Pernambuco

Tourism in Pernambuco: Culture, History and Natural Beauty

The state of Pernambuco is one of Brazil’s most important tourist centres, offering a wide range of activities from paradisiacal beaches and historic cities to cultural events of national and international importance.

1. Historical and Cultural Heritage

Pernambuco has one of the oldest churches in Brazil, located in Igarassu, in the metropolitan region of Recife. The Church of São Cosme e Damião, dating from 1535, is part of a Historical Centre listed by the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN).

The capital of Pernambuco, Recife, is home to Recife Antigo, a traditional neighbourhood with strong tourist appeal, where you’ll find Marco Zero, Rua do Bom Jesus and the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, the first in the Americas.

Also noteworthy are the Ricardo Brennand Institute, a national reference in artistic and historical collections, and the Casa da Cultura, a former prison that has been transformed into an arts and crafts centre.

In Olinda, the Historic Site, declared a World Heritage Site Site by UNESCO, is one of the most important colonial architectural complexes in Brazil. The city is the stage for the Olinda Carnival, famous for its giant puppets and frevo and maracatu rhythms.

2. Sun and beach tourism

Pernambuco’s 187-kilometre-long coastline is one of the state’s biggest tourist attractions. The main beaches include

  • Port de Galinhas: famous for its natural pools and marine life.
  • Muro Alto: Calm waters protected by reefs.
  • Maracaípe: Ideal for surfing and kitesurfing.
  • Boa Viagem: Recife’s urban beach with excellent infrastructure.

The Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, also recognised by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, is an ecological sanctuary, with the Sancho Bay and the Bay of Pigs being ideal for diving.

3. Agreste and Sertão: Ecotourism and festivities

In the Agreste region of Pernambuco, the town of Bonito stands out for its waterfalls and adventure tourism activities such as abseiling, trekking and tree climbing. In Gravatá, at an altitude of 447 metres, the mild climate and rural traditions attract tourists during the months of June and July.

In Garanhuns, the Winter Festival, which has been running for over 20 years, offers a varied programme of music, theatre and dance. In the Sertão, the city of Triunfo, the highest in the state, hosts the Student Theatre and Dance Festival and the Film Festival in the historic Cine Teatro Guarany.

4. Popular culture and traditional events

  • Caruaru Fair: the largest open-air fair in the world, recognised by IPHAN as a Brazilian Intangible Heritage.
  • Saint John’s Festival in Caruaru: one of the largest celebrations in the country in June.
  • New Jerusalem Theatre: Considered the largest open-air theatre in the world, famous for its production of the Passion of the Christ.
  • Festival Pernambuco Nação Cultural: Promoted by the state government, it tours different regions, bringing art and culture.
  • Festival Virtuosi, Festival Janeiro de Grandes Espetáculos and Rec-Beat: consolidate the state as a centre of contemporary musical and artistic production.

5. Nature and Wine Tourism

The Catimbau National Park, located between Agreste and Sertão, impresses with its rock formations, gorges and archaeological sites. In Bezerros, Serra Negra has a cold climate and landscapes of rare beauty.

In the São Francisco Valley, wine production stands out, with wineries open to visitors in towns such as Petrolina and Lagoa Grande, which offer wine tourism routes along the banks of the São Francisco River.

Teresina no Piauí
Piauí

Main Tourist Attractions in Piauí You Must Visit

Piauí brings together unique natural and historical attractions. In Teresina, you will find urban life and cultural centres; the Serra da Capivara National Park (São Raimundo Nonato) displays one of the largest collections of cave paintings in the world and archaeological sites recognised by UNESCO; and the coast offers the […]

Piauí

Piauí: A Guide to Its Stunning Attractions

Discover Piauí: An unforgettable tourist experience Live a unique experience in Piauí and discover its incredible tourist attractions, such as the Parnaíba Delta, Sete Cidades National Park, Capadócia Piauiense, Oeiras, Serra da Capivara, Poti River Canyon and the capital Teresina. Kitesurfing, for example, is boosting tourism on the beaches of […]

Piauí

Serra das Confusões National Park Travel Guide

The Serra das Confusões National Park is a fascinating destination for nature and adventure lovers. Located in the state of Piauí in Brazil, it is the largest national park in the Northeast and offers a rich diversity of landscapes, fauna and flora, as well as impressive rock formations. Still wild, […]

Piauí

Luís Correia: Explore the Best Beaches in Piauí

Discover the wonders of Luís Correia: Piauí’s coastal paradise Luís Correia is a charming tourist destination on the coast of Piauí, known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture and tranquil atmosphere. With stunning scenery combining sand dunes, coconut groves and crystal clear waters, it’s the perfect place for those seeking […]

Recife

Main historical landmarks of Pernambuco and Recife

Pernambuco and its capital Recife have a rich history, marked by important events that have shaped not only the region, but also Brazil. Pernambuco and its capital, Recife, have a turbulent history. The history of Recife began in 1537: the King of Portugal divided the large colony into strips of […]

Recife

Main Tourist Attractions in Recife You Must Visit

Recife, one of Brazil’s oldest cities, was founded by the Portuguese in 1537. With a rich cultural mix resulting from the coexistence of Portuguese, Indians and Africans, the city offers a number of tourist attractions for all tastes. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Recife has a wealth of historical […]

