21 Best Beaches In Brazil That You Will Absolutely Love

Welcome to a sun-soaked paradise where turquoise waters meet golden sands, and the rhythm of Brazillian culture dances on the shores.

Brazil’s coastline, stretching over 7,400 kilometres, boasts a treasure trove of some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches.

From the vibrant beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the secluded havens of Bahia and the wild beauty of Fernando de Noronha, we present a list of 21 best beaches in Brazil!

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of stunning landscapes, vibrant beach scenes, and a contagious energy that makes Brazil a beach lover’s dream come true.

1. Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro

Welcome to Ipanema Beach, one of the most famous and vibrant beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! With its golden sand and clear blue waters, Rio beaches offer the perfect getaway and Ipanema is no exception.

As one of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro, it’s known for its lively atmosphere, where locals and visitors gather to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean breeze. Take a stroll along the promenade and marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Don’t forget to try the delicious street food and refreshing coconut water from the beach vendors. Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand, play beach volleyball, or surf the waves, Ipanema Beach has something for everyone.

Ever heard of footvolley? If not, try it at Ipanema Beach! This is a popular sport blending soccer and volleyball. Join in or simply sit back and people-watch while sipping on a caipirinha, Brazil’s famous cocktail.

Remember to bring your sunscreen and stay hydrated as the sun can be intense!

Come and experience the vibrant energy and beauty of Ipanema Beach, a must-visit destination for all beach lovers.

2. Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

If you want to try another beach while in Rio de Janeiro, try Copacabana Beach! With its stunning shoreline and vibrant atmosphere, it’s truly a gem of Brazil. Considered by many the best beach in Brazil, it boasts sun-kissed shores and crystal-clear waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Take a walk along the famous promenade, known as the “Calçadão,” and soak in the bustling energy of this famous beach! Taste freshly grilled seafood that is being offered at the beach. You can relax under the shade of an umbrella, play beach volleyball, or take a dip in the ocean. Whatever you choose, Copacabana Beach offers endless entertainment options.

Immerse yourself in the rhythmic sounds of samba music, as talented street musicians often serenade beachgoers.

Capture the breathtaking views of Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy the stunning sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues.

Come and experience the paradise on Earth that is Copacabana Beach!

3. Lopes Mendes Beach, Ilha Grande

On the island of Ilha Grande, there is a hidden gem named Lopes Mendes Beach. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil (or praias mais bonitas do Brasil) known for its untouched beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

As you step onto the soft sand, you’ll be mesmerised by the clear water inviting you for a refreshing swim. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a picturesque backdrop that will take your breath away.

Lopes Mendes Beach provides the best surfing in Brazil, as the waves here are known to be perfect for riding! If you’re not into surfing, simply find a shady spot under the palm trees and unwind while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Unlike the two before, before visiting this beach, you should pack your own drinks (and food) as there are no vendors on Lopes Mendes Beach.

It’s worth mentioning that Ilha Grande is also home to other popular beaches like Praia de Aventureiro and Praia do Cachadaço. Each of them offers its own charm and beauty.

Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Lopes Mendes Beach and take in its serenity!

4. Jericoacoara, Ceará

On the coast of northeast Brazil, in Ceará, there is a beach by the name of Jericoacoara ‒ another best place in Brazil to vacation. This is a charming fishing village that was turned into a tourist hotspot.

It offers a laid-back atmosphere and a range of activities for every traveller. Stroll along the sandy streets and admire the rustic charm of the colourful buildings.

The main beach, known as Jeri Beach, is a perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. Take a dip in the warm waters, go for a walk, or simply unwind in one of the beachside hammocks.

For adventure seekers, the towering sand dunes of the nearby Brazilian national park Jericoacoara are a must-explore. Embark on a thrilling dune buggy ride or try your hand at sandboarding down the steep slopes.

At the end of your day, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the enchanting sunset at the famous Sunset Dune!

5. Lagoinha do Leste, Florianópolis

Another secluded beach surrounded by lush greenery is Lagoinha do Leste in Florianópolis.

Apart from it being the perfect place for relaxation and pure enjoyment, it’s also known for its rugged cliffs and stunning hiking trails. This is what makes it such a good choice for anyone with an adventurous spirit as well.

If you’re looking to explore other nearby beaches, Mole Beach and Forte Beach are popular choices. Mole Beach offers excellent waves for surfing and a vibrant beach culture. On the other hand, Forte Beach is ideal for families with its calm waters and convenient amenities.

Discover the beauty of Florianópolis’ coastline with a trip to Lagoinha do Leste!

