Grab your thong and go
Brazil’s best beaches may tempt you to slim down your wardrobe
It’s not an easy task to pick out only five out of the hundreds — or thousands — of astonishing beaches along the Brazilian coastline.
Be it a long white stretch of sand hugged by impressive cliffs or a small shore in a serene bay, Brazil’s coast reveals a bounty of treasures — some yet to be discovered. Below are just a few suggestions of the most beautiful beaches to visit.
Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro City
Sandwiched between green mountains and blue sea, Ipanema is arguably the most charming and trendy spot in Rio de Janeiro. The sandy strip in front of Rua Farme de Amoedo (Posto 9), the gay beach, is where intellectuals, hippies, showbiz personalities gather.
Pontal do Atalaia
Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro State
Arraial do Cabo is a very small, quiet resort less than two hours from Rio. The precarious walk down to the Pontal do Atalaia (a.k.a. Prainhas do Pontal) beach is rewarded with fabulous views, white sand, and the clearest blue waters in the region, making it perfect for diving or snorkeling. The nearby blue grotto is a romantic must, as is the Ilha do Farol (Lighthouse Island).
Very close to the beach resorts of Cabo Frio and Búzios, are the Arraial do Cabos beaches, which offer a cozy atmosphere as well as low prices. In downtown Arraial do Cabo, reasonably priced seafood restaurants dot the streets and there are many pousadas (guest houses) for any budget.
Canoa Quebrada
Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil
Canoa Quebrada — broken boat in Portuguese — is a stunning resort, famous for its deep blue sea and year-round, sunny weather. Despite being one of the busiest resorts in Ceará, this lovely resort has lost none of its charm — locals still preserve the tradition of going fishing early in the morning in their jangadas, typical rustic boats with a board and sail.
Praia da Princesa
Ilha do Algodoal
Due to its remote location off the northeastern coast, this island boasts one of the most beautiful beaches — Praia da Princesa. There is fabulous swimming in the sea or bays, boating, trekking and bike riding. Since Praia is also an ecological preserve, cars are forbidden.
Praia dos Carneiros
Tamandaré, Pernambuco State
Praia dos Carneiros looks the same as it did 100 years ago. The ruins of Chapel of St. Benedictus face the sea and a three-mile-long stretch of white sand coastline gives this beach an exotic atmosphere.