Pernambuco: A Guide to Its Unique Attractions

Pernambuco is a vibrant and diverse state in the northeast of Brazil, known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural history and impressive natural landscapes.

This article looks at the uniqueness of the state, its history and culture, and highlights the main tourist attractions.

Praça de São Pedro em Recife - Pernambuco — St Peter’s Square in Recife – Pernambuco

Unique territory

A glance at the Map of Pernambuco is enough to realise the uniqueness of its territory.

The state of Pernambuco is a narrow strip of land that stretches timidly towards the coast – there are only 187 kilometres of coastline – only to extend into the hinterland for 724 kilometres.

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 coast protected by reef banks, which is why the Indians called the region Paranampuca – “sea that breaks on the rock” – a name that prevailed over the official Nova Lusitania.

Getting to know Pernambuco

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

Both preserve fragments of their history in their monuments and in their exceptionally rich culture. This is evidenced by cultural manifestations such as the maracatus, caboclinhos and frevos, which reach their peak during the Carnival.

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

From the capital, you can drive along the coast, where you’ll find beaches with calm, warm waters surrounded by holiday homes and sophisticated hotels.

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

Pernambuco Culture

To get to know the culture of Pernambuco, it is essential to visit the Zona da Mata, the cradle of the Rural Maracatu – a popular dance that combines elements of several folk dances.

The Agreste region stands out for the production of authentic handicrafts of excellent quality. Finally, the Sertão is home to lands that hide a surprising and harsh poetry, reflecting the resistance and rich history of the Sertanejo people.

Videos – Pernambuco’s main tourist attractions

Pontos Turísticos de Pernambuco11:10

Pernambuco Guia Turismo

Pernambuco melhores praias09:51

Principais Pontos de Turismo de PE07:36

Must-see tourist attractions in Pernambuco

1. Recife

Boa Viagem Beach: Known for its warm waters and natural pools formed by reefs.
Recife Antigo: Historic neighbourhood with Marco Zero, Rua do Bom Jesus and the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, the first in the Americas.
Ricardo Brennand Institute: A medieval-style museum with an extensive collection of art, weapons and historical artefacts.

2. Olinda

Olinda Historic Centre: UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its baroque churches, colourful houses and the lively Olinda Carnival.
Sé Church: Offers stunning panoramic views of Olinda and Recife.
São Bento Monastery: Famous for its rich gilded woodwork and baroque architecture.

3. Porto de Galinhas

Natural pools: Formed by reefs, ideal for snorkelling with colourful fish in crystal clear waters.
Maracaípe Beach: Popular with surfers, with stunning natural scenery.

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 for dolphin watching and snorkelling.
Morro Dois Irmãos: The iconic rock formations of the archipelago, a postcard of Noronha.

5. Caruaru

Caruaru Fair: One of the largest open-air fairs in Latin America, famous for its handicrafts and typical food.
Museu do Barro e Mestre Vitalino: Dedicated to popular art, especially the clay sculptures of Mestre Vitalino.

6. Garanhuns

Garanhuns Winter Festival: Annual arts and culture event featuring music, theatre, dance and cinema.
Euclides Dourado Park: Recreational area with paths and green spaces.

7. Triunfo

Engenho São Pedro: Visit to the Cachaça Mill, where you can learn about the traditional production of cachaça.
Triunfo Cable Car: Offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

8. Gravatá

Gravatá Jazz Festival: An annual event that attracts musicians and jazz fans from all over the country.
Serra das Russas: Offers hiking trails and spectacular views.

9. Carneiros Beach

Igreja de São Benedito: Picturesque church by the sea, surrounded by crystal clear water and coconut palms.

10. Itamaracá

Itamaracá Island: Known for its quiet beaches and Fort Orange, a colonial fortress.
Manatee Project: Marine Manatee Conservation Centre with educational visits.

11. Tamandaré

Praia de Tamandaré: Beautiful beach with calm, warm waters, ideal for families.
Forte de Santo Inácio de Loyola: Historic fortress overlooking the sea.

12. Serra Talhada

Sítio Histórico do Cangaço: Region where Lampião and his gang operated, with historical trails and tours.
Museu do Cangaço: Exhibits artefacts and the history of the Cangaço and Lampião.

13. Petrolina

São Francisco Valley: Famous wine region, with visits to wineries and boat trips on the São Francisco River.
Rodeadouro Island: Popular with locals and tourists for its river beaches.

14. Bonito

Bonito Waterfalls: Known for its beautiful waterfalls, such as the Véu da Noiva Waterfall and the Mágico Waterfall.
Abseiling and Adventure Tourism: The region is ideal for adventure activities, including abseiling and hiking.

15. Cabo de Santo Agostinho

Calhetas Beach: Small, picturesque beach in a bay, ideal for relaxing.
Praia de Gaibu: Popular with surfers and holidaymakers, known for its strong waves and beautiful scenery.

16. Goiana

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

These 16 tourist highlights offer a variety of experiences, from paradisiacal beaches and remote islands to rich cultural and historical traditions, guaranteeing a varied and memorable trip to Pernambuco.

Publications on Pernambuco’s tourist attractions

The cultural routes and architecture of the cities of Recife and Olinda
The natural beauty of the coasts 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 in 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, the idea is to combine fun and knowledge of folkloric events, while 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.