6. Gonzaga, Santos

Gonzaga Beach, located in the city of Santos, is another popular beach that offers a plethora of activities and amenities for everyone to enjoy.

Apart from the obvious relaxation aspect, you can also try various water sports and recreational activities, such as surfing, paddleboarding, or beach volleyball. The beachfront promenade is perfect for a stroll or bike ride, with stunning views of the coastline.

When it comes to dining, Gonzaga Beach has an array of options to please your taste buds. From beachside kiosks to upscale restaurants, there’s something to please every palate.

It’s worth mentioning that Santos is home to other renowned beaches as well. Praia do Boqueirão and Praia do Embaré are also worth a visit, each with its own unique charm and attractions!

Gonzaga Beach’s lively atmosphere, water sports activities, and culinary delights make it a perfect spot for a day of fun and relaxation. Don’t forget to explore the other famous beaches in Santos for a complete coastal experience!

7. Praia de Forno, Rio de Janeiro

Another famous beach in Rio de Janeiro is none other than Praia de Forno (Praia meaning ‘beach’). What is special about this beach and unlike others, is that it’s relatively smaller in size. This creates a sense of exclusivity and tranquillity for visitors seeking a peaceful beach experience.

Despite its secluded feel, Praia de Forno remains relatively accessible. You can reach the beach by hiking along a scenic trail or by boat.

The beach also boasts extremely clear waters, some of the softest sand, and beautiful surrounding cliffs.

Moreover, Praia de Forno offers shaded areas where you can relax and have a picnic. This serves as a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for families and friends.

The combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a serene environment contributes to Praia de Forno’s uniqueness!

8. Maragogi, Costa dos Corais

If you find yourself in Costa dos Corais, don’t miss the chance to visit Maragogi Beach!

Alongside crystal clear water and unbelievably soft golden sand, there is one special thing about this beach. It’s surrounded by coral reefs, which create natural pools at low tide. So, if you’re not a confident swimmer, these pools work perfectly! You can wade in the shallow waters and observe the colourful fish and marine life that inhabit the area.

Another highlight of visiting Maragogi is going on a boat tour to explore the nearby coral reefs. The boat will take you to different snorkelling spots, where you can witness the underwater wonders up close. The coral reefs are teaming with vibrant fish and other marine creatures, creating a mesmerizing underwater world.

When you’re ready for a break from the beach, you can explore the charming town of Maragogi. It offers a variety of restaurants and shops where you can indulge in local cuisine and buy souvenirs. If you’re looking for where to stay, try one of the best beach resorts in Brazil ‒ Salinas Maragogi All Inclusive Resort.

To reach Maragogi Beach, you can easily access it by road. Do you prefer a hassle-free experience? There are also organised tours available from nearby cities!

9. Praia de Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte

Moving along to Praia de Pipa, a beach located in Rio Grande do Norte. What might spark your interest to visit this particular beach firstly is the fact that it’s a popular spot for dolphin watching! If you decide to visit, you can witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. The waters also attract sea turtles, which nest along the shore!

Furthermore, Praia de Pipa is renowned as a haven for surfers! So, if you’re adventurous enough, try catching waves that are consistent here, and enjoy thrilling water sports. Just a beginner? Surf schools and equipment rentals are available for those looking to either learn or enhance their skills.

In addition to all this, the region around Praia de Pipa is characterized by its ecological diversity. The area is home to several nature reserves, such as the Pipa Ecological Sanctuary and the Guaraíras Lagoon, where you can explore and observe the local flora and fauna.

The whole vibe of the beach could be characterised as very lively and bohemian. The bohemian style matches perfectly with the traditional Brazilian sophistication!

10. Taipús de Fora, Maraú

Taipús de Fora, a beach full of coral reefs and giant palm trees, is the most popular one on the Peninsula of Maraú.

The biggest attraction of the beach is its huge natural pools. They’re formed when it’s low tide and many people use the opportunity to observe the underwater life. It’s best to visit the beach at the times of the full moon and new moon, as that’s when the amplitude of the tides is at its peak.

Taipús de Fora Beach is so big that you will always have the feeling that you are alone and small in the midst of the vast nature. If you’re not one for crowds, this beach is perfect. You might see a couple of people tops; or a few fishermen, and that’s it.

It is a bit on the more difficult side to get to the actual beach though, so a good idea is to simply hop onto a Jardineira, which is an open bus that takes you straight to the beach.

11. Baía do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Baía do Sancho has an extraordinary appeal.

It’s part of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This designation highlights the ecological significance and conservation efforts in the area. It’s what ensures the protection of the beach’s national treasures.

