The coast from Sergipe to Rio Grande do Norte is well known for its many glorious beaches, warm waters and beautiful coral coast. But this is also the land of sugar, where you can relive part of Brazil’s fascinating colonial history and learn about the region’s living culture.

In the early 17th century, sugarcane was introduced here. Plantations and “engenhos”, were the road to fortune for the colonists. With sugar came slave-labour from Africa. The growth in riches soon attracted the Dutch, who ruled the Northeast from Recife from 1630 to 1654.

Sugar is still grown here in the lush Forest Zone between the coast and the dry sertão, but the region has lost its dominance as a producer. What remains are the many forts, colonial towns, sugar estates, baroque churches and quilombos. What lives on is a unique blend of indian roots, African culture and European ways. Creative arts and crafts go from Mestre Vitalino to ceramist Francisco Brennand. Musical styles such as maracatu, frevo, forró, mangue beat all have their roots here.

Remnants of Atlantic Rainforest can be found in small parks and private reserves. Important coastal conservation initiatives include the volcanic island of Fernando de Noronha (a top destination for divers), Ilha de Itamaracá and Mamanguape (manatee) and TAMAR (seaturtles).