Experience the best of Olinda

Olinda sits on a cluster of hills above the Atlantic, just north of Recife, and was founded by the Portuguese in 1535. Its steep cobbled lanes are lined with low houses painted in strong colours, and many baroque churches and convents stand among tropical gardens. UNESCO listed the historic centre in 1982.

From the Alto da Sé, beside the old cathedral, the view takes in the ocean and, to the south, the towers of Recife. The Convento de São Francisco, begun in 1585, is the first Franciscan convent in Brazil, and the monastery of São Bento stands nearby. The Mercado da Ribeira, a former slave market, now sells crafts, and Rua do Amparo has galleries and cafés. Carnival here fills the lanes with giant puppets and frevo music.

Tapioca, bolo de rolo, a thin cake rolled with guava paste, and cartola, fried banana with cheese, cinnamon and sugar, are sold at stalls and cafés. Seafood stews follow, served in restaurants whose tables look over rooftops towards the sea.