Central/South America

Recife, Brazil

Includes Routes in Olinda

CC: Sandro Helmann

Recife is the capital of Pernambuco state in northeast Brazil, and the fourth largest urban area in the country. Located at the confluence of the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers, Recife is known as the ‘Venice of Brazil’ for its 50 bridges linking numerous islands throughout the city. Recife is a popular visitor destination for its many beaches, historic center, and market. There’s some lovely running in Recife, focused on the waterfront and beaches.

The best place to run in Recife is the waterfront path along Boa Viagem Beach. Just north is a path along a barrier island, the Parque de Esculturas Francisco Brennand, which can be run separately or combined with Boa Viagem. There’s more waterfront running in the colonial town of Olinda, just north of Recide. We’ve also put together a lovely ‘runseeing‘ tour of Recife, including numerous bridges, the historic center, and the beautiful Rua do Bom Jesus. In the south part of Recife near the airport, there’s nice running on forested, hilly trails in the National Historical Park of Guararapes.

Runner Notes: Recife’s weather is hot and humid year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Editor's Picks

Some of our favorite runs in Recife, Brazil

See All Routes
  • All Routes
  • Iconic Routes
  • Weather & Climate
  • Where To Stay
  • Stores & Group Runs
  • Events

Recife has a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Runners need to be aware that Recife is hot and humid year-round, with daytime temperatures consistently in the 28-31C (84-88F) range, and nights that rarely dip below 21C (70F). Although it’s a sunny climate, Recife also receives an impressive 2155mm (85 inches) of rain annually, with the  rainiest months are April-July, and the driest September-December.

From both a running and a visiting perspective, try to stay near Boa Viagem beach. That means out the door access to nice running! It’s also near the airport.