Itamaracá is a laid-back city-island just off the coast of Pernambuco, Brazil. Its beaches have been a major weekend and holiday destination for decades, especially for inhabitants of the nearby cities Recife and Olinda, which are both just about 30km away. Apart from its pleasant sands, the island offers a range of water sports activities and is home to an old colonial fortress and a sea mammal centre. Itamaracá has a somewhat slower pace than some of the more up to date tourist destinations in the region, and don't expect shiny new night clubs or top notch shopping experiences here. The way to go here is to kick back under a palm tree or find yourself a hammock to relax in.
With a total area of some 65.41 square kilometers, Itamaracá is easy to navigate. Most of its ~19.000 permanent inhabitants make a living through either tourism or fishing. Although the development of other major tourist centres in the area (including Porto de Galinhas in Ipojuca) have diverged some of the former crowds, Itamaracá still gets busy on holidays and weekends.
- Fort Orange. 8.00-17.00h. First established by the Dutch in 1631, this fortress was initially part of the Dutch colonial efforts in eastern Brazil, during a wider fortification campaign. After the Dutch capitulation in Recife in 1654, Fort Orange was taken over and used by the Portuguese. The fort was neglected in later centuries, but was restored as the island developed into a tourist destination. Today, the fortress receives some 70.000 visitors a year, making it a prime attraction in the region.
Fort Orange. 8.00-17.00h. First established by the Dutch in 1631, this fortress was initially part of the Dutch colonial efforts in eastern Brazil, during a wider fortification campaign. After the Dutch capitulation in Recife in 1654, Fort Orange was taken over and used by the Portuguese. The fort was neglected in later centuries, but was restored as the island developed into a tourist destination. Today, the fortress receives some 70.000 visitors a year, making it a prime attraction in the region.
If you're tired of sunbathing or have seen more of your hammock than you care for, consider a kayaking tour to the mangroves, take some kite- or windsurfing classes or go sailing. There are no diving schools on the island, but if you have your own equipment or book via schools in Recife, there's plenty to see under water.
Nearby destinations include:
- Recife and Olinda, both colonial cities with some beautiful Portuguese architecture and excellent Brazilian carnivals
- Porto de Galinhas, one of the most happening beach destinations around, repeatedly voted best beach in the country.