Fodor's Expert Review Ilha de Itamaracá

This island is set off the coast of the historic city of Igarassu and has a number of beautiful beaches with calm waters for swimming, as well as a protected area for manatees. The best beach is Coroa do Avião. To get to its secluded golden sands and handful of pricey beach restaurants, you need to take a boat or canoe from Forte Orange (R$10 per person). Buses to Igarassu and Ilha de Itamaracá leave from the center of Recife, at the Cais de Santa Rita in front of the Fórum Thomas de Aquino. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.