Beaches in Recife

Bairro Novo BeachBairro Novo Beach - MAP 4 Visitors of many age groups come together here and make the beach of Bairro Novo the busiest in area, which also borders with the city of Olinda.   Swimmers need to pay a bit of attention, as there are several artificial reefs here and even during low tide the water drops off quickly.  On weekends, the place is frequented mainly by locals and fishermen in the region, so be prepared to share this great beach with the loc...
Barra de Jangada BeachBarra de Jangada Beach - MAP 7 Lying between the mouth of the Candeias Jaboatao river, is the Barra de Jangada Beach.   Its dark and shallow waters are the result of the meeting of the river with the ocean.  At low tide many sandbars are formed, which are then used as natural harbors for many of the small boats in this area.  There are several bars, restaurants, marinas and lodges which cater to tourists at Barra de Jangada Beach, which mak...
Barra do Sirinhaém BeachBarra de Sirinhaém, Guaiamum and Gamela Beaches - MAP 4 These beaches are all part of the same bay and have been grouped together, since visiting one, often means visiting all of them.   Brazil is known for all of it's beaches and Recife has plenty to choose from.   There are several restaurants, bars and inns around this area, making it possible to spend the entire day here without having to bring food and drinks.  The possibility of spending several days her...
Boa Viagem Beach in RecifeBoa Viagem Beach - MAP 8 The most famous beach of Recife, this beach goes from Pina in the north the beach of Piedade in the south. It's seven miles of white sands, coconut palms and a sea of green punctuated by pools. In the extensive boardwalk, there are standardized kiosks, jogging track, showers, volleyball and bodybuilding equipment. One of the most crowded beach is the stretch between the streets Felix de Brito e Melo and Antonio Falcao, in front of th...
Boca da Barra BeachBoca da Barra Beach - MAP 7 Two small rivers flow into the ocean here, forming a shoal, or sandbar which is made up of sand and silt from the rivers.   The wetland areas around here are made up of ocean sand making life easier for those who want a closer look at the vegetation and the inhabitants of the swamp, without bogging down in mud.  In Boca da Barra beach when the tide is high, everyone should be careful as it is deep and catch people off ...
Cacimbas BeachCacimbas Beach - MAP 7 A wide and straight line strip of sand with a beautiful grove defines this beach pretty well.  Those seeking a quiet place to bath have come to the right place, this beach is great for swimming and has calm waters, ideal for wading out into the ocean.  During high tide, the main attraction of this beach appears, which is a 50 meter stretch of sandstone rock near the beach which has small caves and fills with water to create...
Calhetas Beach in RecifeCalhetas Beach - MAP 7 This small bay is surrounded by rocks, and is quite popular for snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing, with transparent blue waters.  The downside is that Calhetas Beach has poor access, which is by dirt road only.  The beach is located in the municipality of Cabo de Santo Agostinho, roughly 49 km from downtown Recife and situated between Gaibu Beach and Cabo de Santo Agostinho Beach. If you try and come over from Gaibu...
Camboa Beach in RecifeCamboa Beach - MAP 7 This famous postcard picture from the South Coast of Pernambuco is of Camboa Beach. With it's heavenly setting, featuring white sands, clear waters and a magnificent coconut grove, the place enchants locals, and tourists alike.   Located north of Porto de Galinhas, roughly 49 km from downtown Recife, and between Suape Beach and Muro Alto Beach, the region is ideal for those seeking tranquility, and close contact...
Candeias Beach - MAP 7 An urban beach in the city of Jaboatão, Candeias Beach is roughly 3 kilometers long with white sand, and is also similar to Boa Viagem Beach (10035).  Candeias Beach has only a few hotels to choose from, but a good number of good restaurants by the beach for those who are hungry or plan on spending several days here.  Considered one of the quieter areas and on the fringes of the metropolitan area, the Praia de Candei...
Carmo Beach & Fortim do QueijoCarmo Beach - MAP 7 Privileged by its location, Praia do Carmo stands out by its proximity to the historical site of Olinda. Following the characteristics of the edges of the city of Olinda, Carmo Beach also has installed several artificial reefs.  It has an impressive stretch of sand, enabling visitors a great place to swim, and some stalls and kiosks.   Locals and visitors come here because it's guaranteed to be enjoyable.  The...