Despite its acclaim, Baía do Sancho remains relatively remote and is accessible only by boat or through a limited number of visitors each day. This exclusivity adds to its charm, allowing you to enjoy the beach without overwhelming crowds.

If you decide to go underwater, you might encounter sea turtles, dolphins, colourful fish, and even reef sharks!

Another important fact is that Baía do Sancho Beach has a strong commitment to environmental preservation. Measures are in place to ensure the protection of the beach’s ecosystem and to limit the impact of tourism.

12. Caraíva, Porto Seguro

Located in the Southern state of Bahia, Caraíva Beach remains largely untouched by modern development. Its rustic charm and preserved environment create a sense of stepping back in time. This provides visitors with an authentic and off-the-beaten-path beach experience.

It’s the fact that Caraíva is not just a beach but also a traditional and quaint village that adds to its allure. The village has a distinct charm with its colourful wooden houses, sandy pathways, and absence of cars. The laid-back and bohemian atmosphere transports you to a simpler and more peaceful way of life. One of the best beach hotels in Brazil is just a short drive away from Porto Seguro ‒ Kûara Hotel.

Caraíva Beach is unique as it’s where the river meets the sea! The Caraíva River flows gently into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a stunning natural spectacle. This convergence of fresh and saltwater provides a diverse and dynamic environment. It’s explorable through activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or taking boat tours.

Caraíva is also very steeped in cultural heritage. The village is home to descendants of the Pataxó indigenous tribe and Quilombolas. This mix of indigenous and African influences can be seen in the local traditions, music, and cuisine. It’s what adds a rich cultural dimension to the beach experience.

Additionally, the community of Caraíva embraced sustainable tourism practices which preserve the natural environment and local traditions!

13. Praia do Rosa, Florianópolis

Going back to Florianópolis, another beach offering its own unique activities is Praia do Rosa.

Apart from it being a surfing paradise, it’s also famous for its annual visitors, the southern right whales! From June to October, these magnificent creatures migrate to the area. This provides a unique opportunity to witness their majestic presence. Whale-watching tours are organised for visitors to observe these gentle giants up close!

The surrounding region of Praia do Rosa is an ecological reserve, so it’s home to diverse flora and fauna. It includes native species like the Aracuaria trees and endangered animals.

Even though this beach is quite large, Praia do Rosa has still managed to maintain a laid-back and tranquil atmosphere.

14. Porto de Galinhas, Ipojuca

In north-eastern Brazil there is Porto de Galinhas, a major tourist destination of Ipojuca.

Although the occurrence of natural pools is common with Brazilian beaches, Porto de Galinhas Beach is where they’re the closest in proximity to the coast in the entirety of Brazil. Enjoy swimming among the fishes and exploring the natural pools that are totally social-media-worthy!

The best way to form a quick impression of the beach is to take a buggy tour. The tours are always accompanied by a driver/tour guide so that you don’t have to worry about a thing. While on the tour, you can spend some time on the beach or take part in sporting activities.

Another trip you can take is on a little boat in the lagoon where you can swim with the fish. You should bring proper footwear with you, though, as the rocks are very sharp!

There are a lot of accommodation options in Porto de Galinhas. If you’re on a controlled budget, there are also small inns and hostels available at much more affordable prices.

15. Ferradura Beach, Buzios Resort Town

Ferradura Beach in Buzios Resort Town gets its name from its distinctive horseshoe shape. The beach curves gently, creating a sheltered bay with calm waters. This shape creates a safe environment for swimming and water activities. Since the waters are calm and shallow, the beach is ideal if you’re part of a family with children. If you’re a parent, simply relax as you know that your little ones can play and swim in a safe and secure environment! The beach’s gentle slope and absence of strong currents add to its family-friendly appeal.

The calm waters are suitable for another thing, too. That is water sports and activities. From paddleboarding and kayaking to jet skiing and banana boat rides, there are plenty of options for everyone!

Ferradura Beach is also dotted with restaurants and beach clubs where you can indulge in fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and local delicacies. The beach clubs often provide lounge chairs, umbrellas, and other amenities for a pleasurable beach experience.

16. Praia do Espelho, Trancoso

Praia do Espelho (“Mirror Beach”) in Trancoso, however, gets its name due to the mirror-like effect created by the tide. How does that work? Well, during low tide, the water recedes, leaving behind a reflective surface on the sand that mirrors the surrounding scenery.

This beach is full of unique rock formations, including caves and grottos, which add a sense of adventure and intrigue. To reach Praia do Espelho, you need to navigate through unpaved roads and sometimes take a short boat ride. This exclusivity allows for a more intimate beach experience.

