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Pernambuco is a vibrant and diverse state in the north-east of Brazil, known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural history, and impressive natural landscapes.

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, which extends timidly towards the coast – there are only 187 kilometres of coastline – to stretch for 724 kilometres towards 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 colonisers found a coast protected by reef banks, which is why the Indians called it Paranampuca – “sea that breaks on the rock” – a name that prevailed over the official Nova Lusitania.

View the map of Pernambuco

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

Both preserve fragments of their history in their monuments and in their extraordinarily rich culture – as evidenced by the maracatus, caboclinhos and frevos that find their maximum expression in the Carnival, resulting from the mixture, in the mills and sugarcane fields, between Portuguese, Africans and Indians.

From the capital, you can follow the coastline, where beaches of calm and warm waters emerge between holiday homes and sophisticated hotels.

535 kilometres off the coast of Pernambuco is the island of Fernando de Noronha, one of the most beautiful in the world.

To get to know Pernambuco’s culture more deeply, you should visit the Zona da Mata – home of the maracatu rural, a popular dance that combines elements of different folk dances -, the agreste, a region where excellent and authentic handicrafts are produced, and the sertão, whose lands hide a surprising and harsh poetry.

Videos “Main tourist attractions of Pernambuco”

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Pontos Turísticos de Pernambuco

Pernambuco Guia Turismo

Pernambuco melhores praias09:51

Principais Pontos de Turismo de PE07:36

Must-see tourist highlights in Pernambuco, Brazil

1. Recife

• Boa Viagem Beach: A famous urban beach known for its warm waters and natural pools formed by reefs.
• Recife Antigo (Old Recife): The historic center with attractions such as Marco Zero, Rua do Bom Jesus, the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, and the Paço do Frevo, dedicated to the Frevo dance.
• Ricardo Brennand Institute: A cultural complex featuring a museum, library, and art gallery in a medieval-style castle with an impressive collection of weapons and artworks.

2. Olinda

• Historic Center of Olinda: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its baroque churches, colorful houses, and cobblestone streets. The Olinda Carnival is one of the most traditional in Brazil.
• São Bento Monastery: Renowned for its rich gilded carvings and baroque architecture.
• Church of the Sé: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of Olinda and Recife.

3. Porto de Galinhas

• Natural Pools: Crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, formed by coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling.
• Maracaípe Beach: Known for its strong waves, it’s a popular spot for surfers.

4. Fernando de Noronha

• Baía do Sancho: Often voted one of the best beaches in the world, known for its pristine beauty and rich marine life.
• Morro Dois Irmãos: Iconic rock formations that are great for photography and diving.
• Dolphin Bay (Baía dos Golfinhos): Excellent for dolphin watching and snorkeling.

5. Caruaru

• Caruaru Fair: One of the largest open-air markets in Latin America, offering a wide range of local crafts and food.
• Clay Museum (Museu do Barro) and Mestre Vitalino Museum: Dedicated to popular art, especially the famous clay sculptures of Mestre Vitalino.

6. Garanhuns

• Garanhuns Winter Festival: One of the largest cultural events in the Northeast, featuring music, theater, dance, and cinema.
• Euclides Dourado Park: A large park with trails and recreational areas.

7. Triunfo

• Engenho São Pedro: Guided tours of a traditional cachaça distillery, showcasing the production process.
• Triunfo Cable Car: Offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

8. Gravatá

• Gravatá Jazz Festival: An annual event that attracts jazz musicians and enthusiasts from across the country.
• Serra das Russas: Known for its beautiful landscapes and hiking trails.

9. Carneiros Beach

• Church of São Benedito: A charming seaside church surrounded by palm trees and crystal-clear waters.

10. Itamaracá

• Itamaracá Island: Known for its tranquil beaches and the Orange Fort, a colonial fortress.
• Manatee Project (Projeto Peixe-Boi): A marine manatee preservation center offering educational visits.

11. Tamandaré

• Tamandaré Beach: Calm and warm waters, ideal for families.
• Fort of Saint Ignatius of Loyola: A historic fortress with views of the sea.

12. Serra Talhada

• Cangaço Historical Site: An area associated with the history of Lampião and his bandits, featuring trails and historical tours.
• Cangaço Museum: Displays artifacts and the history of the cangaço and Lampião.

13. Petrolina

• São Francisco Valley: A famous wine-producing region with vineyard tours and boat trips on the São Francisco River.
• Rodeadouro Island: A popular river beach among locals and tourists.

14. Bonito

• Bonito Waterfalls: Several stunning waterfalls, such as Véu da Noiva and Cachoeira do Mágico.
• Rappelling and Adventure Tourism: Ideal for adventure activities, including rappelling and hiking.

15. Cabo de Santo Agostinho

• Calhetas Beach: A small, picturesque beach in a cove, perfect for relaxation.
• Gaibu Beach: Popular among surfers and tourists, known for its strong waves and beautiful scenery.

16. Goiana

• Carne de Vaca Beach: One of the most peaceful beaches in Pernambuco, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
• Colonial Sugar Mills: Visit the old sugar mills and learn about the region’s history and culture.

These destinations offer a wide range of experiences, from idyllic beaches and remote islands to rich cultural and historical traditions, providing a diverse 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 coastline of Cabo de Santo Agostinho and Tamandaré
• The aquatic paradise of the island of Fernando de Noronha
• The folkloric traditions and crafts of the Zona da Mata
• The ceramics of Caruaru in the agreste, and the wine route, in the sertão
• Sacred heritage of Goiana holds stories
• Praias de Porto de Galinhas
• Parque Nacional Vale do Catimbau
• Tourist routes to visit in the interior of Pernambuco
• Tracunhaém is the “Capital of Ceramic Handicrafts”
• Triunfo has so many attractions such as climate and the old buildings of the nineteenth century
• Serra Talhada is known as the capital of xaxado and where Lampião was born
• Rural Tourism Route
• Natural swimming pools of São José da Coroa Grande
• Cabo de Santo Agostinho is the westernmost place in Pernambuco
• Olinda is one of the most important historical cities in Brazil
• The Passion of Christ reenactment takes place in Nova Jerusalem PE
• History and curiosities of the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue in Recife
• Sugar mills around Porto de Galinhas 

When to go to Pernambuco

•  Go to the beaches and island of Fernando de Noronha at any time of the year.
• In the summer, however, the places become crowded and prices rise.
• In Carnival, between February and March, if the idea is to combine fun and knowledge of folkloric manifestations the month of June, during the celebrations of São João. when cities of the agreste and sertão fill with arraiais and bonfires.
• Tourism and Travel Guide of Pernambuco