EXPERIENCES  > OLINDA

Artesan Flair Meets Colonial Charm

A short, 7 km drive from Recife, we find the UNESCO world Heritage site of Olinda; an unmistakable colonial city built across no less than seven coastal hills. Having once served as an epicenter for the 16th century sugarcane trade, Olinda is particularly loved for its incredibly well-preserved cobbled streets, baroque style churches and quaint, colorful houses of both Dutch and Portuguese influence.

Today, far from the rigors of sugarcane production, the homes, former storehouses and central buildings of the old town play host to all manner of art studios and craft workshops, filling these historic streets with an authentic Bohemian atmosphere. Witnessing this creative mood, you realize that it is as important to the local residents as to any ‘culture vultures’ visiting the city. This artistic fever proves itself often, particularly coming to a head during one of Brazil’s liveliest and most famous good-time parties, the Carnival of Olinda!