If you’re into luxury, this beach has its own version of luxury. It offers beachfront dining options! What this means is that you can indulge in various delicious meals while enjoying panoramic views of the beach and the sparkling sea. Tempting, isn’t it?

17. Ilha de Tinharé, Cairu

Ilha de Tinharé Beach, located in Cairu, is notable for several reasons that make it a unique and memorable destination.

Unlike some bustling and crowded beaches, this one provides a more laid-back and peaceful experience. This allows you to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Another thing Ilha de Tinharé Beach boasts are beautiful natural pools that provide a safe and enjoyable environment for swimming. This is especially important for families with children.

This beach is also suitable for a range of water sports and activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even surfing in some areas.

Ilha de Tinharé is part of an island that is known for its vibrant local culture. The island offers a rich history and a blend of influences from indigenous, Portuguese and African cultures!

18. Praia do Leão, Fernando de Noronha

The least developed (but not the least pretty) of the main beaches of Fernando de Noronha is Praia do Leão. Its name means Lion Beach due to a rock sitting there which is shaped like a sea lion!

This beach’s nature is mostly rugged so it also serves as a haven for birds that use its rocky islets for their nesting needs. One of the most remarkable aspects of Praia do Leão is its dedication to wildlife preservation, particularly the protection of sea turtles that cherish the sands of the beach as their egg-laying sites.

Some of the other attractions of the beach are dolphins and blowholes. The dolphins are frequent visitors and the blowholes shoot seawater into the air as high tide approaches.

Something to consider when visiting Praia do Leão is the fact that there is nowhere to hide from the sun so keep in mind to use enough sunscreen!

A downside to this beach is that it’s heavily recommended not to swim in the sea as the currents are very strong. A better option is to just walk around in the water but local guides will try to persuade you not even to do that. Having said that, this beach is more suited for relaxing by the sea and taking walks to admire the nature around you.

Even though the acquisition of water is available at the entry point, there is no infrastructure at the beach so make sure to bring everything you need yourself!

19. Praia Ilha do Campeche, Florianópolis

When you’re in Florianópolis, we recommend you take a day trip to Praia Ilha do Campeche. Why? Here are a couple of reasons.

Firstly, the beach is stunning with its turquoise water and fine white sand. There’s plenty of space to relax and enjoy. Feel free to also stroll up and down the beach to find some spots around the rocks that are more hidden.

This beach doesn’t get as much wind as other beaches in Florianópolis so it can be very hot! Make sure to stay hydrated and provide some shade for yourself.

Next up is swimming and snorkelling. A very popular option on the beach is snorkelling as it gives you a chance to further explore the sea life, apart from just swimming. The snorkelling tours book out quickly so you should book one rather early!

Volleyball is a free activity you can participate in at Praia Ilha do Campeche. There is a net set up but you will have to bring your own ball.

Lastly, there are several hiking trails available here but you can only do them while being accompanied by a guide since the island is a protected area!

20. Praia do Aventureiro, Ilha Grande

Praia de Aventureiro is a beach located in Ilha Grande. Did you know that its name means Adventurer’s Beach? This is probably because of the fact that access to the beach is difficult and you have to be willing and prepared to really explore to reach the beach.

If you plan to go, make sure to plan ahead since the number of visitors is limited to 560 people at a time.

The coqueiro deitado, or lying coconut tree is the main attraction of the beach! It’s famous for its L shape and many visitors use it as the backdrop for their photos.

For the more fearless visitors, there’s also Mirante do Espia which is at the very top of the tallest rock on Praia do Aventureiro and you reach it by a rope ladder. Moreover, there’s also Mirante do Sundara which you get to via a 20-minute uphill trail and you get a stunning view of the coast.

There are no shops in Aventureiro so bring everything you need with you. There’s also no cellphone signal, so keep that in mind as well!

What you wanna get and bring home with you when you leave is the yuca flour, especially famous in this area!

21. Geribá Beach, Buzios Resort Town

What’s probably most known about Geribá Beach in Buzios Resort Town is that it’s a surfer’s paradise. It offers ideal conditions for surfing, with consistent waves and strong swell.

Besides surfing, there are also other options such as bodyboarding, windsurfing, and so on. The beach’s favourable wind and water conditions make it a great spot for these kinds of activities. For example, Geribá Beach is well-known for its beach volleyball tournaments and games.

Furthermore, this beach is full of beach bars, restaurants, and kiosks where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and local cuisine.

When your day comes to an end, watch as the sun sets over the horizon and the sky transforms into a mesmerizing display of colours at Geribá Beach!

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