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 main tourist attractions.

Unique territory

A glance at the map of Pernambuco is enough to realise the uniqueness of its territory. The state is a narrow strip of land that stretches along the coast – there are only 187 kilometres of coastline – and extends 724 kilometres into the hinterland.

It was on this stretch of coast that the Portuguese nobleman Duarte Coelho landed in 1535 to take possession of the captaincy granted to him by Dom João III.

The colonists found a coastline protected by reefs, which is why the Indians called the region Paranampuca – “sea that breaks on the rock” – a name that prevailed over the official Nova Lusitânia.

Why go to Pernambuco?

Visiting Pernambuco is an opportunity to experience a rich cultural and natural diversity. The state offers a unique experience, combining tradition and modernity. Tourists can explore:

• Vibrant culture: Pernambuco is a cultural melting pot where music, dance and festivals such as the Carnival and the June Festival are deeply rooted in local life.
• Rich History: The historic cities of Recife and Olinda are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with colonial architecture, churches and museums that tell the story of Brazil.
• Gastronomy: Pernambuco’s cuisine is delicious and varied, with dishes such as carne de sol, bolo de rolo, caldeirada and acarajé standing out.
• Natural Beauty: In addition to its beaches, the state has a rich biodiversity in its parks and reserves, such as the National Park of Fernando de Noronha and the Atlantic Rainforest.
• Outdoor Activities: Visitors can enjoy ecotourism, hiking, boat trips and water sports, taking advantage of the state’s natural beauty.

Getting to know Pernambuco

The best way to get to know Pernambuco is from Recife and Olinda, sister cities from the colonial period.

Both preserve fragments of their history in their monuments and in their extraordinarily rich culture, evidenced by cultural manifestations such as maracatus, caboclinhos and frevos, which reach their maximum expression during Carnival.

These festivities are the result of the mixture of Portuguese, Africans and Indians in the mills and sugar cane plantations.

From the capital, you can travel along the coast, where you’ll find beaches with calm, warm waters, surrounded by holiday homes and sophisticated hotels. Pernambuco’s beaches are known for a number of characteristics that attract tourists, including

• Natural Beauty: The beaches are famous for their stunning scenery, with crystal clear waters, white sands and lush coconut groves.
• An abundance of marine life: Places such as Fernando de Noronha offer marine biodiversity that attracts tourists for activities such as diving and snorkelling.
• Beaches for all tastes: From the quiet and peaceful, ideal for families, to those with strong waves that attract surfers.
• Local culture: Many beaches are surrounded by villages that preserve the local culture, with festivals, typical gastronomy and handicrafts.
• Tourist infrastructure: The main beaches have a good infrastructure, with accommodation, restaurants and leisure activities.
• Tropical Climate: The warm, sunny climate for most of the year is a major attraction.
• Recreational Activities: A wide range of activities are available, including rafting, hiking and water sports.

535 kilometres off the coast of Pernambuco is the island of Fernando de Noronha, considered one of the most beautiful in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pernambuco Culture

For a deeper insight into Pernambuco’s culture, it is essential to visit the Zona da Mata, the birthplace of the rural Maracatu – a popular dance that combines elements of several folk dances. The Agreste is a region that stands out for the production of authentic handicrafts of excellent quality. Finally, the Sertão is home to lands that hide surprising and harsh poetry, reflecting the resistance and rich history of the Sertanejo people.

Videos – Pernambuco’s main tourist attractions

Must-see tourist attractions in Pernambuco

Pernambuco is a state rich in culture, history and natural beauty. Here are some of the main tourist highlights that you can’t miss:

1. Recife

• Boa Viagem Beach: Famous for its warm waters and natural pools formed by reefs, this is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.
• Recife Antigo: A historic neighbourhood with Marco Zero, Rua do Bom Jesus and the Kahal Zur Israel synagogue, the first in the Americas.
• Instituto Ricardo Brennand: A medieval-style museum with a vast collection of art, weapons and historical artefacts that enchant visitors.

2. Olinda

• Olinda’s historic centre: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its baroque churches, colourful houses and lively atmosphere.
• Olinda Carnival: This carnival is one of the most traditional and lively in Brazil, known for its street blocks, giant puppets and the infectious joy of the revellers. During the days of the festival, the city is transformed into a huge stage for music, dance and popular culture, attracting thousands of visitors to join in the fun.
• Igreja da Sé: Offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Olinda and Recife, perfect for unforgettable photos.
• São Bento Monastery: Famous for its rich gilded woodwork and baroque architecture, it is an example of the cultural richness of the region.

3. Porto de Galinhas

• Natural pools: Formed by reefs, they are ideal for snorkelling with colourful fish in crystal clear waters, a true paradise for sea lovers.
• Maracaípe Beach: Popular with surfers, with stunning natural scenery that attracts visitors from all over the world.

