We will spend 3 weeks in February, including carnaval in northeast Brazil. We know about Salvador, Bahia but would like to travel out from there going north, south and/or west. Any suggestions for areas, including a place to see carnaval, other than Salvador, Bahia? We might fly to Recife and surrounding areas such as Olindo, if we hear worthwhile things. Is there more in that area to see and do? Please give experiences and info.

We just got back from Itacare - a small town to the south of Salvador. See a note I just posted int he Forum (Brazil Trip Notes: Itacare, Lencois, Rio; Sao Paulo Coast) for more details. We loved it. Enjoy.

Don't miss Praia do Forte 80km north of Salvador, just after Costa do Sauipe, a resort-complex.
Aracaju is a nice city 260km North. In fact, if you rent a car, you can go to the north til Recife, stopping in some cities and beaches like Praia do Forte, Aracajú, Maceió, Maragogi Olinda and finally Recife.
If you choose south, than go to Morro de Sao Paulo, Ilheus and Itacare (about 500km south from Salvador or fly to Ilheus from Salvador). Porto Seguro and Trancoso are a good choice too but very far from Salvador by car (you should fly it's 1h from Salvador).

I'd suggest renting a car - I've had the best luck and rates with Avis. You won't need it while in Salvador but if you have a couple weeks, I'd drive North with Natal as you final destination.

Personally, I'd skip Recife but an afternoon at Olinda would be interesting. Maceio and the coast to the north are very good. Ponta Negra at Natal is a nice beach area.

I would also suggest a rental car. I enjoyed Olinda more than Recife. The restaurant Goya is quite good. I would drive south from Recife to Porto galinhas (port of the chickens) and even farther into Sao Miguel dos Milagres. There are some of the most charming deserted beaches. If you are looking for somewhere nice to stay, check out Pousada do Toque (Especially if you speak portuquese). It is the most wonderful little out of the way resort and nilo's food is fabulous! There is a website if you are interested : www.pousadadotoque.com.br/