Pernambuco is the 7th most populous state in Brazil, with an estimated population of 9.6 million.
The state is home to beautiful beaches and has a rich culture and historical heritage. It was disputed by the Portuguese and the Dutch, who left traces of colonization that can be seen in the various mansions and historical monuments.
Top Destinations & Hotels in Pernambuco State
1. Fernando de Noronha
Photo Credit: Ze Paulo Gasparotto
Fernando de Noronha is one of the top destinations in Brazil, located in an archipelago 540 km (335.54 miles) from the Pernambuco state capital.
The island has an exuberant beauty with native vegetation, and is a natural habitat for dolphins and turtles, and the Baía dos Porcos is constantly listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Diving, hiking, and boating are some of the activities to practice on the island.
The island offers luxury hotel and accommodation options such as Pousada Zé Maria and Pousada Triboju, while Tesouro de Noronha and Pousada Corveta are cheaper options.
2. Recife
Top Destinations & Hotels in Pernambuco State – Photo Credit: thiago japyassu
Recife is the capital and largest city of Pernambuco, known for housing a charming historic center dating back to the 16th century.
The city’s highlights include Boa Viagem and Pina beaches, the Church of the Mother of God, the famous Embassy of Pernambuco – Olinda Dolls Giants Museum, Paço do Frevo, dedicated to telling the story of this musical rhythm and dancing.
Although beautiful, the beaches of Boa Viagem and Pina, which are the most central in Recife, are surrounded by warnings about possible shark attacks. From Recife, it is possible to visit beautiful beaches in the surrounding destinations such as Praia dos Carneiros, Cabo de Santo Agostinho, and Porto de Galinhas.
The city offers good hotel options with great value for money, such as the Grand Mercure Recife Boa Viagem and the Atlante Plaza Hotel.
3. Olinda
Top Destinations & Hotels in Pernambuco State – Photo Credit: José Ribamar
Olinda is a popular destination for a day trip from Recife.
The city has narrow streets, slopes, and architectural treasures, and as it is small, it is possible to visit practically all the main attractions on foot.
The Igreja do Carmo, the Monastery of St. Benedict, the Pernambuco Contemporary Art Museum, and the Olinda Dolls Giants Museum – Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes do Alto da Sé, are its main attractions.
4. Cabo de Santo Agostinho
Top Destinations & Hotels in Pernambuco State – Photo Credit: Gabriel Bezerra
Cabo de Santo Agostinho is located just 36.8 km (22.9 miles) from Recife.
The city is home to beautiful beaches such as Paiva Beach, Calhetas Beach, Gaibu Beach, Paraiso Beach, Suape Beach, and also has historic buildings such as the ruins of Forte Castelo do Mar and the Igreja de Nazaré church.
Vila Galé Eco Resort do Cabo – All Inclusive is an excellent accommodation option in the city with great value for money.
5. Porto de Galinhas
Porto de Galinhas is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Brazil with beautiful beaches, natural pools and offers many activities including a buggy tour.
The main beaches in Porto de Galinhas are Praia de Porto de Galinhas, Praia de Muro Alto, Praia do Cupe and Praia de Maracaipe.
It is an excellent destination for those who like to take advantage of the hotel structure, as it offers excellent options for resorts such as Nannai Resort & Spa, Summerville Resort – All-Inclusive, and Enotel Porto de Galinhas.
6. Praia dos Carneiros
Top Destinations & Hotels in Pernambuco State – Photo Credit: David Emrich
Praia dos Carneiros offers an idyllic setting, surrounded by a beautiful sea and full of natural pools. The beach is located in Tamandaré and is a popular destination to visit from Porto de Galinhas.
For travelers who want to enjoy this beautiful beach, Pousada Praia dos Carneiros is an excellent accommodation option.
Pernambuco State Map
Largest Cities in Pernambuco State
Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil – Photo Credit: thiago japyassu
- Recife – 1.645.727
- Jaboatão dos Guararapes – 702.298
- Olinda – 392.482
- Caruaru – 361.118
- Petrolina – 349.145
- Paulista – 331.774
- Cabo de Santo Agostinho – 207.048
- Camaragibe – 157.828
- Garanhuns – 139.788
- Vitória de Santo Antão – 138.757
- Igarassu – 117.019
- São Lourenço da Mata – 113.230
- Santa Cruz do Capibaribe – 107.937
- Abreu e Lima – 99.990
- Ipojuca – 96 204
- Serra Talhada – 86.350
- Araripina – 84.418
- Gravatá – 84.074
- Carpina – 83.641
- Goiana – 79.758
- Belo Jardim – 76.439
- Arcoverde – 74.338
- Ouricuri – 69.459
- Escada – 68.875
- Pesqueira – 67.395
- Surubim – 65.089
- Palmares – 63.250
- Moreno – 62.784
- Salgueiro – 60.930
- Bezerros – 60.798
- São Bento do Una – 59.504
- Buíque – 58.378
- Paudalho – 56.506
- Limoeiro – 56.250
- Timbaúba – 53.022
- Brejo da Madre de Deus – 50.752
- Bom Conselho – 48.554
- Ribeirão – 47.415
- Sirinhaém – 45.865
- Toritama – 45.214
- Águas Belas – 43.443
- Catende – 42.892
- Barreiros – 42.659
- Santa Maria da Boa Vista – 41.931
- Lajedo – 40.288
- Bom Jardim – 39.184
- Aliança – 38.386
- Bodocó – 38.146
- Bonito – 38.134
- Afogados da Ingazeira – 37.259
- São Caetano – 37.245
- Custódia – 37.111
- Água Preta – 36.771
- Itambé – 36.447
- Petrolândia – 36.548
- Sertânia – 35.907
- Cabrobó – 34.221
- São José do Belmonte – 33.959
- São José do Egito – 33.951
- João Alfredo – 33.822
Source: Wikipedia – Largest Cities in Pernambuco
Featured Photo Credit: Ze Paulo Gasparotto
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches many different airlines, including budget carriers.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
10 Best Beach Resorts in Brazil
20 Best Beach Hotels in Brazil
70 Best Luxury Hotels in Brazil
Porto de Galinhas Brazil: Top Things to do, Best Hotels & Map
Top Destinations & Hotels in Bahia State (Brazil)
Trancoso Brazil: Top Things to do, Best Hotels & Map
