After the Olinda Marathon: Porto de Galinhas

The Route: Olinda → Porto de Galinhas → Recife airport (REC) Logistics: A road transfer south of Recife. Arrange a car or van in advance, because the last stretch is not well served by ordinary public transport. Marathon Month: May Duration: 1 night

Olinda hotel ──(transfer south via Recife)──> Porto de Galinhas
                                                   │
    Recife airport (REC) ◄──(road transfer)────────┘

The Olinda Marathon is a pre-dawn race, so the legs are done by breakfast and the afternoon is free. Porto de Galinhas is the beach town that most Recife visitors head for, south of Recife, where the reef sits close enough to shore that you can reach its pools on a small raft.

May in Porto de Galinhas: May falls in the rainy season on the Pernambuco coast, and the regional climate outlook points to substantial rain across the area between May and July. Showers are likely, so pack a light waterproof and plan the reef trip for a clear spell. The pools only work at low tide, and the tide tables change every week.

The Reef Pools

Rafts take visitors out to the natural pools at low tide. The trip times depend on the tide, so ask your hotel or the raft operator on the beach for the day's schedule and book the slot before you commit to the transfer. Sea conditions and rain can cancel departures.

Keep the activity gentle. Climbing in and out of a raft is a balance exercise that tired calves do not enjoy, and the town's flat streets are a better walk.

Getting There

Arrange a car or van from Olinda or from Recife/Guararapes airport. No fixed journey time is given here because road traffic varies, so leave a generous margin and do not schedule a connection on the same day. Day tours from Recife exist, but they return you to Recife and do not take your luggage to a hotel in the town, so a night here needs its own transfer.

Where to Stay

Kembali Hotel sits in the quieter northern end of town, with a reputation among reviewers for modern rooms and calm. Ask about the walk to the main street.
Xales de Maracaipe Pousada is a smaller pousada further south, with a pool facing the sea. It suits a quieter night. Ask about the transfer from the main town centre, which is some distance away.

Where to Eat

The main street has restaurants of every size. Order the grilled fish or a seafood stew, and book dinner early in the evening if you plan to sleep well.

Getting Home