If I ask you right now, what are the best beaches in Brazil? Your answer will probably be the ones in Rio de Janeiro! You would be right, they’re great to enjoy, and rank amongst the most beautiful beaches as well. But the Brazilian coast is a lot bigger than the state of Rio de Janeiro! I mean, as much as I love my home state, there are few things better than a day at Copacabana Beach, you could go beyond that!
Should you have plans to explore Brazil extensively, we offer our comprehensive Brazil travel guide for your convenience.
Brazilโs beaches are buzzing with fresh energy, as coastal spots embrace eco-friendly vibes. Think solar-powered beach bars serving aรงai cocktails or guided turtle-watching tours that blend fun with conservation. Hidden coves are gaining traction too, thanks to influencers sharing drone shots of untouched sands. These shores offer more than sunโtheyโre a lifestyle upgrade.
Our country occupies fifty percent of South America’s land, making the miles of coastline a great place for everyone hoping to get tanned while enjoying warm ocean waters. Here, you will be free to follow your heart’s desire should it be adventuring into nature or just relaxing in crystal clear waters.
Let me guide you as we walk on white sand, past palm trees or sand dunes to reach the best beaches in this beautiful country in no particular order! And we can’t talk about the best beaches in Brazil without making a few stops in Rio de Janeiro state first.
Beaches in Brazil
1. Copacabana Beach
Beaches In Brazil: Copacabana
One of Brazil’s most famous beaches sits in the heart of the wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro.
In case you intend to have relaxing days on white sand, and enjoy your privacy amongst palm trees with almost no people around, Copacabana Beach isn’t the best place to have these things.
It doesn’t have natural pools or sand dunes but it is one of my favorite Brazilian beaches. This is a perfect place to people-watch in hopes of seeing some of South America’s celebrities, practicing water sports, or jumping into a game of beach volleyball with strangers.
Another point in favor of it being one of the best beaches ever is the structure around it. You can stay literally across the street and have access to many restaurants, cafรฉs, stores, and even some historical places that have been converted into museums.
Shaped like a crescent moon, Copacabana Beach is four kilometers long with something to do every day of the year. It is here to welcome solo travelers and families alike, with special celebrations on some holidays!
2. Ipanema Beach
Beaches In Brazil: Night views of Ipanema Beach in Brazil
Continuing our list of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro, let’s make a quick stop at Ipanema Beach.
If the constant high energy of Copacabana Beach becomes too much for you, feel free to hop on the subway and go to nearby Ipanema Beach. We can go as far as saying this is one of the most famous beaches in the world, mostly because Girl From Ipanema pays beautiful homage to this great place.
More on the classier side of things, Ipanema Beach is more about enjoying white sand and turquoise water. Because Rio de Janeiro has mild winters blessed by strong winds, this is a perfect place for water sports, especially surfing!
You can follow the beautiful promenade west to find a second Ipanema Beach known as Leblon! It is a smaller area made famous by the number 10 lifeguard post there. In case you are in the mood for some activity, a hill called Dois Irmรฃos offers an amazing view of Rio de Janeiro from the top.
Beaches in Brazil
3. Ilha Grande
One of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande started as an island to quarantine leprosy patients. Once every hospital closed because the disease was under control, the beautiful white sand was left untouched for decades.
What makes this low tide destination unique is how untouched nature is. From palm trees to endangered species, Ilha Grande is 193 square kilometers (approx. 119 miles) full of pristine beaches for people to discover! But be ready to do a little exercise because there are absolutely no roads on this island.
From Vila do Abraรฃo, the island’s main village, you can take boats to some of the most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro state. Lopes Mendes is one of the most famous beaches in this area, a stretch of white sand perfect for either kite surfing or just regular surfing.
4. Buzios Beach
Our next stop meeting the best beaches of Brazil is still in Rio de Janeiro state, going a little north from the capital to another of Rio de Janeiro’s best beaches. While Ipanema is a favorite for South American celebrities, the resorts nestled on white sand amongst palm trees are loved by international celebrities. Brigitte Bardot went there in the ’60s to enjoy how private it is and since then that has been a huge reason why people keep going.
This great place has many amazing beaches spread on a beach town type of arrangement. Ferradura Beach is quite popular amongst visitors because it is shaped like a horseshoe, hence its name. Geribรก Beach is another one of the most beautiful beaches in this region because there are few palm trees or taller vegetation, it gives way to winds perfect for water sports such as surfing.
And when a need for adventure comes around, you can head to Tucuns Beach. While it is too windy for more traditional activities, you can enjoy beautiful sceneries at a perfect place with almost no one around.
Beaches in Brazil
5. Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio
As we get to the last stop in Rio de Janeiro while looking for the best beaches in Brazil, we are going to a couple of places just east of Rio de Janeiro City.
Arraial do Cabo, the second to last stop, is one of my favorite places on earth! This charming small town has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, complete with azure waters, white sand, and plenty of dining options to choose from. You will also be able to participate in traditional events like street fairs and church parties, it depends on when you decide to come. High tide usually comes around lunchtime, so be sure to get there early for a good spot.
Another view of this beautiful beach on our travels in Brazil
If you keep driving a little longer or take a short bus ride north, you will reach Cabo Frio, another famous Rio de Janeiro beach. Cabo Frio, Portuguese for ‘Cold Cape’, gets its name because ocean water can be chilly from time to time. But don’t worry! This place compensates by having beautiful white sand and sun almost year-round. As a visitor, this is a better option for people who prefer to be comfy while enjoying a new place.
