Recife is the third largest city in the Northeastern Region of Brazil, the largest metropolitan area and the most important cultural, economic, political and science-minded city in this Region. Recife is also where the Beberibe River meets the Capibaribe River to flow into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a major port on the Atlantic Ocean.Surrounded by rivers and crossed by bridges, Recife is full of islands and mangroves that magnify its geography. It is known as the Brazilian Venice, thanks to its fluvial resemblance with the european city, and is considered one of Brazil's cultural capitals.

Tourism and recreation

Among Recife's main tourist attractions are:

• Churches and historical monuments, including 17th and 18th Century constructions from Portuguese and Dutch colonizers
• Francisco Brennand's atelier of ceramic art
• Ricardo Brennand Institute: cultural institute with museun, pinacotec and library.
• Ancient Recife buildings: Forte Orange (which is really located in Itamaracá island, some 40 km from Recife)
• Boa Viagem Beach (the city's most important beach)
• Olinda (neighbor city) - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Casa da Cultura: souvenir shops in an ancient prision building
• The Carnival at Recife Antigo

There are many beaches surrounding Recife, such as:

• Porto de Galinhas, Ipojuca, Pernambuco (60 km to the south) --> The most popular nearby tourist destination attracts tourists from around the world and boasts a thriving tourism industry. High end hotels and restaurants compete with more popular options and lie within the budget of most travelers.
• Maracaípe, Ipojuca, Pernambuco (65 km to the south)
• Serrambi, Ipojuca, Pernambuco (70 km to the south)
• Tamandaré, Barreiros, Pernambuco (110 km to the south)
• Itamaracá, Pernambuco (40 km to the north)