4. Fernando de Noronha

• Sancho Bay: Often voted one of the best beaches in the world, known for its unspoilt beauty and abundant marine life.
• Baía dos Porcos and Baía dos Golfinhos: Excellent spots for dolphin watching and snorkelling, offering unique experiences.
• Morro Dois Irmãos: The archipelago’s iconic rock formations, a postcard of Noronha that you can’t miss.

5. Caruaru

• Caruaru Fair: One of the largest open-air fairs in Latin America, famous for its handicrafts and typical foods that reflect the local culture.
• Museu do Barro e Mestre Vitalino: Dedicated to popular art, especially the clay sculptures of Mestre Vitalino, this is a cultural excursion not to be missed.

6. Garanhuns

• Garanhuns Winter Festival: Annual event celebrating art and culture, with music, theatre, dance and cinema.
• Euclides Dourado Park: A recreational area with paths and green spaces, ideal for a day in contact with nature.

7. Triunfo

• Engenho São Pedro: A visit to the cachaça mill, which offers an insight into the traditional production of this popular drink.
• Triunfo Cable Car: Offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains, a thrilling experience.

8. Gravatá

• Gravatá Jazz Festival: An annual event that attracts musicians and jazz fans from all over the country, promoting a vibrant music scene.
• Serra das Russas: Known for its trails and spectacular views, perfect for adventure lovers.

9. Carneiros beach

• Igreja de São Benedito: A picturesque church by the sea, surrounded by crystal clear waters and coconut palms, ideal for incredible photos.

10. Itamaracá

• Itamaracá Island: Known for its quiet beaches and Fort Orange, a colonial fortress that tells the history of the region.
• Projeto Peixe-Boi: Marine Manatee Conservation Centre with educational and interactive visits.

11. Tamandaré

• Praia de Tamandaré: A beautiful beach with calm, warm waters, ideal for families looking for a day of relaxation.
• Forte de Santo Inácio de Loyola: A historic fortress overlooking the sea that offers an immersion in the history of the region.

12. Serra Talhada

• Sítio Histórico do Cangaço: The area where Lampião and his gang operated, with historical trails and tours that tell the story of the cangaço.
• Museu do Cangaço: Exhibits artefacts and the history of the Cangaço and Lampião, a fascinating experience for those interested in the culture of the Northeast.

13. Petrolina

• São Francisco Valley: Famous wine region, with visits to wineries and boat trips on the São Francisco River, a great way to get to know the local culture.
• Ilha do Rodeadouro: Popular with locals and tourists alike for its river beaches, perfect for a day of leisure.

14. Cabo de Santo Agostinho

• Calhetas Beach: A small, picturesque beach in a cove, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty.
• Praia de Gaibu: Popular with surfers and holidaymakers, known for its strong waves and beautiful scenery.

15. Goiana

• Carne de Vaca Beach: One of the quietest beaches in Pernambuco, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.
• Colonial Sugar Mills: Visit the old sugar mills and learn about the history and culture of the region, a fascinating journey into the past.

These 15 Tourist Highlights offer a wide variety of experiences, from paradisiacal beaches and remote islands to rich cultural and historical traditions. Each place guarantees a varied and memorable trip in Pernambuco, perfect for all types of travellers.

Publications about Pernambuco’s tourist attractions

• The cultural routes and architecture of the cities of Recife and Olinda
• The natural beauty of the coast of Cabo de Santo Agostinho and Tamandaré.
• The aquatic paradise of the island of Fernando de Noronha
• The folklore and handicraft traditions of Zona da Mata
• The ceramics of Caruaru in the agreste and the wine route of the sertão.
• Goiana’s sacred heritage holds stories
• Beaches of Porto de Galinhas
• Vale do Catimbau National Park
• Tourist routes to visit in the interior of Pernambuco
• Tracunhaém is the “capital of ceramics”.
• Triunfo has many attractions such as its climate and old 19th century buildings.
• Serra Talhada is known as the capital of Xaxado and the birthplace of Lampião.
• Rural Tourism Route
• Natural pools of São José da Coroa Grande
• Cabo de Santo Agostinho is the most western city of Pernambuco.
• Olinda is one of the most important historical cities in Brazil.
• The Passion of Christ in New Jerusalem, PE
• History and curiosities of the Kahal Zur Israel synagogue in Recife
• Sugar Mills around Porto de Galinhas

When to go to Pernambuco

• You can visit the beaches and the island of Fernando de Noronha at any time of the year.
• In the summer, however, the places get crowded and the prices go up.
• During Carnival, between February and March, if the idea is to combine fun and knowledge of folkloric events, the month of June, during the São João celebrations, is the time when the towns in the Agreste and Sertão are filled with festivals and bonfires.

Tourist guide to Pernambuco

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