Beaches in Rio de Janeiro

There are some world famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro that simply everyone has heard of.  It's one thing to hear of the beautiful beaches here, it's another to actually lay down in the warm sands or take a dip in the blue ocean waters.   

 

Not only are the beaches incredible, but they're well kept up and designed for sports, activities, walking, biking and night activities.  Probably the three most famous beaches in the world are Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach and to a slightly lesser extent Leblon Beach.  The city has done an amazing job in keeping the area clean, safe and fun.   Night time lights keep the beach well lit through the night, allowing surfing, bathing and parties to continue well into the night. 

 

These beaches are simply unreal.  Brazil is an unreal destination, but these beaches are amazing, warm, and fun.   Everything a beach should be.  Just visiting Rio de Janeiro for these three beaches is enough.  You won't go home disappointed in your vacation.

Abrico BeachAbricó Beach - MAP 6 The only nudist beach in Rio de Janeiro is situated in the environmentally protected area of Grumari and is approximately 1.5 kms long.   The beach has crystal clear waters, surrounded by beautiful mountains and tropical vegetation.   Abricó Beach is in Grumari, Barra da Tijuca in the West Zone of the city, in the Grumari Municipal Park biological reserve.  The beach is between Prainha Beach a...
Angra dos Reis Beach in Rio de JaneiroAngra dos Reis - MAP 7 Angra dos Reis has no less than 365 islands sprinkled in a sea of ​​green and crysta waterl, and two thousand beaches filled with natural beauty. Encircled by the Atlantic and bathed in emerald-green sea there are luxury condominiums, resorts and hotels that host travelers seeking the best for their holidays and weekends. This paradise is only 160 km (about 2 hours by car) apart from Rio. A stroll around Angra should start, n...
Angra dos Reis in Rio de JaneiroAngra dos Reis - MAP is among the oldest and most beautiful cities in Brazil. His idyllic landscape, with beautiful beaches and islands, soon attracted quite early, the navigator Gonçalo Coelho. Before that, Angra dos Reis was paradise inhabited by a tribe of Indians Goiana.Comprising 365 islands and more than two thousand beaches, Angra dos Reis is located in Costa Verde Rio de Janeiro, flanked by the state of Sao Pauloand near the the cen...
Armação de Búzios Beach in Rio de JaneiroArmação de Búzios - MAP 7 Armação dos Búzios or just Búzios, as is universally known, is a municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro located in the Lakes Region. It makes borders to the west with Cabo Frio, a municipality which became autonomous in 1995. It is located about 165 km from the city of Rio de Janeiro .   It is a peninsula with eight miles long and 23 beaches, getting from one side of Ecuador ocean current...
Arpoador Beach in Rio De JaneiroArpoador Beach - MAP 7 This is one of the favorite beaches among Cariocas and tourists, due to its beautiful surroundings and the ability to surf in either summer or winter.  Arpoador Beach is 800 meters long, and situated between the Copacabana Fortress and Rua Francisco Otaviano with Avenida Vieira Souto.  Its name stems from the fact that in the past it was possible to harpoon (arpoar) whales near the coast.  The entire region is know as Ar...
Arraial do Cabo Beach in Rio de JaneiroArraial do Cabo - MAP 7 Arraial do Cabo is situated in a region blessed by nature with its 35 km of beaches, ideal for bathing and for water sports in general. It received the title of "Atlantic Paradise"and is known as the Capital of Diving. The researcher and French diver Jacques Cousteau, during his visit to Arraila do Cabo, marveled at the beaches' crystal blue waters.   Its beaches, islands and slabs are excellent for fishing, h...
Barra da Tijuca Beach in Rio de JaneiroBarra da Tijuca Beach - MAP 6 The largest beach in Rio, it stretches along Avenida Sernambetiba as far as Recreio and covers nearly 15km.   Barra da Tijuca Beach is the largest in the state of Rio de Janeiro, cover a 14.4km stretch.  Its green colored, clear waters stretch from Avenida Sernambetibe to Recreio dos Bandeirantes.  The begining of Barra da Tijuca Beach is marked by Pepê’s kiosk, and the city’s most famous kiosk for its...
Barra de GuaratibaBarra de Guaratiba - MAP 6 This beach is located within an ecological reserve area, between mangroves and the atlantic rainforest.  The beach itself is almost 45 km from the city center but offers a remoteness and calm waters which many seek.  The surrounding area is known for its rustic restaurants , where shellfish and fish are servered.   Make sure to try the delicious fish stews which the area is known for. There are also other nea...
Bica Beach in Rio de JaneiroBica Beach - MAP 7 Along Bica Beach there are beautiful views of the city, plenty of kiosks and restaurants making it an attraction for those who live in the local neighborhoods.  This also makes it one of the busiest nightlife areas in the Jardim Guanabara area.   The Bica Beach is named after a colonial fountain installed on a small hill, which is located in the Jardim Guanabara area of Rio de Janeiro.   The Imperial Chapel Im...
