Columbus Cruise Review

Home > Cruise Destination Guide > Recife

Time Zone: GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March).

Currency: Real (R$) = 100 centavos.

Language: Portuguese.

Sightseeing: Recife, located in northeast Brazil, is the capital of Pernambuco state. The city is one of the largest in Brazil and is known as the ‘Venice of Brazil’ on account of the canals and waterways which crisscross the city. It is well endowed with churches and is also a popular beach resort with a fine waterfront lined with restaurants. Recife takes its name from the Portuguese word for reef, due to the city’s location behind a protective coral reef. Olinda, which has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is located 6.4km (four miles) from Recife – this town offers around 20 Baroque churches, mansions, gardens and fine colonial architecture. Caruaru, Natal, Fortaleza, Teresina and São Luis are also notable for their architecture, craftworkers and fine beaches.

Shopping: There is a large shopping centre in Recife, which also houses ten cinemas and numerous restaurants. There are also several markets in the city, selling traditional handicrafts, such as rugs, carved wood, ceramics and jewellery.

Eating Out: Fresh coconut is available everywhere and many dishes come with a delicious coconut sauce. Fresh seafood and local fruits are popular, and grilled meats, including goat and beef dishes, are found in many restaurants.