Recife lies on the north-eastern side of Brazil, next to the Atlantic coastline and within the state of Pernambuco, where it serves as the state capital. Located at the confluence of the Capibaribe River (Rio Capibaribe) and the Beberibe River, Recife comprises a series of small islands and waterways, connected by more than 50 individual bridges and boasting numerous scenic waterfronts.
The city of Recife is home to some two and a half million residents, spread around almost 100 neighbourhoods, while the greater metropolitan area has a population soon expected to exceed four million.
Orientation of the City
Many visitors find Recife a little overwhelming when it comes to navigating their way around and maps are a definite requirement. The city centre is home to a wealth of towering office blocks, which are interspersed with colonial churches and public markets.
The principal districts of the city include the historical Recife Antigo (next to the ocean), the centrally located Santo Antonio (a governmental and commercial area), and Boa Vista (on the western side of the city). For accommodation, restaurants and easy access to the Piedade Beach, the suburb of Boa Viagem is a particularly lively and tempting spot.
- Abreu E Lima - 19 km / 12 miles (30 minutes, north)
- Cabo de Santo Agostinho - 39 km / 24 miles (55 minutes, south-west)
- Cajueiro Seco - 17 km / 11 miles (30 minutes, south)
- Camaragibe - 14 km / 9 miles (25 minutes, west)
- Candeias - 20 km / 12 miles (35 minutes, south)
- Cavaleiro - 15 km / 9 miles (25 minutes, south-west)
- Igarassu - 30 km / 19 miles (45 minutes, north)
- Imbiribeira - 10 km / 6 miles (20 minutes, south)
- Itamaraca - 46 km / 29 miles (one hour and five minutes, north)
- Itapissuma - 36 km / 22 miles (55 minutes, north)
- Jaboatao dos Guararapes - 22 km / 14 miles (35 minutes, south-west)
- Mata do Prive - 18 km / 11 miles (30 minutes, north-west)
- Moreno - 28 km / 17 miles (45 minutes, south-west)
- Nova Tiuma - 25 km / 16 miles (40 minutes, west)
- Olinda - 8 km / 5 miles (15 minutes, north)
- Paulista - 16 km / 10 miles (25 minutes, north)
- Piadade - 15 km / 9 miles (25 minutes, south)
- Sancho - 14 km / 9 miles (25 minutes, west)
- Sao Lourenco da Mata - 20 km / 12 miles (35 minutes, north-west)
Map of Brazil
Map of Recife
