Rio de Janeiro State

Best beaches in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's Best Beaches

This collection spans the coastline of Rio de Janeiro state, from the iconic urban sands of Copacabana and Ipanema, known for their distinct 'posto' landmarks and mosaic sidewalks, to the rugged, preserved shores of Grumari. Further south, the list includes the remote beaches of Trindade and Ilha Grande, such as Lopes Mendes, characterized by fine white sand and Atlantic Forest backdrops. These locations offer a mix of world-class surfing breaks, calm swimming coves, and trails leading to secluded natural pools.

Brazil's Best Beaches — Map

Rodrigo Soldon / CC BY 2.0

A

Copacabana Beach

The icon of Rio de Janeiro and one of the best-known beaches in the world.

B

Ipanema Beach

Listed as the sexiest beach in the world, it is very atmospheric, lively and a must-visit, no matter whether you're hitting the sea or just…

Junius / Public domain

C

Leblon Beach

Come explore a wonderful beach that is not as crowded as the more popular ones. The surfing spots here are great and so are the facilities.

André Sampaio / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Grumari Beach

A beautiful beach which is deserted during the weekdays, so if you're longing for peace and quiet and would prefer a less crowded place…

Mariospassos / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Barra da Tijuca Beach

Rio's longest beach, stretching over 18 kilometers. It is a major hub for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to consistent winds and features a long boardwalk lined with traditional kiosks.

Haakon S. Krohn / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

São Conrado Beach

The soft, white sand and the rough blue waves complement each other. The sea makes this beach especially popular with surfers.

Fwellisch / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach

If you're longing for a beach that isn't in the shade of skyscrapers and has a more natural feel to it, search no further.

Eduardo P / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Pepino Beach

The wide strip of sand used to be a popular beach, but nowadays it's used by surfers and paragliders.

I

Abricó Beach

Praia do Abricó is a nude beach located in Grumari, a sub district of Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, in the western part of the city of Rio…

Gaban / Public domain

J

Recreio dos Bandeirantes

Recreio dos Bandeirantes is both the name of a beach and neighborhood in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Gaban / Public domain

K

Recreio dos Bandeirantes

Recreio dos Bandeirantes is both the name of a beach and neighborhood in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Tatanya123 / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Trindade, Rio de Janeiro

Trindade is a bairro in the Municipality of Paraty, located at the south-western tip of the federal state of Rio de Janeiro of Brazil,…

M

Praia de Fora

An expansive beach in the village of Trindade, Paraty. It is known for its strong surf and open coastline, situated within the Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area.

N

Praia do Cepilho

A small beach at the entrance of Trindade characterized by large granite boulders. It is a renowned surfing spot due to its hollow waves and rocky bottom.

O

Praia do Meio

A bay in Trindade split into two sections by a rocky peninsula. It serves as the trailhead for the path leading to the Cachadaço natural pools and the surrounding rainforest.

P

Praia do Cachadaço

A long, wild beach reachable via a forest trail from Praia do Meio. At the southern end, a series of large volcanic rocks forms a calm, shallow natural pool.

Q

Praia do Antiguo

A secluded beach located within the Juatinga Ecological Reserve. Accessible primarily by boat or hiking trails, it remains largely untouched by development.

R

Praia Secreta

A hidden cove near Vila Velha in Angra dos Reis. It functions as a natural swimming pool enclosed by rocks, appearing and disappearing depending on the tide.

Nathan Chor / CC BY-SA 3.0

S

Lopes Mendes Beach, Ilha Grande

A three-kilometer stretch of fine, white sand on the oceanic side of Ilha Grande. With no buildings or infrastructure, it is reached via boat to Pouso followed by a 20-minute jungle hike.

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