Beaches and Natural Resources

With an area of 98,900 km2, Pernambuco is similar in size to countries such as Portugal (92,000) or Hungary (93,000). Its elongated shape means that it possesses markedly different geographical areas, and as such is typical of the North East region. Its zones include arid bush country (sertão), dry outback (agreste) and coastal forest. Nature has excelled itself on the Pernambucan coast. Throughout 180 kilometres of beaches, the green or turquoise-blue sea (the colour changes with the tide) embraces natural pools, reefs, deserted bays, creeks and fishing villages with ancient churches. In some parts, the Atlantic Forest descends almost to the sea and there are beaches which are virtually untouched. In other places, rivers, sea and mangrove glades form a unique landscape.

Amid such picturesque scenes the visitor will find the sea calm and warm, with a south east breeze blowing almost continuously for those who enjoy watersports such as windsurfing. In between swimming bouts, there is nothing better than a coconut juice or a cold beer with fried fish or crab in a bar or restaurant or in the simple but welcoming thatched huts on the beach. Boa Viagem beach, in the capital itself, is one of the most famous. Porto de Galinhas, 53 kilometres from Recife, is captivating - crystalline waters form pools in the shade of the coconut trees, and there are bars and restaurants on the beach. For water sports, Maria Farinha, Igarassu and the island of Itamaracá are some of the many possibilities. For those who like nature in an almost virgin state, there are idyllic beaches at Calhetas and Gaibu. Pernambuco also includes an Atlantic rarity, the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha.