← Olinda Marathon·2 nights

Praia dos Carneiros: Two Nights on a Quiet Coast

Two nights on the Tamandaré coast, a long, quiet beach south of Recife with a river mouth, a small chapel and a few bungalow hotels.

Duration2 nights
TransitPre-booked transfer from Recife or Olinda, about 98 km
DepartsOlinda (hotel pick-up) or Recife airport (REC)

After the Olinda Marathon: Praia dos Carneiros

The Route: Olinda → Praia dos Carneiros → Recife airport (REC) Logistics: About 98 km from Recife by road, which at an assumed average speed takes around two hours. There is no direct public service worth relying on, so arrange a transfer. Marathon Month: May Duration: 2 nights

Olinda hotel ──(transfer via Recife, about 98 km from Recife)──> Praia dos Carneiros
                                                                   │
        Recife airport (REC) ◄──(transfer, about two hours)────────┘

The Olinda Marathon is a busy, early, urban morning. Praia dos Carneiros is the opposite: a long beach on the Tamandaré coast where the main activity is sitting.

May in Praia dos Carneiros: May falls in the rainy season on the Pernambuco coast, and the regional climate outlook points to substantial rain across the region between May and July. Expect showers, and pack a light waterproof. Boat trips depend on the sea and the tide, so keep the second day flexible.

First Night

Arrive in the afternoon, drop your bags and walk the flat sand at the water's edge. The beach is long and level, which is kinder on stiff legs than a town of steps. Eat at your hotel or a nearby beach restaurant and go to bed early.

The Day Between

Boat trips and day-use beach areas are sold separately from accommodation. The Bora Bora area is one of the day-use spots mentioned for the coast. Ask your hotel to book anything you want, check the tide and weather in the morning, and drop the plan if the sea is rough. If you want a free day, do nothing more than walk and read.

Getting There

The coast lies about 98 km from Recife. At an assumed average speed that is about two hours by car, but road works and traffic vary. Book a transfer from Olinda or from Recife/Guararapes airport, and agree the pick-up time for your return in advance.

Where to Stay

  • Pontal dos Carneiros Bungalows is a bungalow-style hotel close to the beach, with rooms that earn very high ratings among reviewers. Check the walk from your room to the sand.
  • Bangalos do Gameleiro is another bungalow hotel in the same area, at a lower price than the top-rated option, aimed at families. Ask about breakfast times.

Where to Eat

Most hotels serve meals, and a handful of beach restaurants sit along the coast. Ask your host to recommend one, and book ahead for the second evening.

Getting Home

Leave by pre-booked transfer after breakfast on the third morning. For a flight from Recife/Guararapes airport, allow a long buffer for the road.