The country’s party-centric attitude is reflected in its
many lively beaches. But if you know where to look, you can also find some
impressive seaside retreats hidden along the coast.
If there is one destination known for its beaches, it’s
Brazil. Rio de Janeiro alone has dozens, each as loud and lively as the next.
From Carnival to the World Cup, the city is no stranger to showing travelers a
good time, and this year is better than any to book a trip. The 2016 Summer
Olympics were in August and more than 380,000 spectators travelled to the city for the games. That means tons of exciting activities and
parties—many of which took place on the beaches.
Now, if you’re reading this and thinking that loud music and
boisterous crowds are the last things you want to encounter while on your beach
vacation, don’t worry. Brazil’s shoreline is filled with secluded hideaways,
some of which even require hiking through the forest to find. Once you venture
out of the country’s major metropolitan areas, Brazil’s rugged terrain sets the
perfect backdrop to the strikingly blue water.
You’ll want to grab your snorkel gear and perhaps a new
swimsuit—Brazilians are known for their racy swimwear—before diving in. If
you’re lucky, you’ll encounter a sea turtle at Porto de Galinhas or catch a
starfish at Praia do Forno. Additionally, multiple trails throughout the
Atlantic rainforest lead to some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches like
Lagoinha do Leste. You’ll likely
encounter monkeys and other friendly animals along the way.
Brazilians takes pride in the country’s beach culture.
You’ll find people from all walks of life gathering on the sand at every point
of the day. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak. In
Brazil, the beach brings a sense of commonality to all.
Arpoador Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Known as the birthplace of surfing in Brazil, this beach is
a haven for the active. Surfboards can be rented on the beach and a
weight-lifting area allows locals and visitors to exercise under the sun. At
dawn, grab a spot on the large rocks bordering the shore for an incredible
sunset view. Those who stick around afterward can take to the water at night
when spotlights illuminate the water.
Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha
This beach is found on Fernando de Noronha, a volcanic
archipelago off of the country’s northeastern coast, and is widely considered
the most beautiful in Brazil. Divers from all over the world travel here with
the hope of encountering stunning underwater creatures like whales, green
turtles, reef sharks, and clownfish.
Cacimba do Padre,
Fernando de Noronha
This beach is one of the longest in this area, with more
than a half a mile of soft golden sand. Sun worshippers lounge next to the
clear, blue water, and the views of the island’s Morro Dois Irmãos rock
formation can’t be beat. If you visit in the summer, you’ll likely find
yourself surrounded by surfers, as waves are known to be the largest then.
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
If there is one beach that foreign travelers know by name,
it’s likely this one—no, the Barry Manilow song is not about the beach, though
the idea is thought to have originated at the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio.
The atmosphere is extremely vibrant with several beach bars and multiple sports
facilities along the sand. Meet some locals and participate in a pickup game of
volleyball or soccer (though obviously, they call it football here). A word to
the wise: with popularity comes crowds. Be prepared to share this beach with
plenty of other people.
Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Another famed Rio beach, this lovely white sand is situated
in one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods. There are galleries, theaters,
and high-end shops sprinkled throughout the surrounding area. On Sundays, take
advantage of the weekly market where local vendors sell all sorts of crafts.
Jericoacoara Beach, Jericoacoara
Tucked at the tip of Jericoacoara National Park, this sandy
oasis is known for its large dunes and seclusion. Electricity was brought to
the area only about 20 years ago, and streetlights are still forbidden. This
truly is a place to disconnect. Instead, entertain yourself with popular
watersports: the winds responsible for the dunes make the beach a fantastic
place to windsurf and kitesurf.
Lagoinha do Leste, Florianópolis
This hidden stretch of sand is situated on the island of
Florianópolis and stays empty throughout the year. You’ll likely have the beach
to yourself, but getting there is no easy feat. It’s only accessible by
trails—some of which can take up to two and a half hours to trek—and with
stunning views of the Atlantic rainforest and sandbanks, many visitors choose
to pitch a tent and stay the night.
Lençóis Maranhenses, Santo Amaro do Maranhão
Not a beach in the traditional sense, Lençóis Maranhenses
consists of a series of lagoons surrounded by towering sand dunes. During the
year, rain fills the valleys between the dunes, creating lagoons with deep hues
of blue and green. If you’re hoping for a swim, arrive between July and
September, as that is when the water is the highest.
Lopes Mendes, Ilha Grande
A few hours south of Rio, you’ll find Ilha Grande, an island
void of paved roads and immersed in tropical forest. The island is dotted with
beaches—the most impressive being Lopes Mendes. Getting there will require a
small boat ride or trek through wildlife-filled trails, before you can kick
back and enjoy the beach’s nearly two miles of golden sand.
Porto de Galinhas, Ipojuca
Arrive at this beach during low tide to experience
snorkeling around the rock pools and reefs. You’ll encounter plenty of colorful
fish, which are easily visible through the crystal clear water. If you visit
between October and June, you may spot one of the many sea turtles that swim to
the area for spawning.
Praia da Pipa, Tibau do Sul
Surrounded by rugged cliffs, this beach is genuinely
picturesque. You’ll find a decent surf scene, dazzling views, and a laid-back
attitude that has remained in place since surfers discovered the small fishing
village in the 1970s. The water is also known to attract dolphins, which can be
spotted in the distance.
Praia do Forno, Arraial do Cabo
This beach sits in a small bay a few hours north of Rio,
where temperatures climb due to the lack of breeze—hence its name, which means
“oven beach.” The fine sand has a reddish tint and the water is remarkably
clear and shallow—making it a top destination for families. Grab the snorkel
gear and keep an eye out for starfish.
Praia dos Carneiros, Tamandare
Those looking for a quiet beach with calm, warm water need
not look any further. There are few waves here, and the beach stays free from
excessively large crowds. On this white sand beach, palm trees line the shore
and boat tours circle the wetlands. Experiencing the tranquility will come at a
small cost, though: the private beach is owned by a family who charges a fee
per vehicle.
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