What makes 'Venice Brazil' unique?

Established in 1537, Recife, the capital of Pernambuco state in Northeast Brazil, is a notable destination on the Brazilian tourism map, earning the moniker 'Venice Brazil.'

Discover Brazil - Explore Recife, often referred to as 'Venice Brazil'

Situated on two main islands and numerous smaller ones, Recife is connected by 49 bridges, with the oldest dating back to 1644. The majority of these bridges were built during the Dutch colonial era.

The Capibaribe and Jaguaribe rivers dissect the central neighborhoods of Recife, earning the city the nickname 'Venice Brazil.'

One of the captivating tourist experiences in Recife involves boats navigating through wild mangrove forests and a network of intertwined canals and streets.

Recife, the city of rivers and coral reefs, stands out as one of Brazil's vibrant and enticing destinations. Adorned with a historic district featuring elegant buildings that bear witness to a glorious past, the intricate waterways lead to neighborhoods, attractions, and create a distinctive charm for Recife.

Similar to the renowned city of Venice, Recife's festivals are equally famous.

In the heart of the historic district Recife Antigo, across from the Sao Pedro dos Clerigos church, a square resonates with the lively beat of frevo, a traditional art form combining fast and intense rhythms with various genres of Brazilian music and dance.

This is the weekend rendezvous for Recife residents and artists who flock to the old town seeking creative inspiration.

Don't forget to visit Bom Jesus, one of the oldest and most distinctive streets in the old town of Recife, adorned with colorful facades and often hosting joyful markets.

Along Aurora Street, you'll be enchanted by charming houses reflecting in the Capibaribe Canal, exploring the Forte das Cinco Pontas fortress, or the handicraft workshop housed in a former prison.

To experience the local joy of living, the Boa Viagem Avenue facing the sea is a must-visit as night falls. Grand hotels, restaurants, bars... line along the white sandy beach adorned with towering coconut palms.

A coral reef barrier along the coastline forms natural turquoise pools during low tide, completely covered when the tide rises.

And in Porto de Galinhas, one of Brazil's most beautiful coastal beaches, you can participate in fast-track surfing courses to feel the thrill of gliding over clear waves above vibrant coral reefs.

As you ride the waves, you also get the chance to 'interact' with the shimmering, colorful schools of fish swimming around.

One of the impressive stops in Recife is the non-profit private cultural community, the Francisco Brennand Institute, located 11km west of downtown Recife. Situated in the midst of a family-owned tile factory in the Varzeas neighborhood outside the city, this center embodies the soul of artistically rich landowners.

The entire structure resembles a medieval castle surrounded by lush vegetation, featuring a museum, an art exhibition hall, a library, and a spacious park. The outdoor exhibition area boasts nearly 2,000 sculptures of people and objects, while the interior showcases paintings and other artifacts.

But the major highlight of Recife is its world-class street carnival. This vibrant festival draws a staggering 1.5 million participants, flooding the city streets.

During the carnival days, you can easily enjoy every genre of Brazilian music, dance alongside performers, and even lose track of day and night.

If you visit Recife in September, you'll have the opportunity to witness the renowned Refeno boat race, a global spectacle.

And the journey to explore 'Venice Brazil' becomes even more perfect when you venture to Olinda, a town just over 5km from Recife, adorned with magnificent architectural masterpieces, recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage and one of Brazil's major cultural centers...

Information for You

– The best time to visit Recife is from September to December.

– Travelers are often advised about certain stretches of the 7km-long Boa Viagem beach with sharks.

– A downside of Recife is that you should avoid flaunting excessive wealth to steer clear of attracting attention from potential robbers!

According to Tuoi Tre

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour