Located on the coast of Pernambuco, just 62 km south of Recife, in the municipality of Ipojuca, Porto de Galinhas has an enchanting nature. Many even compare it to expensive destinations in the South Pacific.
There are nine beaches with a translucent emerald green sea, swaying coconut trees, high temperatures, a delicious breeze and crystal clear sand. Barrier reefs create huge natural pools like aquariums, where various fish eat from your hand. These pools are on most beaches, as the entire region is permeated with reefs.
Tours in Porto de Galinhas – Pernambuco
Cape of Saint Augustine
It's not a beach. They are viewpoints formed by rocks from which you can see the coast of Pernambuco – from Recife to Porto de Suape.
A 2 km walk from Praia do Paraíso takes you to the ruins of the Fort of Santo Agostinho, the remains of the Dutch occupation and a church built in 1728, in the town of Nazaré.
Porto de Galinhas beach
The reefs are almost on the sand. It's best to use a flipper and go to them.
Lasts less than 10 minutes. But if you prefer, rent one of the hundreds of rafts for just R$6.00 to reach the pools.
Muro Alto beach
Point to practice nautical sports, such as jet ski, kayak and windsurf. For couples who enjoy surfing, the best beaches are coupe and maracaipe. The latter being the seat of important championships, including international ones.
Calhetas beach
Surrounded by rocks and coconut trees, Calhetas reflects a beautiful scenery. Bathing in the warm, transparent waters is very inviting.
There, tourists can relax under the shade of coconut trees or in pleasant restaurants, such as Bar do Artur.
Calhetas is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, and is also popular for diving and underwater fishing.
Carneiros beach
Carneiros is a beach of dreams. There are 5 km of coconut trees that border its entire length, the water is clear and warm and its landscape is shaped by the estuary of the Formoso River and by a wall of reefs 1 km long.
The natural pools and sandbanks offer an unparalleled show of color. The waves bathe the “Igrejinha dos Carneiros”, because it is still used in isolated events today.
The beach is a paradise that deserves to be visited, as the landscape is still almost the same as at the beginning of the century. It allows natural anchorage at low tide for small boats and medium-sized vessels at high tide.
Pontal de Maracaipe
Located at the end of Maracaípe beach, there is the mangrove. Seahorse breeding site, you can get there from buggy, take the tour and walk back along Maracaípe beach.
The distance to Porto de Galinhas is not far and the scenery makes up for it.
Sport and Ecotourism in Porto de Galinhas – Pernambuco
The paradisiacal sceneries of Porto de Galinhas are not just to behold.
The good winds, natural pools and peaks with good waves encourage the practice of sports such as surfing and kitesurfing on Maracaípe beach; water skiing, wakeboarding and jet-skiing at Muro Alto beach; and deep diving on Santo Aleixo Island, full of shipwrecks.
The region is also generous with ecotourism lovers, offering activities such as trails, ecological horseback riding and visits to the mangroves of Pontal de Maracaípe.
How to Go to Porto de Galinhas – Pernambuco
Flights go to Recife airport, and from there to Porto de Galinhas is another 60 km of road. For those who intend to go by car, Porto de Galinhas can be reached by the BR 101.
Leaving Recife, take the PE 60 (State Highway) pass Cabo de Santo Agostinho, when you reach the interchange, take the PE 38 or follow the signs that indicate Porto de Galinhas.
When to go to Porto de Galinhas – Pernambuco
The best time is January, but from November to March the sun is always present. In June, the rains arrive, which last until September.
Where to stay in Porto de Galinhas – Pernambuco
In Porto de Galinhas you will have a wide variety to choose your accommodation, from inns that charge R$60.00 per day to R$2,000.00.
For couples on their honeymoon, resorts are great options. Among the various accommodation options, Nannai Beach Resorts and Summerville stand out, located on Muro Alto beach.
Both offer several tours, lots of fun and comfort.
Where to eat in Porto de Galinhas – Pernambuco
It is possible to find restaurants and snack bars that offer everything from pizza and sirloin steak to exotic dishes. Peixe na Telha, Itaoca and Bico Verde, are three restaurants that serve traditional recipes and are located in the center of Porto de Galinhas.
The delicious and creative dishes at the Beijupirá restaurant mix fish with regional fruits.
Beijupitanga (fish fillet, seasoned potato, chestnut rice and pitanga sauce), Beijucastanha (fish fillet covered with chestnut butter, spinach rice and flambéed potato) and Beijucanela, demonstrate the prodigious flavor of Pernambuco.
Climate of Porto de Galinhas – Pernambuco
During most of the year, the strong sun is always present. Unlike other regions of the country, Porto de Galinhas offers tourists natural pools with warm and calm waters. When summer gives way to the other seasons of the year, there is no problem. Even with a lower intensity, the sun is still present, guaranteeing a great and fun stay for the visitor.
Transport
Most resorts and inns offer a taxi or shuttle service to the center of Porto de Galinhas. Just ask at the hotel reception.
Shopping in Porto de Galinhas – Pernambuco
In the center of Porto de Galinhas there are several handicraft shops with prints of Filó, a character – chicken that has become a symbol of the city.
Always very colorful, with strong tones, it is everywhere, on plates, chandeliers, earrings, paintings, ceramics, in short, there will be no shortage of options!
Tips to enjoy your tour in Porto de Galinhas – Pernambuco
Raft Ride: You can start with a motor raft ride through the mangroves, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and nature of Porto.
After an hour and a half, it's worth stopping by the beach. You can sit in one of the tents to eat and drink, while enjoying the sea and the movement.
Buggy Ride: An end-to-end Buggy ride is the best option. It's time to get to know the limits of Ipojuca's beaches.
After two hours of adventure, you are the one who chooses the restaurant to taste the delicious dishes of Porto de Galinhas cuisine. The buggy can be rented in Porto de Galinhas or through hotels and inns.
Diving in natural pools: the variety of marine animals and the depth are surprising.
Take a walk in the Pontal de Maracaípe mangrove and meet the seahorses. Afterwards, watch the sunset on the banks of the Maracaípe River.
Spend the day at Calhetas beach: It is worth enjoying a swim in the sea, taking a boat trip on the Massangana River to visit the mangrove swamp and taste the dishes based on crustaceans prepared by the natives and served on the beach.
Boat trip to the island of Santo Aleixo: There, there are two wonderful deserted beaches, ideal for a dip for two.
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