Recife, Brazil in the state Pernambuco was founded by the Portuguese in 1530, although the city has taken several names and shifted its center. The area was briefly occupied by the Dutch as well the influence of both is still prevalent in the remaining historic architecture of the area.
Three and a half million people make up Recife’s metropolitan area, making it one of Brazil’s largest cities and the second largest in the northeast. The mixture of Portuguese, Indians and African slaves made Recife one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and it also was first to establish a Jewish community and synagogue in all of the Americas. Vibrant nigthlife, particularly on the beach front, and great hotels, restaurants, shopping, and beaches are more than enough reason to hang around.
Recife Sights
To see Old Recife or Recife Velho, the Zero Marker is the best starting location. The monument sits in the middle of a round plaza, the city’s main, where you can look out onto the ocean and just make out the coral reef offshore that is the city’s namesake. From here you can stroll the café lined streets and stumble in and out of colonial churches and mansions, beaux-arts buildings such as the Capela Dourada (Golden Chapel) and Teatro Santa Isabel.
Olinda is the original historic city and at one time was much better known tha Recife. Now Olinda is best known for its charming 300-400 year old colonial architecture and cobblestone streets while Recife is a huge and not incredibly charismatic sprawling city. The main square, the Praça da Carmo is flanked by the stunning N.S do Carmen Church. Restorations of Olinda began in the 1970’s and the area is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The neighborhood sits 4 miles north of Recife’s downtown area on the hilltop.
Recifeis well known for its beaches and diving. More than 15 wrecks sit just off shore and are a haven for world class divers. The best beach sits 43 miles from Recife at Porto de Galinhas, considered the finest beach in the northeast. It is home to international surfing competitions, some good hotels, and a few lively bars.
Recife Hotels
The downtown beach areas of Boa Viagem or the historic district of Olinda are where most of the hotels and accommodations lay. The best in the area is the Pousada Amparo (Tel: 81-3439-1749), located on the oldest street in Olinda where local artists gather to display their work. The two town houses that make up the hotel and gallery were created by Kleber Dantas and Ângela Castelo Branco who built it with materials from destroyed colonial buildings.
Getting to Recife, Brazil
Recife’s Aeroporto Internacional dos Guararapes is 11 km south of downtown in Boa Viagem and has daily flights with GOL, TAM, and Varig to Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, and Fernando de Noronha.
