Northeast GuideWhereas elegant Rio de Janeiro and cosmopolitan São Paulo may be the best-known places in Brazil, the Northeast, or Nordeste is one of the liveliest - a land of sunny beaches, colonial towns, vibrating street parties, music and friendly people. HotelsFind hotels in Recife, Fortaleza, Salvador, Natal and more. RecifeRecife, the capital of Pernambuco, is one of the largest and most important cities on the northeastern coast of Brazil. FortalezaFortaleza is a major city on Brazil's northeast coast, and the capital of Ceará state. SalvadorSalvador is the capital of the state of Bahia, Brazil. With a charming Old Town, a vibrant musical scene and popular Carnival celebrations, it is considered one of the birthplaces of Brazilian culture. BahiaBahia is a state in Brazil's Northeast region. Far West São Francisco Valley Central South South Central North Northeast Grande Salvador When the Portuguese first arrived in Brazil they landed on the soil today known as Bahia. PernambucoPernambuco is a state in Northeast Brazil. Pernambuco's main touristic attractions are in Recife, Olinda, Porto de Galinhas and Fernando de Noronha. CearáCeará is a state in Northeast Brazil. Traditionally one of the poorest in the country, certain regions have developed almost beyond recognition over the last 20 years, mostly from tourism and light manufacturing. Rio Grande do NorteRio Grande do Norte is a state in Northeast Brazil MaranhãoMaranhão is a state in northeastern Brazil. Central Maranhão Northern Maranhão Eastern Maranhão Southern Maranhão Western Maranhão Maranhão is second only to Bahia in terms of Afro-Brazilian culture, although it has an air of the Caribbean mixed in. PiauíPiauí is a state in Northeast Brazil. It has the shortest coastline of any northeastern state. ParaíbaParaiba is a state in Northeast Brazil AlagoasAlagoas is a state in Northeast Brazil SergipeSergipe, on the coast of Northeast Brazil, is the country's smallest state.