Botafogo Beach in Rio de JaneiroBotafogo Beach - MAP 8 The beach is located in Botafogo bay in the neighborhood of Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Among the biggest attractions of Botafogo inlet is the Yacht Club of Rio de Janeiro, whose berth marina is visible from almost anywhere in the neighborhood.   Other attractions include shows and concerts throughout the year which draw thousands of people.  Along the edge of the beach is a bike path and walking p...
Cabo Frio in Rio de JaneiroCabo Frio - MAP 6 Main tourist hub of the Lakes Region, Cabo Frio has lush beaches and dunes of fine white sand reflecting the sun during the day and the moon at dusk, offering unforgettable moments, and exceptional conditions for resting, relaxing, and contemplating nature. Cabo Frio has in its coastline beaches and crystal blue waters with very fine white sand. The beaches allow the practice of various sports such as sailing, surfing, windsurfing, j...
Copacabana Beach in Rio De JaneiroCopacabana Beach - MAP 8 Considered to be one of the most famous beach in the world, it stretches for 5.15 kms along Avenida Atlântica until the Copacabana Fortress. Lovingly nicknamed by the people “Little Princess of the Sea”, a popular song by Brazilian composers João de Barro, Braguinha and Alberto Ribeiro, Copacabana beach is located in the neighborhood of the same name, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Copacabana has bike p...
Dentro Beach - MAP 6 Dentro Beach is a small beach that separates Ipanema Beach from the Copacabana Fort and Copacabana Beach beyond it.  Ipanema Beach, the beach made famous by Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim's song 'The Girl from Ipanema', resides south of Copacabana. The two beaches are separated by the Fort of Copacabana, an active military facility, and at the tip of the extension of the fort is where you can find Dentro Beach, wh...
Diabo Beach  - Ipanema - Rio de JaneiroDiabo Beach - MAP To the left of Stone Arpoador, you will find Diablo Beach, within the chic and expensive neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro.  Diablo Beach faces the open sea and is so named because when the sea is turning over, it is much more violent at this point than any other and reminded the settlers of Rio of the dark visions of hell.    Today, there is a small square at the entry to Diablo Beach, where visitors can sit a...
Flamengo Beach in Rio De JaneiroFlamengo Beach - MAP 6 The area has calm waters, protected by Guanabara Bay and surrounded by Parque do Flamengo.  Flamengo Beach and the surrounding area is used for walking, running, volleyball and beach soccer.   Even though Flamengo Beach has calm waters, they are not suited for swimming due to pollution in the water.  The bay keeps the water calm, but also prevents the water from properly circulating to remove city pollution. ...
Fora BeachFora Beach - MAP 6 At the entrance to Guanabara Bay in the neighborhood of Urca in Rio de Janeiro, you will find Fora Beach, which is where the city of Rio de Janeiro was originally founded. Entry is granted by the Brazilian Army as the beach sits on military land.   It has fine clear sands and the ocean is calm and tranquil with cold waters which is available for swimming during certain times.  Fora Beach has many beautiful views, e...
Grumari Beach in Rio de JaneiroGrumari Beach - MAP 7 The beach is located in an environmentally protected area. It can be reached via the road to Guaratiba. One of the most paradisiacal beaches, Grumari is an environmentally protected area, surrounded by a rocky, wild coastline with beautiful flora and fauna which make up the characteristic ecosystem of the Atlantic Forest. Approximately 2.5 kms long, it is located about 20kms from downtown Barra. Buses are forbidden and the number of ...
Ilha Grande Beach in Angra dos ReisIlha Grande Beach in Angra dos Reis - MAP Ilha Grande is a magical place, full of natural beauty, situated in the city of Angra dos Reis. In the past, this beautiful island was invaded and attacked by pirates, served as a route to the slave trade, became a military hospital during the colonial years, and staged many other interesting stories. In 2007, Ilha Grande was named one of the Wonders of Rio de Janeiro and took 2nd place, losing only to the Sugar Loaf. Ilh...
Ipanema Beach in Rio De JaneiroIpanema Beach - MAP 3 Probably the most famous beach in the world, Ipanema Beach is an urban beach that has a broad band of soft sand, with relatively strong waves.  The beach is a major tourist draw and therefore hotels run the entire length of the beach.  Locals and tourists flock to the beach year round, and with all of its nightime lighting, beach goers stay well into the evening every night. Across the famous sidewalk that borders Ipane...
Jabaquara Beach in ParatyJabaquara Beach in Paraty - MAP 3 Long Beach, cut by the Jabaquara river with muddy bottom. It has several kiosks, inns and camping. Located in the neighborhood of the same name, two miles from the center. Local fishing for shellfish, crabs, crab and shrimp. In the left corner of the beach there is a medicinal mud that is considered to be rich in iodine and sulfur, and that it is more than one thousand participants Block Mud wallow in come Saturday. Also on the left sid...
Joatinga Beach in Rio de JaneiroJoatinga Beach - MAP A hidden paradise, and is, therefore, not easily reached. This beach can only be reached by car.  It is located in the middle of the Joá highway, linking São Conrado to Barra da Tijuca. This tiny beach can only be reached by going down a path between the rocks so that senior citizens and children must be doubly careful. The sands are white and the sea allows for surfing as well as swimming. A perfect place to relax...
