Recife is known as the "Brazilian Venice" because of its many canals and waterways and the innumerable bridges that span them. It is the major gateway to the Northeast with regular flights to all major cities in Brazil as well as Lisbon, London and Frankfurt. Recife is also the capital of the state of Pernambuco and is located 160 miles from Maceió and 519 miles from Salvador.

The name "Recife" comes from the barrier reef ("arrecife" in Portuguese) that protects the city's beautiful beaches such as Pina and Boa Viagem, the most sophisticated of Recife's beaches with luxurious homes and buildings and fine hotels and restaurants. International cuisine is available as well as succulent fish dishes typical of the region. Fresh coconut water is found virtually anywhere in Recife, straight from the shell.
They say the sun shines brighter in Recife than anywhere else, and Recife's beaches are undoubtedly among the loveliest in the Northeast. Especially pleasant are the warm, water pools that often form along the sands due to the action of the waves and tide. Porto de Galinhas Beach is indeed very beautiful.
Recife is also an important center of culture and folklore. It is famous for its music and rhythms ("frevo", "maracatu" and "xaxado"), its festivals ("bacamarteiros" and "cavalhada"), its folklore celebrations ("reisado", "bumba-meu-boi" and "xango") and its arts and crafts.