moderation / Photo: Tiffany
  Here we are at the end of our itinerary on the coast of Pernambuco, between natural beauty and vestiges of the past. A state that authentically reflects the mixture of an intense past, the cultural richness and the incredible ecological biodiversity of Brazil. To visit during the crazy carnival period or in its quieter and more serene moments, Pernambuco has incredible places to discover and extraordinary experiences to live. So don't hesitate any longer and let yourself be enchanted by this pearl of Brazil's northeastern region. 
  By: Tiffany Flour, passionate communicator, inveterate marketer, enthusiastic traveler and Daytours4u contributor.