Leblon Beach in Rio De JaneiroLeblon Beach - MAP 7 This beach is an extension of Ipanema Beach, and is situated between the channels of Visconde de Albuquerque and the Garden of Allah. Leblon is not as crowded as Ipanema Beach, which makes it an attractive alternative.  The wide strip of sand allows for various sports to be played here, including volley ball and soccer two the most popular sports played in Brazil.   The beach is stunning, the water is warm and inviting...
Macumba Beach in Rio de JaneiroMacumba Beach - MAP 6 The waves are famous among the locals because it offers surf year-round, one of the beaches with waves more constant.  The long waves, year round and fairly consistent on Macumba Beach attracts plenty of long boarders.    With its long waves and floods, the Long borders are most in line up.This place ha a long beach, with lots of natural beauty, kiosks along the length of the beach and bicycle paths.    ...
Paquetá Island Beach in Rio de Janeiro.Paquetá Island Beach - MAP 6 The Paqueta island is a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, part of the Guanabara bay. The island is a historic neighborhood with many cultural sites. There are historical squares, monuments, churches, chapels, statues. The roads are still paved with rocks (bumpy roads). Paqueta island is a little piece of Brazilian history that has been preserved and protected. The neighborhood is calm and non-violent, and it is considered a perfect pla...
Pepe BeachPepê Beach - MAP 7 This beach lies along the avenue of Pepe in the district of Barra da Tijuca, and is aptly named Pepe's Beach.  The beach and promenade named after the sportsman and businessman Pedro Paulo Carneiro Lopes Guise, known as Pepe.  This is the first beach you would run into, if you were coming from the south zone.   Frequented by young people, surfers, and kite flyers.    White sand, and green wa...
Pepino BeachPepino Beach - MAP 7 On weekends, the skies of São Conrado fill with colorful shows of various gliders softly gliding through the skies.  The show starts at Pedra Bonita where many of these gliders take off from, or from the Sugar Loaf where others launch themselves into the beautiful skies above Rio.   The hang-gliders and para-gliders are great for those who are curious and seek a new view of this marvelous city.  The Pepino ...
Ponta Grossa Beach - 1 Ponta Grossa beach is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Located between the beach and Stone Guaratiba Brisa, facing the Bay of Sepetiba.
Prainha Beach in Rio de JaneiroPrainha Beach - MAP 6 The beach is a small strip of sand only 700 meters long situated off of Pedra Branca with rough waters which make it a popular beach for surfing.  The beach is located at the end of Recreio Beach with Abricó Beach further down, which is the only nudist beach in Rio.  Prainha Beach is a favorite among surfers, with perfect waves and unparalleled beauty.   Located roughly one hour from downtown Rio, it is a grea...
Recreio dos Bandeirantes BeachRecreio dos Bandeirantes Beach - MAP 7 The beach has a wide expanse of sand, ideal for activities such as soccer, and volleyball.  The wind and waves at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach are strong here, making it great for surfing and wind surfing.  A favorite with surfers, it also holds many surf and body-boarding championships.   The buildings around this area aren't very tall, which helps keep the sun on the beach from sunrise to sunset. &nbs...
Reserva BeachReserva Beach - MAP 7 This beach has a certain wilderness about it, located between Barra da Tijuca Beach and Recreio Beach, it has a very long shoreline, and is not visited that often making it  the perfect place for those seeking a quiet beach within the city of Rio de Janeiro.  It is located inside an environmental protected area, and is eight kilometers long, with soft white sands, clear waters and natural vegetation.  For those who lik...
São Conrado Beach in Rio de JaneiroSao Conrado Beach - MAP 7 The official name is Gávea Beach, and this beach begins  at the end of Avenida Niemeyer, stretching for three km, and ending at the São Conrado tunnel.   The city started a project in 2002 to fight the pollution in this area and promote a more tourist area.  The sands are clear and soft which are great for walking along and the ocean is rough with strong waves which is ideal for surfing.   ...
Urca Beach in Rio De JaneiroUrca Beach - MAP 7 Surrounded by Guanabara Bay, Urca Beach is a very small beach with only one hundred meters of seashore, and found at the foot of Urca Hill.  Even though it is fairly small, it is still the main beach for the neighborhood of Urca and frequented by many of the residents of the neighborhood.   The waters here are calm with almost no waves due to the protection of Guanabara Bay; however, this protection comes at a price...
Vermelha Beach in Rio De JaneiroVermelha Beach - MAP 7 The yellow sands of Vermelha Beach offer a small two hundred meter long beach in the Urca neighborhood of Rio.    The quiet Vermelha Beach is  of limited size with an attractive landscape, located between the Sugar Loaf hill and Babilônia hill.  This beach is adjacent to the square from where the cable car to Sugar Loaf leaves. The short sidewalk displays several kiosks, where many have tables av...