The Northeast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Northeast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Alto da Sé
CarmoThis is the most scenic spot for soaking up Olinda's views of Recife and the ocean, particularly during sunset. It's also a good place to see some historic churches as well as to sample Bahia-style acarajé (black-eyed pea fritters served with dried prawns) and Pernambuco's famous tapioca cakes. Make sure you try the cartola, a heavenly combination of fried cheese, banana, cinammon, and condensed milk. Have a seat at one of the outdoor tables here, or browse in the shops that sell handicrafts—including lace—and paintings. Don't miss a trip up the restored elevator inside the renovated Caixa d'Água (Water Tower) for stunning 360-degree vistas. To get here, just walk up on Ladeira da Sé.
Ladeira da Sé, Olinda, Pernambuco, 53120-101, Brazil -
2. Flecheiras
The ocean is always calm at this beach, which is surrounded by coconut trees, lagoons, and sand dunes. During low tide the reefs surface, and you can see small fish and shells in the rocks. When the tide comes in and the natural pools form, you can grab your mask and go snorkeling. In a 5-km (3-mile) stretch between Flexeiras and Mundaú—another almost-deserted beach—there are several fishing villages and a working lighthouse. A river joins the ocean at Mundaú, forming a large S on the sand; on one side is a line of coconut trees and on the other, fishermen with their jangadas—the scene conveys the very essence of Ceará. Flexeiras is about a 90-minute drive from Fortaleza. You can take the Rendenção bus or arrange a trip here with a tour operator. As yet there are no luxury resorts here, but there are several simple, clean pousadas. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming.
CE 085, Fortaleza, Ceará, 62690-000, Brazil -
3. Instituto Ricardo Brennand
The impressive private archive of Pernambucan collector Ricardo Brennand is displayed in a fairy-tale castle approximately 15 km (9 miles) north of Boa Viagem and surrounded by 77 hectares of forest. While the paintings and artifacts range in origin from the 15th and 21st centuries and hail from all corners of the globe, the focus is on pieces that illuminate what life was like in Recife during the Dutch imperial rule (1600–1700).
Alameda Antônio Brennand, Recife, Pernambuco, 50741-904, Brazil081-2121–0352Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$20, Tues.–Sat. 1–5 -
4. Museu Cais do Sertão
This modern, interactive musuem is one of the new hot spots on Recife's cultural map. Regular live shows and cultural workshops add extra flavor to the top-class permanent exhibition that explores the key pillars of northeastern culture. Highlights include a film that portrays the challenges of life in the Sertão (interior drylands), interactive interviews with famous nordestino figures, and exhibitions on Recife's vibrant culture and artisan traditions. The building itself is beautifully designed and guides speak English. Check the website for their cultural agenda.
Av. Alfredo Lisboa s/n, Recife, Pernambuco, 50030-010, Brazil081-3089–2974Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$8, Tues. 9–9, Wed.–Fri. 9–5, Sat. 1–7, Sun. 11–7 -
5. Paço de Frevo
This new cultural space celebrates and showcases all things related to Frevo, the infectious music and dance that governs Pernambucan culture and Carnival. Information in this small museum is in English, and the displays and videos full of color. Regular shows take place on the third floor of the reformed townhouse, where you can also sign up for dance classes.
Praça Do Arsenal Da Marinha, Recife, Pernambuco, 50030-360, Brazil081-3355–9527Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$6, Tues.–Wed. and Fri 9–6, Thurs. 9–9, weekends noon–7 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Passeio Público
Also called the Praça dos Mártires, this landmark square dates from the 19th century. In 1824 many soldiers were executed here in the war for independence from the Portuguese crown. It has a central fountain and is full of century-old trees and statues of Greek deities. Look for the ancient baobab tree. Small stalls sell snacks and handicrafts and there is occasional live music.
Fortaleza, Ceará, 60030-000, Brazil -
7. Praia da Paiva
One of the secret refuges of Recife, this long stretch of golden shore has the feel of a private beach, yet is open to the public via the pay-toll and small bridge on the road to Barra de Jangada-Gaibu (cars cost R$3.50 on weekdays and R$5.50 at weekends). The only refreshments available come from passing beach vendors, but you can stop for lunch at Marina Pôr do Sol, a decent restaurant on the water to the right of the pay-toll. From Boa Viagem, you can access Praia da Paiva by several connecting buses, although the easiest way to get there is by taxi or rental car. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: solitude; surfing; walking.
Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Pernambuco, 54500-001, Brazil -
8. Praia de Cumbuco
Thirty-seven km (23 miles) west of Fortaleza, this former fisherman's colony is one of the best options for a relaxing day-trip from Fortaleza. The long stretch of tranquil golden sands is framed in immense dunes and coconut palms. The reliable winds make it a favorite among kitesurfers, while adventure lovers can bounce around the dunes by buggy, ride horses along the beach, or take a trip out to sea in one of the traditional jangadas.Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
Fortaleza, Ceará, 61619-115, Brazil -
9. Praia de Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara's main beach encircles the small village of this former fisherman's colony and is the heart of the action, from sunrise horseback riding to sunset capoiera displays. Waters are usually calm and clean, good for surfing and swimming, but conditions can vary depending on the wind. It can get busy with beach buggies and fishing boats. Don't miss watching the legendary sunset from the dunes that frame the sands. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: partiers; solitude; sunset; surfing; walking.
