Brazil Beaches
Photo by Phil Chan
© All Rights Reserved
There are so many great Brazilian beaches that it’s hard to decide where to start, but you can't go wrong heading for Rio. Begin with the world famous Copacabana, a ceaseless whirl of activity. From hi-energy beach games to floss-wound sun goddesses, you’ll find it all on this legendary strip of sand. But if you're in the mood for something slightly more urbane, slip across the point to Ipanema right next door. Here those alluring bikini clad maidens fantasized in song really do stroll slowly by.
After the beach, enjoy a frosty Brahma Chopp at a beach front cafe, where you can continue your study of form and grace. And remember ladies, Brazil's an equal-opportunity paradise. Finally, if you have any energy left, head for the hottest beach in Rio, Praia Pepe in Barra da Tijuca. And please, try not to drool.
If you are looking for something more laid back, drive down the coast to Angra dos Reis, a sun worshipper's nirvana of several hundred islands and several thousand Brazilian beaches. Ilha Grande alone has over a hundred beaches on it and some of the best in the area. Aventureiro, for one, is an idyllic setting reminiscent of Eden.
Lopes Mendes is one of the most pristine stretches of sand you'll ever find. It greets easy rolling breakers paying homage to the virgin forest behind it. But watch the ocean currents here, which can be strong.
A bit further down the coast, the island of Florianópolis has a wealth of fabulous beaches. Try Campeche if you prefer privacy, Praia Mole for the company of intellectual bohemians or Galeta if you want to let it all hang out. The locals at Galeta like to say that ‘clothing is not an option’, though officially it is.
If you’re looking for a real 'back to nature' experience, try Praia Resende or any of the similar beaches at Itacaré in the state of Bahia. Backed by a rain forest, this eco-friendly area is as close as you’ll ever get to Jurassic Park. No dinosaurs, but mind the ocean currents.
Photo © Paul Buceta - Fotolia.com
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| Region | Country | Best Season | |||||
| Atlantic | Brazil | November - March | |||||
| Copacabana, Rio | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Medium | Good | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| A prime Carioca playground. Don't ogle scenery from the water as the bottom drops off and currents are strong.
Nearby Accoms: Excelsior, Windsor Palace, Rio Othon Palace, etc. Photo by Paul Yung © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Ipanema, Rio | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Medium | Good | Fine | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Perhaps the most picturesque urban beach in the world. That includes sea, sand, mountains (and people as well).
Nearby Accoms: Caesar Park, Plaza and Marina Palace. Photo by Patrick Love © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Praia Pepe, Rio | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Once a remote windswept area, it's now the hottest Brazilian beaches in Rio. Mind the waves here as they can be overpowering.
Nearby Accoms: Melia Barra, Sheraton Barra, etc. Photo by Celso Pupo Rodrigues © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Aventureiro | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Small | Excellent | Fine | Required | No | 9 |
| Rustic location reminiscent of paradise. Bring a lunch and a sense of humor. We don't all look like movie stars. Nearby Accoms: Blue Tree Park, Carlton Palms, Do Frade Pestana. Photo by Ivan Goulart © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Lopes Mendes | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Required | No | 10 |
| Another Ilha Grande 'praia' only accessible by a long hike (45 minutes) or by boat. Bring your own food.
Nearby Accoms: Blue Tree Park, Carlton Palms, Do Frade Pestana. Photo by Simon Trancart © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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| Campeche | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| Florianópolis beach with miles of nothing but soft sand. Rarely, if ever crowded. The ideal spot for romance.
Nearby Accoms: Coral Palace, Florianópolis Palace. Photo by Paulina F. © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Praia do Paiva | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Required | No | 9 |
| A Brazilian beach of unparalleled natural beauty 48 km south of Recife including the fauna 'homo-eco-sapien'. Nearby Accoms in Recife: Dorisol Grand, Recife Palace. Photo by Lucia Passos © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Praia Mole | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| A typical Florianópolis beach facing the open Atlantic. A hangout for counter-culture types as well as cool dudes and dudettes.
Nearby Accoms: Coral Plaza, Florianópolis Palace. Photo by Krongnon Regueira © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Resende, Itacaré | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Required | No | 10 |
| A short walk from the small town of Itacaré. Tall swaying palms, soft sand and crashing waves. An idyllic spot.
Nearby Accoms: Aldeia do Mar, Itacaré Eco Resort. Photo by David Vignoni © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Boa Viagem | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Small | Fair | Fine | Required | Yes | 8 |
| Recife is similar in flair to Rio but in the north of Brazil. The beach has a highrise backdrop and is protected by a reef.
Nearby Accoms: Dorisol Grand, Recife Palace Lucsin, etc. Photo by Jason © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS | |||||||
| Let's keep it safe out there! Because ocean conditions change daily, follow these rules: (1) Always check with 'locals' about hazards before entering the water, (2) Obey all 'warning flags', (3) Swim inside 'safety areas' provided, (4) Never swim alone, and (5) Never swim far out. Finally, when in doubt, don't go in. | |||||||
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