Visit Recife & Olinda, Brazil

Recife is the place to fly into for stays in its neighboring town of Olinda, and the wonderful beaches to the south.

Recife

Modern and busy, Recife itself holds little of real interest to the Audley visitor, but perched on a hilltop overlooking it is the colonial gem of Olinda.

Olinda

Time has stood still in the center of old Olinda where the cobbled streets are home to magnificent Baroque churches and convents, pastel-colored houses, mansions and Baroque fountains. Dotted with shady plazas and swaying palm trees, and steeped in history, it is not a surprise that bohemian Olinda has been given UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status.

For a beach stay after some time exploring here, the coast south of Recife and Olinda is delightful and has some good resorts and pousadas.

Porto de Galinhas

The village of Porto de Galinhas has a particularly good beach. Framed with palms, it looks out to shallow coral rock pools and a sea speckled with brightly colored darting fish.