Curator’s statement
Brazil is home to a diverse range of beaches, each offering unique experiences for travelers. The country's extensive coastline, spanning over 7,000 kilometers, includes everything from lively urban beaches to quiet, isolated stretches of sand. This guide explores ten of Brazil's most notable beaches, providing insights into what makes each one special, from surfing and wildlife to local culture. Also, it has travel tips on how to get to these places. It's for tourists who want easy trips out of the city or more adventurous trips to remote areas.
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Where to stay in Brazil
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The 10 beaches featured in this guide are selected for their exceptional natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and accessibility. They show a variety of Brazil's coast, from the famous dunes of Jericoacoara to the calm waters of Praia do Espelho.
This guide aims to give travelers the information they need to enjoy Brazil's beautiful beaches. It does this by giving them a taste of what to expect. Whether you're looking for vibrant nightlife, quiet seclusion, or family-friendly activities, you'll find options to suit your travel style:
Baía do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha
Overview: Baía do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha is frequently crowned as the world's top beach. Its secluded, emerald-green waters and dramatic cliff backdrop create a stunning natural sanctuary. The journey to Baa do Sancho is an adventure. You can get there by boat or by falling down a steep staircase through a small hole in a rock wall.
What to Do: Once you arrive, the soft, golden sands make you feel relaxed, while the clear waters offer great snorkeling opportunities. There are many sea turtles, rays and colorful fish in the water. The beach is also a fantastic spot for bird watching, as it's a breeding area for several seabird species.
How to Get There: To reach Fernando de Noronha, you'll need to fly from Recife or Natal to the island’s airport. Access to Baía do Sancho can be challenging; it requires either a boat trip from the island or a trek down a steep ladder part of the way. It's part of a national marine park, so you’ll need to pay an environmental preservation fee upon arrival on the island.
Praia do Espelho, Trancoso
Praia do Espelho, or Mirror Beach, is a popular beach near Trancoso in Bahia. It is famous for its clear water and natural tidal pools that reflect the sky, so it has the name. The cliffs and lush forest surrounding the beach add to its secluded and exclusive feel. The beach is split into north and south sections, each offering a slightly different vibe, with the north being quieter.
What to Do: During low tide, the beach's natural pools are perfect for snorkeling and safe, leisurely swims. Upscale beach bars and boutique hotels line the back of the beach, offering luxurious amenities and food. Walking along the coast, you can explore the rocky, picturesque coastline and find private spots for relaxation.
How to Get There: To get to Praia do Espelho, fly to Porto Seguro from major Brazilian cities. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to Trancoso, which takes about an hour. Once in Trancoso, it’s another 20 to 30 minutes by car to Praia do Espelho. The road can be rough, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season.
Jericoacoara Beach, Ceará
Overview: Jericoacoara, often simply called "Jeri," mixes the allure of vast sand dunes, crystal clear lagoons, and a laid-back fishing village atmosphere. It's an isolated paradise that has retained much of its rustic charm despite growing popularity. The beach is renowned for its wind conditions, making it a prime spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
What to Do: Besides watersports, Jericoacoara offers attractions like the famous sunset dune, "Duna do Pôr do Sol," where people gather to watch spectacular sunsets. At night, the village’s sandy streets come alive with restaurants and bars. You can also explore nearby lagoons, such as Lagoa do Paraíso, known for its incredibly blue water and hammocks set directly in the lagoon.
How to Get There: The closest major airport is in Fortaleza. From there, it’s about a 4-hour drive to Jericoacoara. The last part of the journey involves traveling over unpaved sand tracks, which necessitates a 4x4 vehicle. Many visitors opt for a transfer service from Fortaleza directly to their accommodation in Jericoacoara. Alternatively, regular buses run from Fortaleza to Jeri, combining bus and off-road vehicle travel.
Praia do Forno, Arraial do Cabo
Praia do Forno is a beach in Rio de Janeiro. It has warm, clear blue water and green hills. The beach is a cove, which makes the sea calm and ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
What to Do: Praia do Forno is excellent for snorkeling due to its rich marine biodiversity and clear waters. The beach is also a great place for hiking. You can walk a short trail up the hills to see the whole coast, which is amazing.