Carne de Vaca BeachCarne de Vaca Beach - MAP 7 The proximity of the Goiana river with this beach makes the waters a bit darker here, compared with the blue and often transparent waters of beaches in this area.   The funny name of the beach, Carne de Vaca Beach means Meat of Cow Beach in Portuguese.    There is a village of fishermen nearby where some rustic restaurants reside, the infrastructure is poor here, but the area is growing fast.   R...
Carneiros Beach in RecifeCarneiros Beach - MAP 7 The beach is near the mouth of river Formoso, which throws its dark water into the Ocean and which also has very favorable conditions for the growth of mangroves in the region.  Carneiros Beach means "Beach of the Sheep" in Portuguese, and while the name isn't very attractive, the beach often competes for title of the most beautiful beach in the state.     The wild landscape is almost unchang...
Casa Caiada BeachCasa Caiada Beach - MAP 7 A busy urban beach with a large strip of sand that runs it's entire length, this beach runs right through the middle of Olinda.  Casa Caiada Beach has a walkway that runs along the shoreline where walkers and joggers get their daily exercise and where kiosks sell food and ice cold beverages to those working up a sweat or just lounging on the beach.  Several kiosks are dedicated to just selling coconut water, right from ...
Conceicao BeachConceição Beach - MAP 7 This small clean beach, with white sand, reefs along the coast and palm trees lining the shore make this a great place for bathing, relaxing and resting.  It is often visited by locals who wish to get a break from the hectic capital.   Frequented by many locals during the summer, Conceição Beach has had many vacation homes built nearby to allow visitors to spend extended periods out here. With two ...
Coroa Grande BeachCoroa Grande Beach - MAP The name means "Big Crown"; "crown" is a reference to the rocky formations which become visible during the low tides, trapping the water and forming natural pools. This beach belongs to the city of São José da Coroa Grande. The city is quiet but offers a good structure of hotels and restaurants. São José is the last city before the border with Alagoas; right across the border, there is the city o...
Cupe Beach in RecifeCupe Beach - MAP 7 Located north of Porto de Galinhas, Cupe Beach has many palm trees, warm and green ocean waters, and a beautiful coconut grove.  The waves here are larger than in many other beaches around here, due to a gap in the coral reefs.  The coral reefs in general protect the beaches from the larger Atlantic ocean waves, but here, they're able to come right into shore.  This beach is situated between Muro Alto Beach(10727) ...
Enseada dos Corais BeachEnseada dos Corais Beach - MAP The name means "Corals Cove". The beach is protected by the reefs; the waves are small, and natural pools are common. Several condos have been built around this area; the beach becomes busy in weekends and holidays. Distance from Recife: 47 km. The beaches of Enseada dos Corais, Gaibu,(10043) Calhetas 10039 and Paraíso 10724  belong to the municipality of Cabo do Santo Agostinho.    ...
Enseadinha Beach - MAP 7 The name means "Little Bay", and it is literally a small bay near the mouth of the Maracaípe river.  Situated between Maracaípe Beach 10730  and Serrambi Beach 10732, the many coral reefs, palm trees, coconut trees, cashew nut trees, and areas of mangrove make it a gorgeous place to spend time. The mouth of the Maracaípe River forms a "Enseadinha", or calm waters with coral re...
Gaibu Beach in RecifeGaibu Beach - 7 Considered one of the most lively beaches of the South Coast, Gaibu Beach is full of stalls, bars and restaurants offering live music.  Protected by reefs, Gaibu Beach has tranquil waters, and small waves.   It was discovered by hippies in years past and to date, still maintains an air of freedom.   It is located in the municipality of Cabo de Santo  Agostinho between Enseada dos Corais Beach and Calheta...
Gavoa BeachGavoa Beach - MAP 5 Calm waters, and fluffy sand is what you will find on Gavoa Beach, which is located between Itamaracá Beach and Maria Farinha Beach. Gavoa Beach is a departure point for many boats which sail to nearby beaches, such as the Coroa do Avião.  Coconut palms and creeping species of vegetation are found along the 1,000 meters of sand, while shallow water, with small waves greet you in the ocean.    The wat...
Guadalupe BeachGuadalupe Beach - MAP 7 Calm waters, sand banks, coral reefs and several black rocks along Guadalupe Beach make up it's shoreline.   The calm waters provide an ideal place to harbor small boats, so there are frequently small boats anchored off shore here.    Tall coconut trees line the 3 km long stretch of beach, where few visitors frequent making it an ideal place to relax on the south coast of Pernambuco.    ...
