Recife, Brazil

Recife is the fourth largest Metropolitan area in Brazil and the capital of the state of Pernambuco. Recife is located where the Beberibe River meets the Capibaribe River to flow into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a major port on the Atlantic Ocean.

Built around a network of rivers and lagoons, Recife has 60 splendid churches, historic forts and wonderful beaches. Nearby Olinda, with its Baroque architecture, is designated a world historical monument.

Recife's Old Town is spread over three different islands and has modern buildings mixed with the old colonial structures, but there is plenty to see. The Old Town features good restaurants, boutiques, shops and other attractions.

Things to see and do

* Old Recife
* Market of Saint Joseph
* Fort Cinco Pontes
* Praia de Boa Viagem - beach
* Casa da Cultura: souvenir shops in an ancient prison building

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Real (R$) (BRL)
Language - Portuguese
Population - 1,711,000 approx
Land Area - 218 km²
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus three hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 55

Port Location - Cruise ships dock in the commercial harbor and must shuttle passengers from the port facility. No one is allowed to walk through the port facilities and there is no cruise ship terminal and associated services. The shuttle will take you into downtown Recife to a large shopping mall where taxis may be negotiated that are lines up along the river.

Transport Links - Recife's modern Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre International Airport offers direct scheduled flights to many Brazilian cities and regular charter flights from other European cities such as Helsinki and Amsterdam.

Recife is also accessible by bus and rail.