Beaches in Brazil
6. Florianรณpolis Beaches
Flying away from Rio de Janeiro’s best beaches, we go to a gem in southern Brazil called Florianรณpolis! Serving as the capital city for Santa Catarina, this is a great place for beach-going because of a unique characteristic: it is both a city and an island.
You can start your adventure at Joaquina Beach. Coasted by turquoise waters, these amazing sand dunes are fantastic for people looking for more adventure. You can explore them in an open-roof jeep, try your luck sandboarding, or just slide down on a sled. It is a truly unique thing to have in your itinerary! And when that’s done, you should carefully enjoy a dip in the ocean. I say carefully because this beach is known for its strong currents every day.
Now, maybe you’re the kind of visitor who likes a little more life at the beach. In this case, you can visit the southern version of Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach. Jurerรช is a more subdued version, with gorgeous golden sand and calm waters. What makes it interesting is how much you can do around the beach itself. There are plenty of resorts to stay at, fine restaurants to try, and clubs to dance the night away in.
There are over forty amazing beaches for people to explore, but I’d say my last one on a list of Florianรณpolis’ best beaches is Praia do Forte. My favorite part about it is its history since the beach borrows its name from a historical fort that was essential to the defense of these lands. Other than that, it is an incredibly private type of beach so you can enjoy what’s around instead of worrying about people.
7. Jericoacoara Beach
Sunset view in Jeri courtesy of @LiduPasseiosJeri
Going to the opposite side of Brazil, one of our best beaches is in Cearรก. Jericoacoara, tupi-guarani for den of turtles, is a slice of paradise just waiting for you to get here. A bucket list item for your stay here is to visit sand dunes, more specifically one that is famous for offering a stunning view of the sunset. Since this is a very windy part of Brazil, a lot of people who want to practice water sports such as kite surfing end up choosing to stay near the main beach, Jericoacoara.
I’m the kind of person who enjoys having structure around me, like plenty of restaurants to choose from or just staying as close to the beach as possible, so Jeri itself is a great place if you’re like me. But you might have come here for those beautiful hammocks in the water. In that case, you will need to travel to a nearby city called Jijoca. There you can safely leave your belongings on the golden sand while enjoying some time in paradise.
This charming village is ready to welcome you! Remember it’s always best to stay closer to the downtown area in tourist places, you’ll have plenty to do in case a beach day isn’t possible.
Beaches in Brazil
8. Porto de Galinhas Beach
You could ask me to make a list of the best beaches I’ve ever been to and Porto de Galinhas would be a top three contender. Although it’s been a while since I last visited, this district of a town called Ipojuca is nothing short of magical.
The Muro Alto beach is a top choice for everyone looking for warm crystalline waters. While we may think that beaches are for water sports, Muro Alto is quite popular amongst those who enjoy running. Because sand closer to the water is very firm, more active folks can be seen enjoying a scenic route in the early morning hours. Another place to have on your travel itinerary is the amazing reef pools, their clear blue waters will let you scuba dive to see a whole other world.
For a more unique experience, try visiting Pontal de Maracaรญpe. It is spot only accessible on foot or by simple jeep-like vehicles, and it’s where river water meets the ocean in a wonderful spectacle. But be careful! Whenever booking activities or rides, always be sure to do your research on vendors beforehand to avoid getting scammed!
9. Fernando de Noronha
By now you’ve realized that not all of Brazil’s best beaches are in Rio de Janeiro. However, Fernando de Noronha isn’t just one beach, it’s a whole archipelago full of beaches to explore! Located in Brazil’s northeast, more specifically in Pernambuco state. It’s only possible for us to get there by plane or getting a ferry leaving from the mainland.
What most people enjoy about coming here is that beaches are as wild as possible, allowing you to connect with nature on a deeper level. And it’s even better for people who are just hoping to have a good time in private, it is very easy to find an almost desert patch of sand. Plus, you want to know what’s the best part about having such a preserved place? It is super easy to spot every kind of sea life. I highly recommend coming here with time (and money) to do some more exciting activities like snorkeling with an instructor or diving amongst the reefs.
Just a reminder: Fernando de Noronha charges a small environmental preservation fee for each day you spend here, so plan ahead and pay it online so you’re not stuck in those long lines at the airport upon landing.
Beaches in Brazil
10. Praia de Pipa
Our last stop on our best beaches of Brazil route is in Rio Grande do Norte. Praia de Pipa, aka Pipa Beach, is a great place nestled at the bottom of gorgeously forested cliffs. Sure, most beaches in Brazil’s northeastern regions are famous for their wildlife but Pipa is one of few where you can see dolphins up close or interact with them if you’re lucky enough.
Travelers consider this to be one of the most complete destinations when it comes to beach vacations because it has it all! You can find areas with complete infrastructure from high-end resorts, to fine dining and restaurants taking your order from the golden sands. Or if you want to connect with the place you’re visiting, you can stay at local inns, visit restaurants indicated by locals, and explore on foot.
Brazil as a whole has something for everyone, nature lovers and city folks alike. Plus, international tourists don’t need to worry since the largest country in South America is used to receiving people from everywhere. The miles of coastline going from Southern Brazil, through Sรฃo Paulo, ending in Northeastern Brazil, are all ready to show you the best beaches we have!
For your reference, here is a a more comprehensive list of beaches in Brazil.