Pernambuco

Pernambuco’s best beaches and their attractions

Pernambuco’s must-see beaches: Destinations in Fernando de Noronha and along the coast Pernambuco is one of the most exuberant and expressive states in the Northeast, not only for the beauty of its beaches, but also for its strong culture. European colonisation left its mark on the culture, cuisine, architecture and […]

Piauí

Kitesurfing in Barra Grande: The Ultimate Guide

Discover the stunning landscapes and perfect conditions for kitesurfing in Barra Grande, Piauí. This charming village is an ideal destination for water sports and nature lovers. The location The village of Barra Grande is located on the coast of the state of Piauí in northeastern Brazil. It is part of […]

Recife

Golden Chapel: A Jewel of Brazilian Baroque

Architecture and history of the Golden Chapel in Recife The Golden Chapel, located in the historic centre of Recife, is one of the most impressive examples of the Brazilian Baroque. Built between 1696 and 1724 by the Venerable Third Order of St Francis, it stands out for its richly ornamented […]

Sertão of Pernambuco

Triunfo: The Oasis of the Sertão in Brazil

Triunfo: Explore the beauty and history of Pernambuco’s hinterland Triunfo, located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, is known as the “Oasis of the Sertão” due to its pleasant climate, its mountainous landscapes and its rich cultural heritage. This charming city is a destination that combines natural beauty and history, […]

Sertão of Pernambuco

Petrolina: Exploring Its Wine and Tourism

Discover Petrolina: The jewel of Pernambuco’s Sertão, land of wine and exuberant fruits Petrolina is an important municipality located in the interior of the State of Pernambuco in Northeastern Brazil. Situated on the banks of the São Francisco River, the city has a dynamic economy, a strong agricultural sector and […]

Recife

Museu do Homem do Nordeste: A Cultural Journey

The Museu do Homem do Nordeste, located in Recife, Pernambuco, is an important cultural and historical centre that offers a rich insight into the culture, history and society of the Northeast of Brazil. Founded in 1979, the museum is maintained by the Joaquim Nabuco Foundation (Fundaj) and is dedicated to […]

Pernambuco

Pernambuco’s Rural Tourism Route: A Traveler’s Guide

The Pernambuco’s Rural Tourism Route is a journey through bucolic and enchanting landscapes, abundant gastronomy and the whole universe of the interior of the State. This guide has been created especially for domestic and foreign tourists arriving in Pernambuco, who are interested in discovering different tourist options. Cultural and natural […]

Piauí

Poti River Canyon: Your Ultimate Ecotourism Guide

The Poti River Canyon, located on the border between the states of Piauí and Ceará, is one of the most impressive landscapes in northeastern Brazil. This little-explored tourist destination offers visitors a combination of natural beauty, adventure and history, making it an ideal location for ecotourism and outdoor activities. Natural […]

Cachoeira Véu da Noiva II em Bonito PE
Pernambuco

Mata Sul Region of Pernambuco: Waterfalls to Explore

Natural beauties of the Mata Sul region of Pernambuco The Mata Sul region of Pernambuco is an area rich in natural beauties, including several waterfalls that attract visitors looking for leisure and contact with nature. Beaches and waterfalls The beaches along Pernambuco’s 187 kilometres of coast are popular with tourists. […]

Recife

Dutch Recife and the Dutch Invasion of Brazil

Recife dos Holandeses began with the Dutch invasion, which was part of the Dutch project to occupy and administer the north-east of Brazil through the Dutch West India Company. By 1624, the Dutch had already established the West India Company and were planning to expand their overseas territories in Africa […]

Piauí

Piauí: Discover Unique Tourism Experiences

Discover the wonders of tourism in Piauí Tourism in Piauí is a rich and diverse experience, offering everything from natural beauty to a vast historical and cultural heritage. Despite being a lesser-known state compared to other destinations in the Northeast, Piauí has much to offer visitors looking for something unique […]

South Coast of Pernambuco

Tamandaré: Explore the Best of Pernambuco

Tamandaré is a charming town located on the south coast of Pernambuco, about 100 kilometres from Recife. Known for its beaches with clear, warm waters, coral reefs and stunning natural scenery, Tamandaré has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Beaches and Attractions Tamandaré’s coastline stretches for 16 kilometres and offers […]

Olinda in Pernambuco

Olinda: A Journey Through Colonial Architecture

Olinda: Historical and Cultural Heritage Olinda has precious colonial houses, architecture, history and carnival. Historical importance Olinda, in the state of Pernambuco, is one of Brazil’s most important historic cities, boasting rich colonial houses and one of the country’s liveliest Carnival celebrations. Culture and Local Life It is a city […]

Recife

Recife: The Brazilian Venice and its Cultural Heritage

Discover Recife: history, culture and natural beauty The city of Recife was founded in a region where the coast was marked by coral reefs that protected the bay and provided a safe natural harbour. This geographical configuration was crucial to the city’s development as an important commercial and shipping centre, […]

Pernambuco

Pernambuco: History and must-see attractions

Pernambuco: Discover the cultural and natural riches of Northeast Brazil Pernambuco is a vibrant and diverse state in the northeast of Brazil, known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural history and impressive natural landscapes. This article looks at the uniqueness of the state, its history and culture, and highlights its […]