From 13 December, Iberia will begin operating a direct flight from Madrid to Recife four times a week, and from 19 January, a second route from Madrid to Fortaleza will launch - making it easier than ever to escape the winter blues and plan an early 2026 getaway to Northeast Brazil.

Fares for both cities start from £964 in economy and £2,447 in business class with taxes and luggage included.

Fortaleza is an unapologetically holiday-focussed city, famed for its exuberant nightlife and skyscraper-fringed beaches reminiscent of Copacabana. It's also the gateway to barefoot beaches like Canoa Quebrada, and the surreal landscapes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where rippling sand dunes cradle jade and aquamarine lagoons. Nearby, the Parnaíba Delta teems with birdlife and traditional fishing communities, while the wild Atlantic coast hides laid-back gems such as Jericoacoara.

Recife, meanwhile, offers a vivid blend of modern high-rises and colonial architecture, reflecting its rich plantation-era heritage. Just a short drive away lies Olinda, a UNESCO-listed town of cobbled streets and Portuguese baroque charm. From Recife, travellers can also reach Fernando de Noronha, a remote volcanic island and marine park where sapphire-clear waters host dolphins, turtles, and stingrays - paradise for divers and nature lovers.

Featured Holiday: Off the Beaten Track Brazil

For those seeking an immersive experience, specialist tour operator Journey Latin America offers a 10-day adventure:

“Off the Beaten Track Brazil: Dunes and Lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses”

• Explore historic Olinda, the remote sand dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and the charming port city of São Luís.
• Includes guided walking tours, 4WD excursions, and time to unwind in Jericoacoara.
• From £2,775pp (based on two people sharing). The price includes domestic flights, transfers, excursions and good-quality hotels on a B&B basis

Places visited: Recife, Olinda, São Luís, Lençóis Maranhenses, Parnaíba Delta, Jericoacoara.

Why Go Now?
Brazil's northeast is a region of cultural identity and natural beauty: sugar-plantation history, Afro-Brazilian rhythms, and endless beaches. These new Iberia routes make it easier than ever to explore this captivating corner of South America.

For further information contact Journey Latin America (journeylatinamerica.com)