Itamaracá Beach - MAP 7 This area is actually an island which comprises a city and several beaches.  Itamaracá is one of the oldest cities in Brazil, with much historical importance, and many ancient buildings still present, including Orange Fort from 1654.  The waters around here are calm, with many sand banks and small waves.  The area is perfect for diving, swimming or simply strolling along the beaches enjoying the many nearby stal...
Itamaracá BeachItapuama Beach - In the Tupi-Guarani, Itapuama means "beautiful beach". It is the ideal name for the beach, taking into account the natural pools of clear water, the rock formations of volcanic origin and the coconut trees that are part of the scenario Itapuama. The rough sea with strong waves used to be a point for surfing, but, because of sharks, the activity was forbidden. On the shore there are bars where you can relax in the presence o...
Janga Beach - MAP Janga is an urban beach, with plenty of bars and fun business. The beach is known for having groups dancing ciranda, a traditional rythm of the region.With four kilometers long, Praia do Janga has a sharp fall during low tide, and you can quietly walk along the sand in this period. Situated between the edge of the beach and waterfront Enseadinha Pau Amarelo, Janga still suffers the influence of artificial reefs, which hold the sea. With...
Maracaípe Beach in RecifeMaracaípe Beach - MAP 6 Maracaípe Beach is known as a surfers' paradise, since it entered the calendar of national and international surfing. One of the rounds of the Brazilian Circuit of Surf happens in Maracaípe. Not protected by the reefs, Maracaípe usually has strong and high waves and clear waters. It is, therefore, dangerous for swimming. Its climate is young and relaxed. There are bars, five restaurants, hotels and a dozen mo...
Maria Farinha BeachMaria Farinha Beach - MAP 7 The beach has shallow clear waters and small waves, which allow a person to walk several meters into the sea and not have the water not pass their waist, which makes it great for children.  Filled with restaurants and piers, Maria Farinha Beach is an excellent place for water sports, which will only expand as a project by the government of Pernambuco is working on turning Maria Farinha Beach into the largest nautical center in t...
Muro Alto Beach in RecifeMuro Alto Beach - MAP To get there you must go buggy up to a certain point and then continue on foot. Muro Alto is about four miles and was named on account of the existing sand banks along the entire beach. The sand is white, fine and abundant and the sea calm, due to the reefs. On the beach there is a single tent where refreshments are sold at a point where you can also rent jet skis, and buggies. Muro Alto is worshiped by those who like to camp (es...
Nossa Senhora do Ó Beach - MAP This beach is just one mile long, but is filled with bars and kioskes. Near the center of Olinda, it´s visited by many olindenses for a bath and a beer.   Location: Between Rio Doce 10744 and Janga 10746 Distance: 17 km from the Capital   Located in the municipality of Paulista - with more than a mile long - the beach of Nossa Senhora do O has the edge in its fine sand, coconut trees and under...
Paiva Beach - MAP Clean and well kept, the beach Paiva is in a condo that blocks the entry of buses. The full length, bordered by a beautiful palm grove, alternate in the open sea with strong waves and natural pools of warm water, bringing surfers and swimmers. Access is walk through the Atlantic Forest. There kiosks on the beach, located in the municipality of Cabo de Santo Agostinho. Location: Between Itapuama and Pedra do Xaréu 10042 ...
Paraíso Beach - MAP 7 The shortest beach in Pernambuco, Paraíso Beach is only a 30 meter long strand of sand, amid walls of stones, and many palm trees overlooking the ocean.  There are several bars and restaurants along the stretch, all rustic in nature.    Located between Calhetas Beach 10039 and Suape Beach 10725, this beach is roughly 35 kilometers from Recife and located within an Atlantic Forest reserve.   This sm...
Pau Amarelo BeachPau Amarelo Beach - MAP The name means "Yellow Wood". Also with palm trees and reefs, which create natural pools. Many kioskes along the beach selling food and drink. Another attraction is Forte do Pau Amarelo, built in 1719, and open to visitation. http://www.cultura.pe.gov.br/forte_pau_amarelo.html Location: Between Janga 10746  and Conceição 10748 Considered one of the smaller beaches of Paulista, the ed...
Pedra do Xaréu Beach - MAP Frequented by fishermen and their families, the small beach of Stone Xaréu has tents and a nice simple clipping framed by rocks. At low tide, the waters clear form natural pools. The beach is located in the municipality of Cabo de Santo Agostinho.The name means "Stone of xaréus"; xaréu is a kind of fish which abounds in the area. Semi-desert beach, with a few kioskes offering meals and drinks. Protected by reefs, which causes...
