15 Best Beaches in Brazil

Brazil, the largest country in South America, has approximately 4500 miles of coastline. If you are a beach lover who wants to enjoy the sea and sand under the azure blue sky, Brazil’s beaches can be an ideal choice. Being a traveller's heaven, you will find several small islands, pools and coves on the sandy shores of Brazil. 

So, if you want to visit this exotic paradise to work on your tans as you bask under the sun, here is a list of the best beaches in Brazil.

Here is a list of the top beaches in Brazil -

1. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Sitting right in the centre of Rio de Janeiro, a gorgeous confluence of sea and land, is a famous beach in Brazil, Copacabana. A favourite destination for South American celebrities, this beach is flocked with tourists enjoying water sports. 

Several tourists and 'Cariocas' (residents of Rio) taste ‘caipirinha’ (Brazil’s national drink) near the local shacks. 

• Best Time to Visit: Between December and March
• Famous for: Copacabana is lit at night, and you will enjoy walking around the shores and seeing many tourists enjoying the waves sweeping by. Here are things to do in this exotic location:
  • Trek to Morro do Leme peak to enjoy wonderful views of Copacabana beach stretching at your feet.
  • Explore the renowned Forte de Copacabana, a historic Portuguese colonial fort which is an official naval base.
  • Grab Spanish ‘tapas’ or your favourite Portuguese snacks ‘petsticos’ at the famous Adega Perola, Rio’s conventional street eatery or ‘botecos’.
  • Hire a bike and enjoy an early morning ride on the long stretch of bike path all alongside the coastline. It stretches from Santos Dumont airport to Ipanema.
  • Play ‘futevolei’ or footvolley, the favourite beach sports of Rio de Janeiro.
  • Explore Parque da Chacrinha, the Atlantic coastal rainforest, to view marmoset monkeys, tanagers, toucans and other wildlife.
  • A favourite place for surfers, enjoy this activity at Arpoador, one of the greatest surfing grounds in Copacabana.

2. IIha Grande, Rio de Janeiro

A popular weekend gateway in Rio IIha beach has azure blue waters, golden sands and thrilling forest hikes. One of the most exciting features of this coastline is its car-free area. So, if you have longed to walk along the shoreline under a moonlit sky, this is your opportunity. 

However, tourists should hire a boat to reach this beach to reach Vila do Abraao. Afterwards, you can hire a boat or trek through the beautiful tropical forests to reach the other beaches.

• Best Time to Visit: Between November and February
• Famous for: The coastline of Ilha Grande has been preserved because this location has yet to succumb to the development of hotels and staycations. Things to do here are:
  • Plunge into the marine-rich waters of Ilha Grande. As this island is sub-tropical, you will find plenty of grunts, blackear wrasse, fish and turtles.
  • Enjoy delicious seafood at Lua e Mar while overlooking the gorgeous town of Praia do Canto and enjoying sundown with ‘caipirinha’ in hand.
  • Enjoy snorkelling at Lagoa Azul, a shallow basin of azure waters fringed by forested islets on the island’s peninsula.
  • Visit Feiticeira, the island’s largest waterfall.
  • Want to have the best view of Ilha Grande? Trek to the top of  Pico do Papagaio.
  • Enjoy your day in the picture-perfect Abraao village.
  • Visit the deserted Candido Mendes prison.

3. Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro

Pleasant winters and excellent surf make Ipanema one of the top beaches in Brazil. As the ocean swells near the shores during winters, it creates wonderful barrels of crystal clear water that surfers will praise. 

• Best Time to Visit: Between December and March
• Famous for: Ipanema has a lot of bars and boutique shopping centres with tourists always entertained with beachside activities. Here are some of the other activities to do here:
  • Visit Museo de Amanha, Santiago Calatrava’s gorgeous-white environmental museum that stands across the pristine blue Guanabara Bay.
  • Explore the Hippie Market, held every Sunday on Ipanema’s General Osorio Square, to buy exquisite handbags, beach shawls, hammocks and seed jewellery.
  • Visit Galeria Café, a unique art gallery and a part-time performance area selling everything from jewellery to food.
  • You cannot miss absorbing the view of an incredible sunset in Aproador. The sun glistens as the soft waves sweep by, silhouetting the peaks of Two Brothers Mountain, turning the stretch of Ipanema Beach into a golden glow.
  • Excellent wine accompanied with great cheese is what you can relish in Canastra Bar.

4. Buzios, Rio de Janeiro

One of the liveliest beaches, Buzios is a famous location as international artists flock here to spend some privacy. 

