Attractions Nearby Recife, Day Trips and Excursions

(Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil)

The Recife Metropolitan Area forms one of the biggest urban regions in North-East Brazil, being home to almost four million inhabitants and endless attractions for tourists. The most popular of these destinations are ideal for day trips and longer excursions, and include Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Igarassu, Jaboatao dos Guararapes, Olinda, Paulista and Ilha de Itamaraca.

Located just under 40 km / 25 miles from the city of Recife and to the south-west, Cabo de Santo Agostinho features an array of enticing attractions and activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing. The tropical beaches of Cabo de Santo Agostinho serve as a major draw and include Calhetas, Enseada dos Corais, Gaibu, Itapuama, Paiva, Paraiso, Suape and Xeréu.

General Information

The city of Igarassu is less than an hour away from Recife, being situated roughly 30 km / 19 miles to the north. Igarassu lies alongside the coast and is known for its beach attractions. The Praia da Gavoa (Gavoa Beach) is especially popular and a good place for water sports, while the Praia da Ilha do Coroa do Aviao (Coroa do Aviao Islet Beach) is lined with upmarket summer houses, and the Praia de Mangue Seco (Dry Mangrove Beach) widens to around 500 metres / 1,640 feet when the waves retreat.

Close to the Reserva Ecologica Mata de Mussaiba and approximately 22 km / 14 miles south-west of Recife, the attractions of Jaboatao dos Guararapes make for a worthwhile day trip. Jaboatao dos Guararapes is a sizable city with a healthy tourism industry based around its sweeping beaches. The Praia de Candeias is a very popular beach and is lined with high-rise hotels and apartments as far as you can see. The other main beaches include the Praia da Barra de Jangada and the Praia de Piedade.

At a mere 8 km / 5 miles from Recife, Olinda is so close that it is often considered to be something of a suburb. The historical centre of Olinda is where its leading attractions and colonial sights reside, such as the Sao Bento Monastery and a number of churches. This part of the city has so much character that it has become a World Heritage Site, with exciting annual carnival celebrations drawing huge crowds.

Located around 16 km / 10 miles to the north of Recife, the oceanfront city of Paulista comes with lengthy sandy beaches lined with coconut palms. Stretching for 2 km / 1.5 miles, the peaceful Praia da Conceicao (Conceicao Beach) has calm water suitable for swimming and many eateries. At the Praia de Pau Amarelo (Pau Amarelo Beach), the Pau Amarelo Fort is a major attraction and is almost 300 years old.

Separated from mainland Pernambuco by a channel, the Ilha de Itamaraca is easy to reach from Recife and provides an enticing weekend excursion, with many appealing attractions and restaurants. Those looking for a spot of history should pay a visit to Forte Orange, a historical Dutch fortress dating back to 1631. Alternatively, you may like to head to the Ecoparque Peixe-Boi to see West Indian manatees, or to the innumerable beaches spread along the 15-km / 9-mile coastline.