Brazil is a diverse and gorgeous country, but its stunning coastline — all 7,491 kilometers of it – is one of its biggest draws. Brazil and beaches are synonymous, much like bossa nova and “The Girl From Ipanema,” which established the country as a hotspot for sun, sand, and the forever tanned and beautiful.
More than 2,000 beaches line the country’s coast, while more than 1,000 islands dot the Atlantic Ocean within its borders. Many are protected ecological sanctuaries, despite the fact that many are intensively populated.
The best beaches in Brazil make it a beach lover’s paradise. Brazilians value their coastal assets, and beach culture is an essential element of their identity. There is something for everyone, from Rio de Janeiro’s renowned coastline to the wild coasts of Florianópolis. Below are some of the best reasons to go to Brazil’s amazing beaches.
Rio and Sao Paulo
Arriving in the two most well-known states in the country, you can combine Brazil’s cultural side with a beach holiday. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo constitute a megalopolis with a plethora of exciting prospects.
Most tourists traveling to Brazil will probably spend a few days in Rio de Janeiro, climbing Corcovado Mountain, relaxing on the beaches, dancing the samba, and visiting gardens, galleries, and museums. The image of those colossal towers colliding with the sandy bays is breathtaking.
But first and foremost, let’s go to the beach. For most of the year, many Rio de Janeiro residents essentially live on the sea. It’s no surprise with world-famous beaches like Copacabana, Barra da Tijuca, and Ipanema just over the street.
The city of Buzios, just two hours from Rio, has been famous since Brigitte Bardot made it her favorite secret getaway in the 1960s. With water everywhere, there are a variety of activities available to everyone. Consider Ferradura Beach, located near the city center in a picturesque bay, perfect for more leisurely days, with gardens and houses all around. Alternatively, the long white sands of Geribá beach, where the agitated, chilly sea is ideal for water sports.
The always-beautiful Ilha Grande is located in Angra dos Reis or the “big island.” There are more than 113 beaches within only 30 kilometers. The most famous one is the Lopes Mendes, without a doubt. It’s an accurate model of a heavenly refuge.
Feiticeira beach in Ilhabela, in the state of Sao Paulo, lives up to its name (which means “sorceress”) with the exotic flair of the waterfall and coconut trees you’ll pass by on your journey there. It rivals the magnificence of the beach at Barra do Una, to the south, a tempting peninsula where the river meets the sea.
Northeastern Wonders
Right from the very top, the Northeast of Brazil has a legendary reputation. This large region with varied landscapes is made up of several states. On the other hand, the coast retains one distinct feature: the unrivaled beauty of its beaches.
In the state of Ceará, Jericoacoara is situated in a national park with spectacular lagoons and sand dunes. It’s no surprise that it’s consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. It’s also approximately 300 kilometers from Fortaleza, one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions and home to the well-known Praia do Futuro (“Beach of the Future”).
Natural pools of translucent water in Porto de Galinhas, in the state of Pernambuco, are the center of interest. It has excellent facilities and is only a one-hour drive away from Recife, which has its own natural beauties.
Tamandaré, a city further south, has a treasure worth revealing. Carneiros Beach, which is nearly deserted, is ideal for individuals seeking a long getaway from congested areas. And it has one unique feature: a small chapel built just three feet away from the water.
Continue descending towards Bahia, the carnival state. The only difficult decision you’ll have to make is which one to choose. If you must do so, go to Praia do Espelho (“Mirror Beach”), where natural pools coexist with stunning cliffs at low tides.
Fernando Noronha’s archipelago is a must-see for anyone traveling through the Northeast. It’s split between the calmer beaches of Mar Adentro (“Sea Within”), which face the mainland, and the choppy seas of the “Mar de Fora” (“Outside Sea,” beaches facing the Atlantic). The crystal clear colors of Baa dos Porcos and Baa do Sancho stand out in Mar Adentro.
Southern Horizons
The “gaucho” territory is the South American equivalent of a cowboy. This indicates that the beach names aren’t as interesting as those in the north but they’re still worth seeing.
A prime example is Lagoinha do Leste in Florianópolis (Santa Catarina). It’s located in a gorgeous lagoon surrounded by lush flora and is ecologically well conserved.
On the other hand, Torres beach is the crown jewel of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, drawing both surfers and families. Large rock formations have sculpted its unique terrain.
Last but not least, make sure you stop at Capo da Canoa on your way from Torres to Porto Alegre, which is 200 kilometers away. Many Uruguayans and Argentines cross the border to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea there, along with the tastiest “gaucho” flavors, of course. Don’t forget to sample them in the many typical steakhouses before diving!