Do you dream of white sand beaches, palm trees, and caipirinhas? Then a trip to Brazil is what you need! With over 8,000 kilometers of coastline, Brazil has no shortage of stunning beaches.
From the famous Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro to the lesser-known but equally beautiful Taipus de Fora in Bahia, there are plenty of options for beach lovers.
I had the opportunity to visit Brazil for a month, and during that time, I had the chance to visit many of the country’s best beaches.
And to help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a list of the 11 Best Beaches in Brazil you need to visit.
Best Beaches In Brazil
1. Copacabana
Ask anyone about the best beaches in Brazil, and Copacabana will likely be at the top of their list. This world-famous beach is located in Rio de Janeiro and is one of Brazil’s most popular tourist destinations.
Copacabana Beach is well-known for its beautiful golden sand, stunning views, and lively atmosphere. Thousands of people visit the beach every day to sunbathe, surf, and play volleyball. In addition, this beach is also a great place to people watch, as you are sure to see a wide variety of people from all over the world.
A boardwalk runs the length of the beach, which is a great place to take a walk, go for a jog, or simply relax and take in the stunning views. There are also a lot of great restaurants and bars located along the boardwalk. And if you want to try some Brazilian dishes, order caipirinha, acai bowls, or churrasco from one of the beachside restaurants.
What makes Copacabana Beach even more special is that it is located close to many of Rio de Janeiro’s best attractions, such as Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. This makes it the perfect place to start your exploration of this amazing city.
2. Baia do Sancho
Baia do Sancho is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, and it is easy to see why. This beach is located on the island of Fernando de Noronha, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to get to the island is by flying into the city of Recife and then taking a boat or plane to Fernando de Noronha.
There are two things to keep in mind when visiting Baia do Sancho. First, access to the beach is restricted. Therefore, you’ll need to purchase a pass to gain entrance. And secondly, there is a strict conservation policy in place, so be sure to respect the environment.
The journey to the beach is also an adventure, as you have to walk through a wooded area and then down a set of stairs through a rock crevice. At first, going down the stairs can be a bit daunting. But once you reach the bottom, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most stunning beaches you have ever seen.
The beach is surrounded by cliffs, making it feel like you are in your own private oasis. And the water is crystal clear, with a beautiful turquoise color. It is also worth noting that there are no buildings or structures on the beach, making it feel even more isolated.
This beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. And since access to the beach is restricted, it never feels too crowded. So if you are looking for a truly unique and special beach experience, then Baia do Sancho is a must-visit.
3. Ipanema Beach
You’ve likely heard the famous song “The Girl from Ipanema” before, and this beach is the inspiration for the song. Ipanema Beach is located in Rio de Janeiro and is one of the most popular Brazilian beaches. In fact, it is often considered to be prettier and trendier than Copacabana Beach.
This beach is best known for its surfing, as the waves are some of the best in Rio. But it is also a great place to swim, sunbathe, and people-watch. Many bars and restaurants are also located nearby, making it the perfect place to spend a day.
Ipanema Beach is also well-known for its fashion. Many of the locals use the beach as a runway to show off their latest fashion trends. So if you want to see some of the best Brazilian fashion, this is the place to be. And being one of the best beaches in Brazil, this beach is also a popular spot for celebrities. So if you’re lucky, you might spot someone famous while you’re there.
Note that this beach is divided into two sections, Posto 9 and Posto 10. Posto 9 is the more popular section, as it is home to many bars, restaurants, and clubs. This is the section of the beach where you are most likely to see beautiful people. Posto 10, on the other hand, is more laid-back and relaxed. This is the perfect place to go if you want to escape the crowds and relax on the beach.
4. Santos Beach
A trip to Brazil would not be complete without visiting Santos Beach, which is located in the city of Santos. This beach is well-known for its massive garden, which stretches for over five kilometers alongside the beach. This garden separates the beach from the busy streets of Santos and provides a much-needed oasis from the city.
The garden is a great place to relax, walk, or take a photo. In addition, there are plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the stunning views.
The beach is also very beautiful and a great place to sunbathe or surf. I don’t recommend swimming here as the area is notorious for its strong rip currents. So, avoid swimming unless you are a strong swimmer.
After a day at the beach, you can explore the city of Santos, which is just a short walk away. Santos is home to a number of interesting museums, including the Museu do Cafe. In addition, there are also a number of great restaurants and bars located in the city.
5. Florianopolis
On my 10th official day in Brazil, I decided to travel to the island of Florianopolis, which is located in the south of Brazil. The best way to get there is by flying into the city of Florianopolis, which has an airport. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the island.
It took me a while to find a place to stay on the island, as most of the hostels and hotels were booked. However, I eventually found a place to stay north of the island.
The first beach I visited on the island was Praia Mole, which is located close to where I was staying. Praia Mole is a beautiful sandy beach with great waves for surfing. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants close by, making it the perfect place to spend a day.
The second beach area I visited was Lagoa da Conceicao, which is a lagoon located nearby. The lagoon is surrounded by beaches and is a great place to relax, go for a swim, or try stand-up paddleboarding. This area is also popular for its nightlife, with many bars and clubs located nearby.
The third and final beach I visited on the island was Joaquina Beach, which is located in the south of the island. This beach is well-known for its surfing, as it is one of the Brazilian beaches with the best waves. It is also a great place to relax and take in the stunning views.
Other popular beaches on the island include Canasvieiras Beach, Santinho Beach, Praia do Campeche, and Jurere Beach. All of these beaches are beautiful and offer something unique.
