From Rio Formosa to Praia dos Carneiros
The hidden fairytale land with breathtaking natural landscapes
88 km south of Recife, a waterway frames a paradisiacal region. The Tupi Indians called this river Lobugussu, which means ‘big green river’. This is the origin of the present name of the municipality, ‘Rio Formoso’. The river, which shares the municipality's name, flows into the Atlantic Ocean here in a spectacular river delta. Palm leaves sway in the light breeze, just as we imagine them to. The deep blue sky shines over the turquoise, shimmering clear water. White sand and unique mangrove forests complete the picture.
On the Edge of World Events
A sugar mill existed here as early as 1637. Rio Formoso belonged to the Recife region. It became a district in 1840. In 1850 it was given the title of city and became independent.
The river port ‘Porto do Eloy’, 9 kilometres from the Atlantic, and the new railway line to Palmares gave Rio Formoso a prime position in the sugar trade. The city thrived and became a key
trading center.
In the river delta, the Rio Formoso joins other rivers and forms one of the most beautiful and intact estuaries to the Atlantic. The area comprises 2,743 hectares of mangrove forests with five
mangrove species and impressive biodiversity.
Rio Formoso the land of fearless men
The Battle of Reduto in the municipality of Rio Formoso is part of Brazil's history. An epic battle in the resistance against the second Dutch invasion in 1633. The then governor of the province of Pernambuco, Matias de Albuquerque, decided to build a fortress on the Rio Formoso. The location was of strategic importance to protect the anchorages of the villages of Barra do Rio Formoso and Pedra.
With only 20 men under the command of Captain Pedro da Almeida Albuquerque, the defenders repelled three Dutch attacks. The numerical disparity was enormous. The 20 Portuguese/Brazilians were
opposed by about 600 Dutchmen. The courage of the resistance embodied the indomitable will for freedom.
However, during the fourth assault, when eighteen Brazilian fighters were already dead, the fortress succumbed and was conquered.
The enemy troops, under the command of Sigismund van Schkoppe, encountered the dead men. The exception was the commander, who continued to resist the invaders. The Dutch leader, Van Schkoppe, was
impressed by this bravery. He spared Pedro, let him live and declared him a hero.
In memory of the bravery of the defeated, the Archaeological, Historical and Geographical Institute of Pernambuco erected a monument with the following inscription:
‘On 7 February 1633, twenty intrepid warriors under the command of Pedro de Albuquerque repelled four attacks by six hundred Dutchmen here, killing eighty of them. When ordered to surrender, they preferred to die for the integrity of the fatherland. Never have soldiers done their duty better.’
The mystical world of mangrove forests
Mangroves export organic matter to estuaries and increase the primary productivity of the coastal zone. They represent complex ecosystems that are among the most fertile and diverse on the
planet. For animals, birds, fish, molluscs and crustaceans, they become a great natural ‘nursery’ providing ideal conditions for reproduction, breeding and shelter.
More than 70% of the food caught in the sea was produced in the mangroves. The preservation of their biodiversity is essential for the survival of humans, animals and fishing communities.
If you want to discover this mystical forest, you can experience the labyrinth up close on this boat tour.
You quickly fall in love with the Rio Formoso
The estuary where the Rio Formoso flows into the Atlantic is one of the most unspoilt and biologically diverse in Brazil. On one side lies Guadalupe, on the other Praia dos Carneiros. Visitors
can enjoy the natural seawater swimming pools and explore the coral reefs. It's the perfect place to relax.
The sun is shining, a breeze moves the palm leaves. Waves rush and the white sand glows. I have seen many beaches, but the panorama of beach of Carneiros never fails to fascinate me.
The São Benedito chapel stands directly on the beach. It is surrounded by coconut palms and always ready to celebrate a dream wedding by the sea.
Accessories are - warmth, tranquility and a paradisiacal landscape
The São Benedito wedding chapel is located on Praia dos Carneiros. An idyllic place for special moments.
The Arinquidá and Formoso rivers meet at the historic rock of Reduto. A picturesque place full of history.
Exciting boat tour on the Rio Formoso. Discover the fascinating highlights along the river.
View from the historic Reduto rock. The landscape is breathtaking and nature at its most beautiful.