Recife is the capital of the State of Pernambuco and the major gateway to Brazil's Northeast. Situated near the easternmost point of South America where Brazil bulges into the Atlantic Ocean, Recife is closer to Africa than any other major city in the Western Hemisphere. The city is built along the seashore, having its name derived from the corral reefs that protect its shore, forming beaches of calm water and gentle surfing.

Recife is one of the oldest cities in Brazil, rich in colonial architecture, churches, old palaces built in baroque style and fortresses. The city was the centre of the Dutch occupation (1631-1654) of Brazil, being the capital of their colony New Holland. There are still many traces in the city of the former Dutch presence, like for example the old Powder House where the Dutch stored the gumpowder for their cannons.
During the battle of Guararapes the Dutch where driven from Pernambuco. The "our lady of Prazeres Church" marks the spot where their 30-year occupation was ended.

Today Recife is a modern city, with more then 1,5 million inhabitants. Despite all (relatively) recent development, the city retains a rich traditional side, with some of Brazil's best folk art, including painting and sculpture, dance, music and festivals.

Recife is famous for its music and rhythms ("frevo", "maracatu" and "xaxado"), its festivals ("bacamarteiros" and "cavalhada" ), its folklore celebrations ("reisado", "bumba-meu-boi" and "xangô") and its arts and crafts.

Olinda is Recife's sister city, on less then 10 km, separated by swamps and a river (both cities are generally considered as one destination).
Olinda is one of the best preserved colonial cities in Brazil, placed on a hill overlooking Recife and the Atlantic Ocean. "Climbing" through Olinda's winding streets is like stepping back into the 17th century. This monumental city boasts an enormous amount of colonial buildings and churches.

Olinda was founded in 1537 as the capital of the then province of Pernambuco. During the Dutch occupation the whole city was burnt down and Recife was installed as the new capital of Pernambuco. After the Dutch left Brazil Olinda hes been rebuild and since then time stood still; Recife became the economic heart of the region, with offices and modern buildings. Olinda nowadays is an important cultural centre, with many artists having their atelier in the old streets.

Olindas carnival is world famous; thousands of visitors are attracted by its dancing crowds in the historical streets on Frevo music.
Olinda features on the UNESCO world heritage list since 1982 and serious restoration works of the historical buildings have been carried out since then.

Year-round warm, tropical weather, beautiful beaches, a history and culture dating back to the earliest colonization of Brazil and some outstanding beaches to the north (Itamaracá), and to the south of the city (Porto de Galinhas), make Recife and Olinda very interesting and complete destinations in Brazil.

The state of Pernambuco's Tourism Authority