How to Get There: The closest airport is in Cabo Frio, about a 30-minute drive from Arraial do Cabo. Once you're in Arraial do Cabo, you can get to Praia do Forno by boat from the main town or by walking 15 minutes down a well-marked trail. The trail has beautiful views along the way.
Praia dos Carneiros, Pernambuco
Overview: Praia dos Carneiros is a pristine beach in Pernambuco, known for its long stretch of white sands dotted with tall palm trees. The beach retains a natural charm with minimal development and offers a perfect escape into nature.
What to Do: The beach is ideal for long, peaceful walks and has several rustic bars where you can try local seafood dishes. The nearby chapel of São Benedito, right on the beach, makes for picturesque photos. You can also take catamaran tours to explore the mangroves and clay baths in the area.
How to Get There: Fly to Recife, then drive about 90 minutes to reach Praia dos Carneiros. The beach is accessible by local roads, and there are parking areas nearby. You might also consider staying in a local pousada or a beach resort to fully enjoy the serene setting.
Lopes Mendes, Ilha Grande
Overview: Lopes Mendes on Ilha Grande is renowned for its powdery white sand and surf-worthy waves. The beach is quite isolated, surrounded by rainforests and accessible only by foot or boat, adding to its untouched and serene ambiance.
What to Do: The beach is a surfer’s paradise, Thanks to its consistent waves. For non-surfers, the long beach is perfect for sunbathing and long walks. There are no facilities on the beach, so it’s a great spot for a day of uninterrupted relaxation with a packed lunch.
How to Get There: To get to Ilha Grande, take a boat from Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Once you're on the island, you can get to Lopes Mendes by walking through the forest for 2 hours from the village of Abrao. You can also take a boat to the beach.
Praia do Campeche, Florianópolis
Overview: Located on the island of Florianópolis, Praia do Campeche boasts wide stretches of sand and rolling dunes, facing the open Atlantic Ocean. The beach is popular among both surfers for its high waves and families for its spaciousness.
What to Do: Surfing is a popular activity here due to the consistent swells. The beach is also near the famous Campeche Island, known for its archaeological sites and clear waters, which is a short boat ride away. Kite surfing and paragliding are other popular activities.
How to Get There: Fly into Florianópolis and drive about 20 minutes to reach Praia do Campeche. The beach is well-connected by public transport or taxi from the city center.
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Overview: Copacabana is not just a beach; it's an icon of Brazil, known worldwide for its vibrant atmosphere. The 4-km long beach is lined with kiosks, restaurants, bars, and hotels, bustling with both locals and tourists year-round.
What to Do: Enjoy beach volleyball, sunbathing, or swimming in the Atlantic waters. The promenade is excellent for a stroll or a bike ride, especially early morning or late afternoon. Don’t miss the historic Copacabana Fort, which offers a museum and café with views of the entire beach.
How to Get There: Copacabana is in the middle of Rio de Janeiro and is easy to get to by train, bus, or taxi from any part of the city. Santos Dumont Airport is just a short drive away, making it extremely convenient for visitors.
Praia da Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte
Overview: Praia da Pipa is a charming beach located in the northeastern state of Rio Grande do Norte. Known for its dramatic cliffs, the beach attracts a lively international crowd and is a hotspot for both relaxation and nightlife.
What to Do: Dolphin watching is one of the main attractions here, with boat tours available to see them up close. The beach is also great for surfing, with several surf schools offering lessons. At night, the town comes alive with bars and nightclubs.
How to Get There: The closest major airport is in Natal. From Natal, it’s about an 80-minute drive to Praia da Pipa. Buses and transfers are available, and renting a car is a good option for more flexibility.
Praia de Taipus de Fora, Maraú Peninsula
Praia de Taipus de Fora is a beautiful beach on the Mara Peninsula in Bahia. It is famous for its coral reefs and natural pools that form during low-tide. This makes it a great place to snorkel.
What to Do: Snorkeling in the clear pools among colorful tropical fish is a must-do. The beach is also great for relaxing and sunbathing, with relatively few crowds compared to more famous Brazilian beaches. Local bars provide refreshments and snacks.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is in Ilhéus, from where it’s a 2 to 3-hour drive to Maraú Peninsula. The roads can be challenging, especially in the rainy season, so a 4x4 is recommended. Boats from Camamu Bay to Maraú are another option, offering beautiful views along the way.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Brazil. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Understanding the Weather in the Maldives: The Best Times to Visit.