However, you can find three towns here: Manguinhos, Ossos and Armacao, well-known for their exotic beaches and azure blue waters.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Famous for: A splendid beach with boutique hotels and staycations to spend a lovely time amongst the crystal clear waters, here is what Buzios has to offer to you:
  • Enjoy paragliding over Tuncans Beach to have a sweeping view of the Buzios shoreline.
  • Learn to surf at Geriba and indulge in adrenaline sports such as go-karting, bungee jumping, wall-painting, paintball, etc.
  • Enjoy chimichurri sirloin, moqueca stews, chocolate soufflé and squid-ink paella at Rocka Beach Lounge.
  • Enjoy strolling around the boho boutiques and cafes at Rua das Pedras (Cobblestone street).
  • Explore turtles indulging in snorkelling activity at Praia da Tartaruga.
  • Don't forget to capture exciting clicks beside Brigitte Bardot's statue.

5. Jericoacoara, Ceara

If you search for virgin sands and quaint surfing places, Jericoacoara is one of the best beaches in Brazil. 

Jericoacoara captures the rustic beauty and draws more tourists to this charming place. You will enjoy the crystal water lagoons, warm weather and soft dunes here.

• Best Time to Visit: July to December
• Famous for: Jericoacoara can be your best place to spend leisurely hours if you wish to get tanned and gaze at the sea. Here are the other activities you can indulge into:
  • Book an introductory kite session here and catch the wind and the waves differently on this beach.
  • Book a jeep safari, or a horseback ride or hire a sand board to enjoy surfing in the exotic dunes.
  • Explore Pedra Furada, a natural rock archway which is an excellent photography spot as well.
  • Explore the lighthouse by hiking Serrote Hill to get postcard views of Jericoacoara beach.
  • Discover the history of Jericoacoara by visiting A Igreja de Jericoacoara, the local church.

6. Florianopolis, Santa Catarina

The capital of Brazil’s Santa Catarina State, Florianopolis, boasts a flurry of activities one will enjoy. It is a massive island housing 42 beaches. 

One of the best beaches to visit in Brazil, you can enjoy delicious seafood, sun-baked beaches, snorkelling and other activities.

• Best Time to Visit: mid-March to mid-May
• Famous for: Apart from enjoying the sand and the sea, tourists can indulge in activities such as:
  • Learn surfing at Praia Mole.
  • Enjoy fishing in Barra da Lagoa, a fishing village near Galheta Mountain, while appreciating the view of forested hills behind the shoreline.
  • Enjoy leisurely hours lying back on Lagoinha do Leste Beach, Florianopolis’ widest coast.
  • Paragliding at Lagoa de Conceicao can be an ideal activity to indulge in.
  • Hike through the sub-tropical forest of Trilha do Morro das Aranhas.
  • Admire the 18th-century fortress Fortaleza de Santo Antonio de Ratones.
  • Visit Santa Catarina History Museum.

7. Praia de Pipa, Southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte

Praia de Pipa is a beach frequented by hippies, a famous beach in Brazil with dramatic cliffs and exquisite beaches. 

Praia de Pipa is a heavenly destination for tourists to spend weekends away from the city commotions.

• Best Time to Visit: August to February
• Famous for: Praia de Pipa can be your favourite spot during the winters. Here are the activities you can follow:
  • Enjoy swimming in Praia de Amor (Beach of Love) in the natural heart-shaped swimming pools caused during low tides.
  • Cycle the shoreline or enjoy a buggy tour all along the coastline.
    
  • Enjoy shopping along Avenida Baia dos Golfhinhos, Praia de Pipa’s main shopping attraction.
    
  • Book a spa day to enjoy your holiday mood at an exotic Ayurveda spa retreat.
  • Make your way over the cliffs to Praia Baia dos Golfhinhos to spot the wildlife.

8. Praia do Rosa, Santa Catarina

A sandy bay, Praia do Rosa is a popular gateway for tourists who love to have fun in water sports. 

Stretching out for a couple of kilometres, Rosa is a paradise for surfers, hikers and nature enthusiasts.

• Best Time to Visit: September to November
• Famous for: A beach recommended by the locals due to its crystal clear water and the lovely golden sands; here is a list of things to do in Rosa:
  • Enjoy a change from the breezy beaches by visiting the Lagoa do Meio, a small lagoon.
  • Rosa is a great surfing ground for the surfers who want to spend hours in the turquoise waters.

9. Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco

Porto de Galinhas is your ideal destination if you want peace and solitude amidst the tropical backdrop. This palm-fringed underdeveloped beach is a paradise for solo travellers who seek to spend laid-back holidays on beaches. 

You will also find several shacks and local craft shops selling delicious Brazilian cuisine.

Best Time to Visit: October to December

Famous for: A lonely beach pulling travellers due to its serene environment, Porto de Galinhas has some beautiful pools and beaches for you to explore. Here is what you can do here:

• Piscinas Naturais can be your favourite spot that collects excellent tidal pools consisting of tidal fishes.
• For surfers, a great surfing spot in Porto de Galinhas is Praia de Maracaipe.
• Being a fisherman's village, you also enjoy some delicious seafood here. Do not forget to relish ‘churrascarias’ or barbeques from the local eateries.
• Travel to the nearby Toquinho Beach or a small deserted island Ilha de Santo Aleix.

10. Maragogi, Alagoas

Home to Brazil’s largest barrier reef, Maragogi houses some of the most exotic natural pools that you will be happy to find. The calm and clean waters of this beach allow tourists to spend long hours here amidst the blue sea and the chalky white sands. 

Snorkelling and scuba diving is a common sport here.  

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Famous for: One of the best beaches to visit in Brazil, Maragogi is a favourite for solo travellers. Here are the activities to indulge in here:
  • Enjoy great views of the reefs at Antunes Beach nearby.
  • Learn about the local history in Sao Benedito Church.
  • Spend leisurely hours in Praia do Patacho beach, Peroba Beach and Barra Grande Beach.

11. Taipus de Fora, Marau, Bahia

Another famous beach in Brazil, Taipus de Fora, is a must-visit location for you if you wish to view the white sandy shores of Brazil. Taipus de Fora is one of the famous snorkelling and diving locations people love to visit. 

With abundant marine life and beautiful corals, you can also explore the light sub-tropical forest, the waterfalls and the mangroves.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Famous for: Being a secluded beach seldom visited by tourists, Taipus de Fora can be your ideal choice if you wish to spend privately on an island. Here are the things to do here:
  • Stay at the boutique villas and hotels to have a taste of the rustic life.
  • Enjoy local seafood at the adjacent shacks and beachside eateries.

12. Praia do Espelho, South of Bahia

If Copacabana has stolen the limelight due to its glamour and beauty, nothing can beat Praia do Espelho as it is famous because of its serenity. Not much popular amongst travellers, Praia do Espelho is famous due to its natural pools and crystal waters. 

Besides, this beach is fringed with endless stretches of palm and coconut trees.

• Best Time to Visit: July
• Famous for: A quaint beach for holidaymakers searching for solitude, this beach offers the following:
  • This beach offers picture postcard scenery as you walk down the coastline gazing at the horizon. 

13. Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha

Baia do Sancho, ranked consistently as one of the top beaches in Brazil, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

It is located within a national marine park area and houses several wildlife. You can spot rare species of turtles here too.

• Best Time to Visit: July
• Famous for: You have plenty of opportunities to explore this beach since it is still not flocked by too many tourists. Here are the activities you can do here:
  • Dive into the pristine turquoise waters of the ocean.
  • Get impressed by the majestic cliffs and powdery white sand that offers scenic views of this shoreline.

14. Lopes Mendes Beach, Abraao

One of the best beaches in Brazil again, Lopes Mendes Beach stretches only 3 kilometres and is fringed with palm trees. 

A paradise for tourists wanting to spend time far from the bustling city crowd, this beach is a quaint coastline with clear blue waters lazily sweeping the shores.

• Best Time to Visit: July
• Famous for: As you enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves accompanied by the wind, here are some things to do here:
  • Hike across the forest trails to spot brown howler monkeys, lizards and Red-browed parrots and other exotic wildlife around.

15. Praia de Forno, Rio de Janeiro

Well-known as Oven Beach, Praia de Forno's summers are harsh. So it is recommended to travel during winters for a pleasant experience. Furthermore, the name of this beach implies red colour sand. 

This is caused due to the presence of rich minerals, making it extremely hot. Hence, you can find an appropriate excuse to plunge into the calm blue waters to swim.

• Best Time to Visit: January to April
• Famous for: It is a lovely coastline to spend time with your family. Here is what you can plan when in Praia de Forno:
  • Eat at the floating restaurant on this beach.
  • Go for snorkelling activity.

Brazil, known for its beaches, flora, and fauna, offers exclusive travel packages for travellers. With many activities to enjoy and explore, list down Brazil’s beaches mentioned above to experience a different tour next time.