The most beautiful natural sites to discover Brazil

A superb 998 m extension (220 m is open to the public), which descends up to 40 m deep. Stalactites and stalagmites, as well as rock cascades with crystal reflections. The main attraction, the two superb stalactites of 13 m high, intact, rare (one count only one in Spain) which took about 20 000 years to train.

This is the only beach in Recife that is worth a visit. Lined with imposing modern buildings, it extends over 7 km (with reefs a few hundred meters from the shore), the water is on average 26 ° C. Particularly frequented at weekends by a varied public but especially family. You can easily eat on the beach, accompanied as it should be by an água de coco or a cerveja gelada. Frequent shark attacks.

Other beaches of interest include:

Gaïbu, 30 km to the south.

Jatiuca and Pajuçara are nice beaches in the vicinity.

Cascades and lush forest, 50 km north of the Cidade dos Deus. Note that you can sleep on the ground, in the only pousada. It bears the name of the place, and offers comfortable bungalows.

Like its neighbour Pipa, a small fishermen's community that became a popular seaside resort, Tibau do Sul has beautiful beaches. They are located at the bottom of its famous pink cliffs. The confidential surfers' spot of the 70s has become an important tourist area. You can swim in Praia de Tibau and Praia do Giz, or watch the sunset in Lagoa de Guarairas. If you continue south after Praia do Giz, you will arrive at Praia de Cacimbinha and then Praia do Madeiro, a surf spot, a very nice walk.

Several beaches in Pipa, all very beautiful.

The Praia do Centro is easily accessible (at the bottom of the village, where the many barracas are concentrated).

Going south you reach the Praia do Amor (on the beach only at low tide).

Towards the north you reach the Praia do Curral (also known as Baia dos Golfinhos), but beware: the only access is by the beach during low tide, there is no way to get out when the tide is high. You can see dolphins surfing in the waves, sometimes a few meters from the shore!

The beaches that stretch from the tip of the city southwards, Praia do Meio and Praia dos Artistas, are the best. The avenue is lined with lively bars. The water is clean, but the beach is polluted by buggies.

Forte. Protected by reefs, with small natural pools; 10 minutes by bus from the centre.

Meio. Lined with buildings and hotels; unsuitable for swimming. You can eat a crab at Cigarino, on the beach

Artistas. Lined with buildings, hotels and bars; good waves for surfing.

Areia Preta. Strong waves, unsuitable for swimming.

Beaches are not Olinda's strong point. There are, however, a few urban beaches, such as Plage do Farol and Plage de Casa Caiada, both of which are frequented by locals and tourists alike... Heading north, you'll find a succession of not-so-clean beaches framed by drab buildings: Rio Doce (6 km), Janga (8 km), Praia do Ó (12 km), Praia do Pau Amarelo (14 km), Praia da Conceição (17 km), Praia da Maria Farinha (23 km). Buses leave from Praça do Carmo and run every 30 minutes from 8am to 7pm. Beware of sharks.

Beach with nudist zone 12 km south. You can go by car and come back by the beaches, the walk is superb. Count 3 hours of happiness. Colorful rocks, roots of trees polished by the tide, large black birds. The coastline is a suite of different and unexpected handles. Sometimes we have to cross small tributaries of fresh water to the currents so strong that they are ephemeral. Take water.

Access to the nudist zone is restricted, and men not accompanied by women cannot return.

The park spans a vast plain of almost 2 400 ha with a bird rich wildlife. In addition to the bromeliaceae, the great attraction is turfeira, rich in methane gas, thanks to the composition of the soil. By making the trilha da Campina, the guide shows how to escape the gas and put it in combustion causing great flames! The park is equipped with a visitor centre with barbecue, a pool of native fish, a greenhouse of native plants and a weather station. For hikers, a 10 km trail passes through the park.

Near Santo Antônio do Leiria is the Pico Agudo. The location offers a beautiful view of the valley and brings together paragliding fans. Other excursions and trekkings also leave the village.

The parque do Caracol is a nice park near Canela. The advantage of this regional natural park is that it offers a ride on a small train, a view of a beautiful and imposing waterfall in the middle of nature (almost 150 meters high!), and hiking trails for the more athletic. A 30-metre-high ecological observatory and a glass platform are located near the waterfall for a closer look. An opportunity to spend a pleasant day without making too much physical effort. Ideal for families.