6. Buzios Resort Town
Another popular beach destination in Brazil is Buzios, which is a resort town located about three hours from Rio de Janeiro. This town is well-known for its beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, and upscale restaurants.
Buzios has over 20 different beaches to choose from, so you are sure to find one that suits your needs. One of the most popular beaches in town is Praia da Ferradura, which is located in a secluded cove. This beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply taking in the stunning views.
Another popular beach is Geriba Beach, which is located in the center of town. This beach is perfect for people watching, as it is one of the busiest beaches in Buzios. Here you will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
In addition to its beaches, Buzios is also home to a variety of luxury hotels and resorts. And if you want to spoil yourself, you can book a treatment at one of the town’s spas or take a yacht tour of the coastline.
All in all, Buzios has some of the best beaches in Brazil and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy all that this country has to offer.
7. Ilha Grande
If you are looking for a less crowded and more natural beach experience, then you need to visit Ilha Grande. This large island is located near the coastal town of Conceicao de Jacarei and can be reached by boat from the city.
Once on the island, you will be greeted by its untouched natural beauty. There are no cars on the island, and the only way to get around is by foot or boat. This makes it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and simply relax.
There are many great beaches on the island, but my favorite is Lopes Mendes Beach. This stunning beach is located in the southeast of the island and is only accessible by foot. The hike to the beach takes around two hours. Alternatively, you can take another boat ride to Pouso, followed by a 20-minute hike through the forest.
The hike is definitely worth it as Lopes Mendes Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. The sand is white, and the water is crystal clear. This is also a great place to surf, as there are some good waves.
If you are looking for a more relaxed beach experience, I recommend visiting Palmas Beach. This beach is located in the northwest of the island and is a great place to take a swim, sunbathe, or simply relax and take in the stunning views. Other popular beaches on the island include Abraao Beach, Dois Rios Beach, and Feiticeira Beach.
8. Praia de Forno (Oven Beach)
If you are looking for a more secluded and less crowded beach, then Praia de Forno is the perfect place for you. This beach is located in the town of Arraial do Cabo, which is a popular tourist destination located about 2 hours from Rio de Janeiro.
Praia de Forno is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear water. This beach is surrounded by lush green mountains and is a great place to go for a swim, sunbathe, or go for a hike. In addition, this beach is also a great place for snorkeling, as there are many colorful fish that can be seen in the clear water. You can rent snorkeling gear from one of the nearby shops and spend the day exploring the underwater world.
I loved the tranquility of this beach and the fact that it was not crowded with tourists. This gave me the chance to really relax and enjoy the stunning views. Plus, there are a few restaurants located nearby, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with a view. However, I have to warn you that the sun here is very strong, so be sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
All in all, Praia de Forno is one of the best beaches in Brazil for those who want to escape the busy city and enjoy some peace and quiet. Come and experience the beauty of this secluded beach for yourself.
9. Taipus de Fora
Another one of the Brazilian beaches that should be on your list is Taipus de Fora. This beach is located in Bahia and is known for its clear turquoise water and coral reefs.
Taipus de Fora is a great place to enjoy some of Brazil’s best snorkeling and diving. The coral reefs are teeming with marine life, making it a great place to see some of the best underwater views. In addition to snorkeling and diving, this beach is also popular for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the sand.
There are a few restaurants located near the beach, so you can grab a bite to eat after a day in the sun. And if you want to stay close to the beach, there are also a few hotels located nearby.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you can hike the jungle trails that lead to some of the best viewpoints in the area. Even if you don’t hike to the viewpoints, the jungle trails are still a great place to explore and see some of the wildlife that calls this area home.
10. Ilha de Tinhare
Ilha de Tinhare is a small island located off the coast of Brazil, near the city of Salvador. This island is best known for its stunning beaches, which are some of Brazil’s best beaches. The best way to get to the island is by taking a ferry from Salvador.
This car-free island is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The soft golden sand and clear turquoise water make it a perfect place to sunbathe, swim, or simply relax and take in the stunning views. And if you’re in for a more active day, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
What makes Ilha de Tinhare even more special is its laid-back atmosphere. There are no high-rise hotels or mega resorts. Instead, you’ll find a few small guesthouses and restaurants. This gives the island a more authentic feel.
I tried windsurfing for the first time on Ilha de Tinhare, and it was an amazing experience. The feeling of gliding across the water while taking in the stunning views is something I will never forget. All in all, this is one of the best beaches in Brazil for those looking for a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.
11. Porto de Galinhas
Porto de Galinhas is another beautiful resort town located in the state of Pernambuco. This town is best known for its stunning beaches, which are some of the best in Brazil.
The beaches here are famous for their natural pools, which are formed by coral reefs. These pools are shallow and calm, making them perfect for swimming and relaxing. One of the most popular beaches is Porto de Galinhas, which is also the best place to find a natural pool. This palm-fringed beach remains mostly undeveloped, making it a great place to escape the crowds.
Another popular beach is Muro Alto, which is known for its calm waters and long stretches of sand. This beach is almost private for those who are at the resorts in the area, as there are few public access points.
If you are looking for a beach with a little more activity, then Praia do Cupe is the place to go. This beach is popular for snorkeling, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. And there are also a few restaurants and bars located right on the beach.
No matter what type of beach you are looking for, you are sure to find it in Porto de Galinhas. This town is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil.
In summary
There’s no doubt that Brazil is home to some of the best beaches in the world. And with so many different beaches to choose from, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for you. Although I have given you a list of the 11 best beaches in Brazil, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Baia do Sancho are definitely my top three. So if you have the chance to visit any of these beaches, be sure to take advantage of it.