Recife

Photo: Recife

// April 22nd, 2008 // Brazil, Transatlantic Nov'07

After sailing a day south along the Brazilian coast we arrived in Recife, another fun in the sun destination. In addition to the beach, Recife’s small historical center still has several colonial buildings dating back to the original Dutch settlement, and while some are in rather shabby condition, they are charming and worth a quick look. The downtown was the first stop for the ship’s shuttle bus and you can find a couple of small, modern shopping centers, tourist information, and an internet cafe here.

After a morning espresso and checking email at the internet cafe we hopped back on the shuttle and head for the beach. The main beach is Boa Viagem, and you will find a similar setup to the beach in Fortaleza, cafes on the beach providing patrons with chairs, umbrellas, and beverages. No food. For food you have strolling vendors that roam the beach, and occassionally stop and join in an impromtu game of football (soccer) or hackisack. There are showers and nice toilet facilites available along the beach.

The beaches in Recife has a reef not far off shore – do NOT go past the reef! As the sign on Boa Viagem states “BATHERS IN THIS AREA ARE AT A GREATER RISK OF SHARK ATTACK”. We’re not sure who they have a greater risk than… but we don’t want to find out either. This is also a great beach to people watch. All of Recife comes here to play.

Recife After our day at the beach, we caught the shuttle back to the ship. As the bus makes its way back across the city to the port you’re afforded lovely views of Recife’s many bridges that connect all the little islands that make up the city.

Sailing out of Recife is well worth being on deck for. In addition to another sprawling, never ending row of highrises backing long strands of beach, you are treated to the view of Olinda perched on it’s hillside overlooking Recife.

An alternate plan for a day in Recife: Not into sand and sun? Prefer a little history instead? Head to Olinda and spend your day wandering its 17th century streets. Located just outside Recife on a hillside, Olinda was founded in 1530 by the Portuguese and in 1982 it’s historic core became a UNESCO World Heritage site.


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