Separated from the continent by the Canal de Santa Cruz (Holy Cross Canal), the island of Itamaraca is located in the state of Pernambuco, 50 km away from the state capital, Recife. It is composed of eleven beaches, which vary from the calmest to the roughest, with attractions for the most diverse tastes.
Itamaraca was the stage of battles between the Portuguese and the Dutch for control of Fort Orange, which names the main beach of the region, and was built by the Dutch invaders, who were finally ousted by the Portuguese. The fort, which was abandoned for years, today harbors a museum, handicraft shops and a chapel, and offers from its walls an incredible view of the entire beach and of the islet of Coroa do Avião (Airplane Crown).
The Fort Beach is incredible, with clear waters and a mild climate. It’s not only the most important beach, it is also the one with the main attractions, including an ecopark that offers a tour which starts with a documentary film and ends in an aquarium, where a glass wall allows visitors to watch the friendly and chubby manatees swimming around. Furthermore, this is where we find the main “jewel”, the attractive islet formed by sandbanks called Coroa do Avião, which has bars in thatch-roofed huts. It is possible to reach the islet by raft or motorboat, leaving from the Fort Orange beach.
The natural pools formed among the reefs are another attraction. They are farther from Itamaraca Island, and are usually reached by motorboat.
There is also historic tourism for those who seek a more cultural activity. A good choice is to visit Vila Velha (Old Village), founded by the Portuguese in 1540. It still has colonial houses, the ruins of the Igreja do Rosário dos Pretos (Church of the Rosary of the Blacks), trails, and a beautiful view of mangroves, rivers and beaches. Don’t forget to try the cashew raisins, a local delicacy.
And, speaking of delicacies, the regional cooking is a special attraction. Based mostly on seafood, there are delicious options, such as shrimp and crab frittatas, filets of AgulhaBranca (White Needle) – a fish found only in northeastern Brazil – or even a broth of “sururu” (charru mussels).
With beautiful beaches, delicious food, and many other attractions, Itamaraca is the ideal place for a wonderful vacation in Pernambuco.
