Itamaracá Island & Forte Orange
Ilha de Itamaracá / Forte Orange
A resort island north of Recife. The star-shaped fort built by the Dutch in 1631 overlooks the strait, and boats can take visitors to a sandbar exposed at low tide.
Fort Orange was built by the Dutch West India Company and later remodeled by the Portuguese. Its walls are well preserved, and there is a small exhibition inside. From the beach in front of the fort, boats can take visitors to the Coroa do Avião sandbar, which is exposed at low tide and has a simple bar. The island also has a manatee conservation center (which opens and closes irregularly) and quiet beaches. It is about 50 km from Recife, a 1.5-hour trip one way, and can be combined with the historic town of Igarassu on a day trip.
Opening hours
Fort approx. 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Igarassu Historic Centre
- Alto da Sé & Olinda Cathedral
- Convent of São Francisco, Olinda
- Historic Centre of Olinda
- Monastery of São Bento, Olinda
- Museu do Homem do Nordeste
- Recife Antigo
- Museu Cais do Sertão