LUXE Serendipity magazine

Bridges span winding rivers, the Atlantic rolls onto golden beaches, and centuries of history shape every street. Now, Recife is claiming a new role – not just as the capital of Pernambuco, but as one of Brazil’s most cinematic cities. Propelled onto the international stage by the award-winning film The Secret Agent, Recife invites travellers to step beyond the screen and discover a destination where culture, creativity and history converge with unmistakable intensity.

DOWNTOWN RECIFE

The film’s journey takes you through downtown Recife. In the Boa Vista neighbourhood, start by admiring the facade and stained glass window of one of Brazil’s last great street cinemas, the Cinema São Luiz. Pass through Parque 13 de Maio and contemplate the surrounding beauty. From there, walk to Vila Santo Antônio, a group of houses built in the 1940s in the heart of Recife, which gained prominence in the film.

Cross the Ponte 6 de Março – better known as Ponte Velha – to visit other locations from ‘The Secret Agent’. Upon descending from Ponte Velha, you’ll be very close to the São José Market, where handicrafts reign supreme. Take the opportunity to visit the Recife City Museum and learn about the city’s history. Chá Mate Brasília is the perfect place for a delicious snack and, of course, to savour the newest tea flavour created in tribute to the film.

OLD RECIFE: THE HISTORIC HEART OF THE CITY

And since you’re in the city centre, how about a visit to Old Recife? With its cobblestone streets and restored colonial mansions, the area brings together culture, history and art on all sides.

Take a walk around the area and discover important places like Marco Zero – where Recife was set up –, the Pernambuco Handicraft Centre, and the famous Rua do Bom Jesus – voted the third most beautiful street in the world by the American magazine Architectural Digest. The Embassy of the Giant Puppets of Olinda, the Paço do Frevo and the Cais do Sertão are also must-sees. End your itinerary at the Recife Port Warehouse, enjoying the view while sampling Pernambuco’s cuisine.

CATAMARAN TOUR OF RECIFE’S BRIDGES

Recife’s bridges are famous, and some of them were featured in the film. How about sailing along the Capibaribe River on a catamaran tour that reveals the secrets of the city’s more than 15 historic bridges? The 6 de Março Bridge and the Governor Paulo Guerra Bridge are featured on the big screen and on this tour. The catamaran also makes strategic stops to admire the Sculpture Park and the colourful buildings of Rua da Aurora.

IMMERSION IN AFRO-BRAZILIAN CULTURE

The roots of Afro-Brazilian culture are deeply intertwined in the architecture, churches and stories that permeate the streets of Recife. Visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum, where fascinating exhibitions reveal the vital role of African culture in shaping Brazilian identity. Experience Maracatu, a cultural manifestation that involves music, dance and colourful costumes.

In Olinda, a historic city 10km from Recife and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take a tour through the city’s hills, visiting several important tourist attractions while the guide highlights the influence of African peoples on the city’s architecture. The Ribeira Market, the Church of Our Lady of Amparo and the Alto da Sé are some of the stops on this itinerary.

A SENSORY JOURNEY THROUGH NORTHEASTERN CUISINE

Recife is one of the main gastronomic centres of the Northeast. With influences from Portuguese, African and indigenous cultures, many recipes have been adapted with ingredients found in the region, transforming the cuisine into a perfect blend of colours, aromas and flavours.

Try the classics: Pernambuco-style fish stew (fish in pieces, cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices), chicken à cabidela, and arrumadinho (made with beef, farofa, beans, and vinaigrette sauce). In public markets like São José, savour stuffed tapiocas and bean broth while watching artisans at work. Oh, and the bolo de rolo (rolled cake with guava filling) can’t be missed either!

STUNNING BEACHES

We can’t talk about Recife without mentioning the paradisiacal beaches that give the destination its fame. In the capital, Boa Viagem Beach is the most famous, with vibrant shades of blue and green in the sea and natural pools of warm water formed by reefs.

The wide stretch of golden sand, the coconut palms framing the shoreline, and the colourful kiosks create a picture-perfect landscape. Pina Beach is also a highlight, offering a delightful swim and relaxation in the shade of the coconut trees, as is Brasília Teimosa Beach.

The area surrounding Recife also boasts paradisiacal beaches for you to explore. On Itamaracá Island, about 60km from the coast, Fortinho Beach (Dolphin Cove) and Coroa do Avião Beach are beautiful and deserted. Porto de Galinhas (60km from the capital), one of Brazil’s most famous beaches, is a must-see. Its natural pools, with crystal-clear, warm waters, are ideal for snorkelling or scuba diving. Right next door, Muro Alto Beach is a paradise for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. Another must-see on your itinerary is Praia dos Carneiros (100km), with its virtually untouched beauty and a charming little church.

EXCELLENT RESORTS FOR RELAXING BY THE SEA

If you love a beach escape, there are high-standard resorts that provide comfort and moments of rest. From the exclusive Nannai Resort & Spa, on Muro Alto Beach, to the family-friendly Summerville All Inclusive, in Porto de Galinhas, the region offers options for all tastes. Highlights include Vila Galé Cabo, with its beachfront spa, and Ocaporã, chosen as one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Brazil by the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award – Best of the Best 2025.

ABOUT THE SECRET AGENT
Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and starring Wagner Moura, ‘The Secret Agent’ is set in Recife in 1977. The political thriller follows Marcelo, a professor who flees a mysterious past and returns to Recife in search of peace, only to realise that the city is far from the refuge he seeks. More than just a setting, Recife is a character in this story: a complex, enchanting and cinematic city