Piedade BeachPiedade Beach - 7 This urban beach is located in the district of Jaboatão dos Guararapes and means "Piety".   Piedade Beach is one of three beaches that makes up the beaches of Jaboatão dos Guararapes.  Piedade Beach is an extension of both Boa Viagem Beach and Candeias Beach and all three are located in the south part of Recife.    Piedade Beach is next to Candeias Beach with Boa Viagem Beach o...
Pina Beach in RecifePina Beach - MAP 7 An urban and busy beach, Pina Beach offers infrastructure similar to that of Boa Viagem, the next beach over, with many stalls and kiosks offering food and many cold beverages.  The waves and the protection of reefs attract families with children.  The beach has become know as a place for good restaurants and culture.   Many bars and restaurants specialize in seafood here.   Unfortunately, the waters ...
Ponta de Pedras BeachPonta de Pedras Beach - 7 The name means "Point of Stones", and there is a small rock structure that goes out into the ocean which offers some protection for those who are bathing in the waters.  It has small waves which are good for bathing but occasionally has large amounts of seaweed which washes up on shore.  It's not dangerous, but it does make the beach a little bit harder to navigate the shoreline.  The sands are nice, and ...
Porto Beach - MAP 7 Access is difficult to this beach, but those who do make the trip are enchanted by a nearly untouched beach, Porto Beach.  From Recife it is a 120km trip, with the final 10km being on a clay road that was formerly used to transport sugarcane crops.  It's also possible to access the beach via dune buggies, which are always a favorite method of transportation in the northeast.   There is no infrastructure once y...
Porto de Galinhas Beach in RecifePorto de Galinhas Beach - MAP 7 Several Brazilian travel magazines have elected Porto de Galinhas as the most beautiful beach in Brazil, which isn't surprising.  About 18 km long, with very low waves and very shallow waters this beach is excellent for almost all water sports, including snorkeling, bathing, swimming, and scuba diving.   Tour boats take people out to visit the natural pools that form a few hundred meters from the shoreline during l...
Rio Doce Beach in RecifeRio Doce Beach - MAP 7 The region has many piers, where fishermen anchor their small boats when they return with their catch.  One of the piers along Rio Doce Beach has a statue of Iemanjá, or the queen of the ocean.  A religious statue that the fishermen use to bring them good luck.      Rio Doce Beach literally means "Sweet River" in portuguese.  This beach, along with the Casa Caiada Beach are ...
Serrambi Beach in RecifeSerrambi Beach - MAP The name means "Little Bay".  A small cove near the mouth of the river Maracaípe. Reefs, many trees, quiet waters, and areas of mangrove highlight this beach.    Reefs all along. Several condos are being built, making access to the best beaches harder. Distance from Recife: 67 km. Location: Between Enseadinha and Cacimbas A beach vacationers typically, Serrambi Maracaípe nei...
Suape BeachSuape Beach - MAP 7 This beach was chosen for the construction of the Port of Suape, the largest in the State, and nearby, Massangana River meets the Atlantic Ocean.   Situated on the border of the municipalities of Cabo de Santo Agostinho and Ipojuca, Praia de Suape is a great leisurely option along the coastal state. The place is perfect for those seeking tranquility.   With a charming look, flanked by the River Massangana, the ext...
Tamandaré Beach in RecifeTamandaré Beach - MAP 7 This is a glorious beach and especially during the summer months of January through February, which also sees many national bands playing on the beach stages.   During most of the year, Tamandaré Beach is dominated by the tranquility of the calm green waters and blessed by the sun of the northeast.  For those who love walking, Tamandaré Beach offers some great scenery, with coconut trees lining one side of the...
Toquinho Beach - MAP 7 Has a fine and sandy beach and is almost a peninsula itself, with strong and high waves on the ocean side and calmer waters on Sirinhaém River, which allows private boat moorings, and a beautiful grove.  Toquinho Beach is a reef barrier similar to the Muro Alto Beach.   Access it via a dirt road from Serrambi, with a gated community and private luxury condominiums very near the beach, and roughly 80 km from down...
Várzea do Una Beach - MAP This gorgeous beach is the floodplain of the district one, yet is only 10:00 minutes from the city center of São José da Coroa Grande - Pernambuco, a beach where you can enjoy tranquility and privacy of all, there you find a community of fishermen very hospitable. A fair distance from Recife, this beach is almost 120 km from the city center and getting there requires taking a boat to cross the river of Una. &...