A 100 km bus ride away from Recife is Porto de Galinhas (Port of Chickens). Its curious name comes from the 18th century forbidden slave trade when "chicken" was the code to refer to the slaves stepping off the boats. Porto used to be an anonymous fishing village; today, it's one of the most important tourist destinations in Brazil. Many locals still make a living from their catches of the day, as well as from the coconuts that abound in the palm plantations.

Porto is known for the best beaches in Brazil. Eighteen kilometers of white sand beaches stretch along the coast, speckled with resorts, and buffed by a permanent breeze. The centre of town offers a grid of streets lined with small houses, hostels, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can depart from the centre for boat or buggy trips to the Porto beaches.