A-Listers and adventure travelers are always looking for the next hot vacation destination, complete with pristine beaches, extraordinary activities and a vibrant night life. Brazil’s beaches score high on all criteria, making them a popular destination. Known for its beautiful beaches, the state of Pernambuco is exotic and remote, providing the ultimate escape from reality. Perhaps the best part is that the rest of the world has yet to catch on, which keeps the prices reasonable and the crowds manageable.
The most beautiful sandy shores can be found in the tiny fishing village of Porto de Galinhas. The town has a handful of resorts and restaurants, as well as a number of beaches. Maracaípe is popular with surfers riding the wild waves and the bathing beauties who come to watch. But it’s not just about the eye candy at these Brazilian beaches, which boast clear blue waters and a few natural wonders. Muro Alto beach has an impressive stretch of coral reef, and the tidepools off Porto de Galinhas beach are teeming with aquatic wildlife. Scuba divers can check out these tidepools or venture farther offshore to explore shipwrecks.
History buffs ready for a break from the beach can take a journey back in time to the restored 17th-century village of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This colonial town is filled with interesting old churches and beautiful mansions. But be sure to head back by nightfall, when the beachside bars fill up with young beauties moving on the dance floor and romantic Brazilian music can be heard on the streets.
Getting There
Nearest Major International Airport: International gateways to Brazil can be found in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Because of the country’s size, it’s easiest to get a domestic flight from one of these airports to Guararapes airport in Recifes. To save some money, international travelers should look into purchasing air passes for domestic travel from Brazil’s major airlines, Tam Airlines and Varig.
Ground Transportation: Some resorts provide shuttle services from the airport to the beach resorts. Another option is to catch a taxi from the airport to get to your destination.
Timing
Brazil’s busy season centers around the country’s biggest celebration – Carnaval. Hotels are crowded and prices are high starting from mid-December through Carnaval, which typically falls in February or early March. Pernambuco’s weather is warm throughout the year, with temperatures staying between the low 80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit.
Read more: Jennifer Plum Auvil, Travel Channel
