Porto de Galinhas – Paradise Lost or Found?

By Brazil Nuts Director ADAM CARTER

Greetings Brazil Nuts!

I recently travelled on a site inspection trip hosted by the state’s tourist office, to Pernambuco, one of Brazil’s most culturally rich and naturally blessed states.

This is the second in a series of reports about my findings, and how they would influence the planning of a potential visitor’s travel itinerary.

Porto de Galinhas is a renowned Brazilian beach destination in Pernambuco, some 60 kilometers/ one hour drive from Recife’s airport (Recife itself being a fabled beach AND Cultural destination – see previous blog entry).

Let’s get to the heart of the matter straight away: “PDG” has earned its fame.

Viagem Magazine – the Travel and Leisure of Brazil – named it the best Brazilian beach destination 4 years in a row in recent years. And most Brazilians you will find sing its praises.

Its excellent beaches, funky little fishing village and most of all its iconic “piscinas naturais” (natural pools) that appear directly offshore in the shallow reefs at low tide have made it an icon of the northeast, and perhaps all of Brazil. The pools, reached by a short “jangada” (small balsa wood sail boats manned by local villagers) are indeed delightful, particularly when the sea is calm and the sun is shinning. Pretty darn nice!

The picture postcard appeal has fueled an increase in interest and the attendant growth of the village and surrounding areas. There are now a variety of smart restaurants, cafes, shops etc. all catering to the growing number of visitors, both national and international. Indeed, PDG is on its way to becoming a mega destination in its own right, and notably, most visitors to Pernambuco now spend only 1 or 2 (if any!) nights in Recife before “doing” their vacation in PDG. A surge in charter flights from Europe in particular has meant rapid growth in large, group-oriented hotels along the once deserted stretch of beach.

Having said this, much charm remains in PDG, and by making the right choices in terms of program and accommodations, it can serve as a very excellent 2 nights/ 3 day beach resort getaway. The vastly increased hotel infrastructure offers something for everyone. On the top end of the spectrum we have Nannai, the fabled and very exclusive Polynesian-styled resort favored by honeymooners and those like-minded. If you chose this property, however, it is very much recommend splurging and book a bungalow (does not have to be beach front – a regular one will do!). Staying in the main building is not the same.

Or, you can consider a family friendly, larger resort, usually all-inclusive, like Summerville, Enotel and Beach Class. All three properties are perfectly fine and have great beaches, not to mention tons of activities and lot’s of good, non-stop food.

About Travel to Brazil Blog - BrazilnutsTours

Brazil Nuts Tours was started in 1985 on the proposition that travelers needed a travel company that combined the highest level of customer service, unmatched product expertise and competitive rates. Over the years, we have succeeded in our mission, and have developed a reputation as the experts in travel to Brazil and South America. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff has helped thousands of travelers discover the Brazil they really wanted to see, from Rio’s beaches and samba clubs through the pristine wilderness of the Amazon to the sun-drenched shores of Bahia and everywhere in between. Customer Service Our knowledgeable staff will customize your perfect itinerary free of charge; simply fill out our Trip Planning Sheet, send it to us and you’ll have an answer, generally within 24 hours Innovative Programs We were the first travel company in North America to develop and promote Pantanal programs. We were also the first to design culture tours focusing on African-Brazilian culture. And, our "Rio Like A Native", "Salvador Like A Native" and "Manaus Like A Native" programs are unequalled for the inside look they provide into the Brazilian experience. Nobody offers more interesting programs to more of Brazil than us. Support & Price We have our own office in Brazil responsible for negotiating the very best hotel and service rates possible, and then handling all our clients' needs once they arrive in Brazil. Proven Success We are the company of choice for any kind of travel needs to Brazil: Leisure Travel: Guide books and articles in travel publications consistently rank Brazil Nuts as the experts.: Guide books and articles in travel publications consistently rank Brazil Nuts as the experts. Corporate Meetings & Incentives: We handle more corporate events in Brazil than any other US travel company. From seminars for top management in Sao Paulo to an incentive program for 250 salespeople in the Amazon, we do it right.: We handle more corporate events in Brazil than any other US travel company. From seminars for top management in Sao Paulo to an incentive program for 250 salespeople in the Amazon, we do it right. Congresses & Trade Shows: Brazil Nuts has been a part of many major congresses or events in Brazil over the last three years, responsible for arranging rooms blocks, social events and PCO functions for thousands of demanding clients from around the world.: Brazil Nuts has been a part of many major congresses or events in Brazil over the last three years, responsible for arranging rooms blocks, social events and PCO functions for thousands of demanding clients from around the world. Products We pride ourselves in providing the most authentic and innovated programs to our clients. Although we specialize in travel to every corner of Brazil, our most popular destinations are: Rio De Janeiro Salvador da Bahia Amazon Iguassu Falls Pantanal Fortaleza

View all posts by Travel to Brazil Blog - BrazilnutsTours →