Originally Posted by VidaNaPraia

Olinda is about 30 minutes from Recife. There are pousadas there, but the beaches are polluted and not swimmable. The historic part of town is interesting, but relatively small. Hint: Start at the top of the hill and walk down. In the evening, some restaurants put tables out on the breakwaters; very pleasant.

There is a lot to do in Recife, and the food, particularly, is great. Boa Viagem beach is the strip along which many tourists stay. Tall buildings, lots of restaurants and nightlife, a pretty beach to sit out on, crowded on weekends with locals, where you take a risk swimming (sharks) during the day, and is dangerous (beach side, not building side, 2 legged sharks) at night.
Most tourists visit the Recife Vieja neighborhood to see the historic architecture and go to some of the bars in them that are more recent. My favorite place in Recife is the unique sculpture park and ceramic studio of the quirky Brennand (Olaria Brennand). There is also a restaurant on the reef, with a great view back over to the old city. I also like Bar Biruta, on the beach in Brasilia Teimosa, just at the far end of the Boa Viagem beach as it meets the reef road. There is a passingly decent art museum (also a Brennand relative) and castle with armor exhibit. The food in Recife is a big draw for me--great sushi, cheap; caldo (soup of several varieties and amazing flavor), regional fish (arguila), etc.

You can go north 45 minutes to the beach in Itamaraca, a lovely white beach, an island, an old Dutch fort, and a manatee rescue project.

You can go south an hour to Porto de Galinhas, a very pretty long stretch of beach, with a reef to visit, and a lively, touristy little town. Just before, there is a small cove at Calhetas that is also beautiful, and much calmer. There are also other beautiful beaches in the area.

A question would be how you are planning to get around. (I have always traveled with friends by car, so don't know the public transit system.)

If you have any more questions, please post.