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Recife and Olinda: Pillars of Colonial History
Recife and Olinda are pillars of northeastern Brazil’s colonial history. Recife was established as a sugar cane port in the 16th century. Olinda, located just a few miles to the north, was founded in 1535 as a capitania—a hereditary fiefdom—of the Portuguese crown. In 1631, Dutch invaders burned Olinda and captured Recife, controlling the region’s valuable sugar plantations for the next 20 years.
Old Recife has maintained much of its colonial charm; even as the country’s fifth-largest metropolis sprouted up around it. Olinda was declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in 1982, sparking ongoing restorations of its churches, cobbled streets, and monastery.
Itamaracá Island, circled by sunken warships and eleven enticing beaches, lies about 30 miles north of Recife. To the south, an area known as Porto de Galinhas draws sun seekers, snorkelers, and kite surfers to beaches including Maracaipe, Muro Alto, and Tamandaré.
What to do in Recife & Olinda
Apart from Brazil’s coastal life, Recife offers visitors:
- Architecture tours
- Art tours
- Boat rides through the city’s canals
- Snorkeling
- Kite surfing
- Sea kayaking
Olinda, just north of Recife, is a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its colorful colonial houses, baroque churches, and hillside views of the coast. It’s also famous for its lively Carnival, art studios, and music scene, making it a cultural complement to Recife’s urban energy.
What is the Weather Like?
Recife and Olinda share a tropical coastal climate—warm, humid, and lush year-round. Its tropical climate hovers between 74° and 95°F. Warm rains are more common from April to July, peaking in May and June.
These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
Getting There
Recife is reached by air through Recife/Guararapes International Airport (REC), one of northeastern Brazil’s busiest hubs, with frequent flights from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, and Salvador, as well as international connections from Miami and select Latin American cities. Olinda lies just 5 miles north of central Recife and is easily reached by car in 20–30 minutes.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Recife.
How to combine Recife
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