Jericoacoara, Ceará, 62595-000, Brazil -
10. Praia do Patacho
Almost always deserted, this long stretch of white sand is the Coral Coast's most beautiful beach, with warm waters calm enough for even small kids to feel like they are taking a bath. The landscape changes signficantly between high and low tide, when the water retreats from the coconut-lined shore up to 500 meters, leaving an iridescent layer of water that reflects the sunlight. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking.
Porto de Pedras, Alagoas, 57495-000, Brazil -
11. Saõ Miguel dos Milagres
This fisherman's village is surrounded by some of the region's most charming independent pousadas, most of which face directly onto the sand and are focused on preserving the natural surroundings. The beaches along this part of the coast form one long trail of coconut palms, perfect for long walks and soaking up the natural beauty, while the sea itself is protected by a fringe of coral that keeps conditions continously calm. One thing not to miss is the Sea-Cow Sanctuary, which rehabilitates wounded manatees and is one of the best places in Brazil to get close to these endangered animals. Look for signs on the main road that point toward the workshops of local artisans, where you can find furniture and handicrafts carved from local materials.
São Miguel dos Milagres, Alagoas, 57940000, Brazil -
12. Tamandaré
Situated 109 km (68 miles) south of Recife, this beach region shares the same calm, warm waters and natural pools as Porto das Galinhas, yet lacks the crowds. The postcard-perfect Praia dos Carneiros has brilliantly clear emerald waters that are home to shoals of tropical fish. The beach huts there serve fresh coconut water and seafood snacks. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; swimming.
Recife, Pernambuco, 55578-000, Brazil -
13. Beach Park Acqua Center
AquirazJust 30 minutes from downtown on the idyllic Porto das Dunas Beach is this enormous water park. A 14-story-high waterslide dumps you into a pool at a speed of 105 kph (65 mph), or if you prefer slow-paced attractions, visit its museum, which has the country's largest collection of jangadas, the wooden sailing rafts used by fishermen. Book into one of the private cabanas or opt for lunch at the open-air restaurant at the beach, which serves tasty seafood dishes. There is no bus from downtown, and a taxi costs around R$90.
Rua Porto das Dunas 2734, Fortaleza, Ceará, 61700-000, Brazil085-4012–3000Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$180, Daily 11–5 -
14. Forte de Nossa Senhora da Assunção
CentroBuilt by the Dutch in 1649, this fort was originally baptized Forte Schoonemborch. In 1655 it was seized by the Portuguese and renamed after the city's patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Assunção. It was rebuilt in 1817 and is now a military headquarters. The city took its name from this fortress (fortaleza), which still has the cell where the mother of one of Ceará's most famous writers, José de Alencar, was jailed. Guided tours are led by the soldiers themselves, although few speak English.
Av. Alberto Nepomuceno s/n, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60055-970, Brazil085-3255–1600Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 8–11 and 2–5 -
15. Forte dos Reis Magos
Praia do MeioNatal owes its existence to this impressive five-sided fort, which juts out into the sea on an artificial spit. It was built by the Portuguese in 1598, one year before the founding of Natal, and controlled by the Dutch between 1633 and 1654. Visitors can see the old quarters, the chapel, and rusted cannons; there is an impressive viewing point of the sea, especially when the tide is coming in.
Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 3215–4195, Brazil084-3202–9006Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 8–4 -
16. 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.
Recife, Pernambuco, 53900-000, Brazil -
17. Lagoa do Paraíso
The fine white sand and crystalline, calm turquoise waters at idllyic Lagoa do Paraíso are excellent for sunbathing. Take the shuttle from the center of town (approximately 40 minutes) through the dunes and spend the day. There are restaurants lining the shore, paddleboards for rent, and hammocks suspended in the water for snoozing. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.
Jericoacoara, Ceará, 62595-000, Brazil -
18. Museu da Cachaça
An interesting day-trip from Fortaleza, this museum offers tours of a cachaça plant, where you learn about the history of how the sugarcane juice is fermented and distilled. Most notably, cachaça is the primary ingredient for the caipirinha, widely considered Brazil's national cocktail. Afterward, there are tasting sessions. The 98,736-gallon wooden barrel in the tavern is the largest in the world. The museum is located inside the I-Park, which has a variety of fun activities well suited to kids of all ages, from paddleboats and archery to a climbing wall and a decent restaurant
Fortaleza, Ceará, 61940-000, Brazil085-3341–0407Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$28, Wed.–Sun. 9–5 -
19. Oficina Cerâmica Francisco Brennand
In the old São José sugar refinery, this museum houses more than 2,000 ceramic pieces by the great (and prolific) Brazilian artist Francisco Brennand. Having studied in France, he was influenced by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, among others, and his works also include paintings, drawings, and engravings. About 15 km (9 miles) from Recife Antigo, the museum's location amid forests and fountains is almost as appealing as its displays.
Propriedade Santo Cosme e Damião s/n, Recife, Pernambuco, 50740-970, Brazil081-3271–2466Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$8, Weekdays 8–5, weekends 10–6 -
20. Praça da República
Recife AntigoIn the heart of Rio Antigo, the city's original cultural and political meeting point of the 17th century was given a new lease on life by landscape architect Burle Marx in the 1930s, and now features rows of Imperial palms and a hundred-year-old Baobab tree among the elaborate 19th- and 20th-century architecture. Highlights include the Teatro Santa Isabel (St. Isabel Theater, 1850); the Palácio do Campo das Princesas, also known as the Palácio do Governo (Government House, 1841); and the Palácio da Justiça (Court House, 1930).
Praça da República, Recife, Pernambuco, 50010-040, Brazil
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