11 Reasons You Should Visit Olinda At Least Once In Your Lifetime

A vibrant mishmash of technicolored houses and quaint churches on a hill affording tropical ocean views, the immaculately preserved colonial town of Olinda is a must for anyone venturing into the north of Brazil. Don’t believe us? Here are 11 reasons why this gem is not to be missed.

An epic carnival

Featuring nonstop street parades that begin several months before the main event, the Olinda/Recife carnival is a hit among Brazilians and a worthy rival of the festivities in Rio.

Those photogenic streets

Incredible colonial history

Olinda was the original capital of the Pernambuco province, a former hub of commerce and artistic flair that was fundamental in shaping 16th-century Brazil.

UNESCO recognition

Such is its importance to the nation that the entire historical center of Olinda was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

A thriving arts scene

Popular with Brazillian bohemians, Olinda is chock full of contemporary museums, vibrant galleries, and eclectic outdoor art installations.

An abundance of pretty churches

Given its colonial history, it should come as no surprise that there is seemingly a house of worship on every corner.

Incredible ocean and jungle vistas

As it occupies an enviable position on a hill perched over the sea, you don’t need to walk far in Olinda to stumble across breathtaking views.

A happening social scene

Packed full of bohemian restaurants, bars, and cafés, Olinda has no shortage of hip places to eat and drink with its youthful local clientele.

It’s off the beaten track

Most travelers stick to the sights of southern Brazil, rarely giving the north the time of day. Venture off the well-trodden gringo trail to discover this magical part of the country away from the tourist crowds.

A chilled vibe

The atmosphere in sunny Olinda is ever so laid-back, tempting many an enamored traveler to linger for longer than planned.

Recife is just down the road

Keen to explore a more modern Brazillian city? Then the metropolis of Recife, Brazil’s fourth-largest town, is only a short taxi ride away.

Check out this region-by-region guide to Brazil’s diverse cultures.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.