The Brazilian Northeast is home to some surprising and off-the-beaten-track destinations. Discover 5 exotic places in the Northeast that are well worth a visit 1. Lençóis Maranhenses A park of white dunes interspersed with crystal-clear lagoons. When to go: May to September. What to do: 4×4 tours, swimming in the […]
Tourism in the North-East is one of the most searched-for topics amongst those travelling around Brazil, and with good reason: the region boasts idyllic beaches, lush natural beauty, historic towns and a rich culture. If you’re planning a trip in 2026, take a look at these 9 destinations that are […]
Following the expulsion of the Jesuits, the church of the former College of the Society of Jesus became the Cathedral Basilica of Salvador, replacing the old cathedral that was at risk of collapse. (1) The Jesuits were expelled by the Royal Charter of 28 August 1759. On 26 October 1765, […]
The Cathedral Basilica of Salvador is located in the heart of Pelourinho and is one of the most important sacred buildings in colonial Brazil. As well as bearing witness to the country’s history and Catholicism, the temple houses 17^(th)-century paintings, rosewood furniture and sacred gold and silver objects. history and […]
Boa Viagem Beach is Recife’s main urban beach, with a long stretch of shoreline, beach huts, hotels and reefs that form natural pools at low tide. This guide brings together practical information, attractions, safety advice and tips to help you make the most of your visit. Where is it and […]
5-day itinerary — The beaches of Pernambuco Explore the coast of Pernambuco on a 5-day itinerary featuring unmissable beaches, lush landscapes and activities to suit all tastes. Setting off from Recife, you’ll experience everything from the bustling streets of Boa Viagem to the natural pools of Porto de Galinhas, the […]
Hereditary captaincies created between 1534 and 1536 Implementing the plan announced to Martim Afonso de Sousa in 1532, King João III created, between 1534 and 1536 alone, fourteen hereditary captaincies in Brazil, subdivided into fifteen lots and distributed to twelve grantees. Located along the coastline, from Maranhão to Santa Catarina, […]
To populate the deserted Atlantic Ocean islands discovered in the 15th century, such as Madeira, Porto Santo, the Azores, Cape Verde and São Tomé, Portugal granted them to the noblemen and other interested parties who discovered them, or who were capable of exploiting them. This was done in the form […]
Context and controversy Several authors have debated the similarities and differences between the Hereditary Captaincies and medieval feudalism, contesting interpretations that compare the two systems. Queirós Lima acknowledged similarities, but rejected the idea of equivalence. 1. Argument: There was no feudalism in the hereditary captaincies. 1.1 Authors who are opposed […]
Hereditary Captaincies in the 16th Century: Background to their Creation Despite being a small country with limited resources, Portugal distinguished itself through its great voyages and explorations in the 15th century. In the following century, he was tasked with colonising territories in Asia and America, in addition to the work […]
The return of Martim Afonso de Sousa to Portugal A brief account of Martim Afonso’s return to Portugal after completing his work in São Vicente, covering royal decisions and appointments, as well as the journey back. 1. Context in São Vicente Martim Afonso continued his colonising work in São Vicente. […]
Martim Afonso’s voyage to Brazil (1530–1532) and Pero Lopes’ return to Portugal. The expedition led by Martim Afonso de Sousa to Brazil (1530–1532) marked the beginning of regular Portuguese colonisation. This involved reconnaissance missions, the occupation of the land and the exploitation of brazilwood, as well as the administrative organisation […]
Martim Afonso de Sousa’s voyage to Brazil was a maritime expedition involving military, exploratory and colonising activities along the coast of Brazil and the River Plate. Between December 1530 and January 1532, the fleet sailed around the Atlantic islands, fought privateers, made contact with indigenous peoples (including a reunion with […]
Just a few kilometres between Pipa and Baía Formosa, Sibaúma is a well-preserved coastal village in Rio Grande do Norte, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, a connection with nature and authentic coastal scenery. A bit of history Sibaúma has its roots in a Quilombo community that was established […]
Praia dos Carneiros is a photogenic beach located about an hour from Recife. Just a few kilometres from Recife, the beach of Praia dos Carneiros in Tamandaré, Pernambuco, is a haven of crystal-clear seas and coconut trees, offering perfect photo opportunities. The picturesque Church of São Benedito, nestled against the […]
Discover the best beaches in the northeast for relaxation, with three perfect getaways offering stunning scenery, high-end accommodation and tranquillity. If you’re looking for stunning scenery, luxurious accommodation and easy access by car from a north-eastern capital without the noise of loud music, we’ve selected three beaches that offer all […]
To understand frevo is to reconstruct the history of Recife’s working classes and the city’s urban development between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Frevo was born among the people and quickly became a defining feature of the city. 1. The Role of Urban Space and Public Authority Since […]
According to many scholars, music and dance have been part of Brazilian culture since its inception, providing an outlet for the tensions arising from the diversity of individuals involved in the process and facilitating the adaptation of a European social model to a tropical context. Frevo, linked to Carnival, depicts […]
The expedition of Martim Afonso de Sousa: towards the colonisation of Brazil. Martim Afonso de Sousa came from one of the most notable families in Portugal. He was a descendant of Dom Afonso III through illegitimacy — meaning he had a blood tie to the royal family through an ancestor […]
The colonising expedition led by Martim Afonso de Sousa and sent by the King of Portugal in 1530 was the first official attempt at permanently occupying the territory that would become Brazil. The expedition comprised ships, soldiers, settlers and technicians. Its objectives were to combat French trading posts, explore the […]
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is Salvador’s main hub for bohemian life and dining, bringing together bars, restaurants, acarajé stalls, small
The history of Lençóis, in Bahia, begins with diamond mining. The origins of the town are linked to the discoveries made in 1844 in Mucugê and
Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming spots in Salvador, situated near Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe peninsula. With a stunning view of
A practical guide to things to do in Pelourinho: Baroque churches, museums, squares, a suggested itinerary and tips for making the most of
The beaches of Salvador, Bahia, offer 50 km of coastline with something for everyone: beaches with calm waters perfect for families, reefs that form
Arembepe is a charming village on the north coast of Bahia, around 42 km from Salvador. Known for its historic Hippie Village, the Tamar Project site
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together — the perfect setting for
Bahia Maritime Museum: what you need to know before visiting Housed within the iconic Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Maritime Museum is one of
