Brazil’s Top 8 Best Beaches

Brazil: a kaleidoscope of color, from its flora and fauna to its people, Brazil entices even the most worldly of travelers. This sensually charged country makes up almost half of the South American continent, and is the fifth largest country in the world in terms of population. With more than 4,500 miles of tropical coastline, your perfect beach destination surely awaits.

So take a minute to breeze through our top 8 picks for best beaches in Brazil! Each location has been carefully chosen by our very own staff members, who not only are experts on Brazil, but have mastered the art of beach bumming too!

Our Choices for Brazil’s Top 8 BEST Beaches are:

Rio de Janeiro

A city that should be on everyone’s bucket list, Rio Quickie Package is hugged by spectacular stretches of sea and sand. The world’s most beautiful people flock to Rio’s beaches to show off bronze, chiseled abs and tiny, barely-there bikinis. For a breathtaking backdrop, head to the world-famous Copacabana beach. To mingle with Rio’s high society, check out Ipanema and Leblon. For fitness buffs interested in the local scene, go off the beaten track to Praia do Pepe in Barra da Tijuca. Wherever you decide to soak up the sun, be sure to make a day of it, as sunsets in Rio are truly unforgettable.

Trancoso

Looking for something a little more rustic? Try Trancoso, whose 15 miles of golden sand and clear water beaches envelope a charming, 16th century village of brightly colored adobe cottages. A town that once faced almost complete extinction, the jungle-encased Trancoso underwent a revival in the 1970s, making it a popular hub for all travel enthusiasts. For a unique experience, make your way to Praia do Espelho, located just one hour from Trancoso, where you can dine at the intimate, internationally recognized Silvinha. Want to spend the night? The spectacular Uxua Casa is the town’s premier property. For smaller budgets, we love Etnia Pousada.

Fernando de Noronha

There are 21 volcanic islands that form this untamed archipelago, protected by the Brazilian government to keep the daily number of visitors at bay. Each island has a unique personality, boasting sandy stretches of caramel colored shoreline and rocky, teal colored swimming pools. One of these islands is home to the stunning Praia do Sancho, named TripAdvisor’s Best Beach in the World (2017). Close by are two equally gorgeous, lesser known beaches that we love: Praia do Leão and Baia dos Porcos. If you are a water lover, there are few better places to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive. If you are looking for a VIP experience, consider a stay at the famous Pousada Maravilha, known for attracting international celebrities. For something more low-key, we suggest Pousada ze Maria, known for a fantastic weekly culinary festival.

Porto de Galinhas

If a true connection with nature is what draws you, head to Porto de Galinhas, located on Brazil’s northeast coast near historical cities like Recife and Olinda. Situated close the equator, its inhabitants and tourists enjoy breezy, sunny weather year round. Warm, crystal clear water constantly laps the isolated coastline, which is frequently visited by Brazil’s most well-known celebrities. Your trip to Porto de Galinhas wouldn't be complete without a stop at the incredible Nannai, the region’s premier beach resort.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande, or “Big Island”, is undeveloped and wild. Just a few hours’ drive from Rio de Janiero, Ilha Grande is quickly accessible by boat. Lush, tropical greenery cradle more than 100 beaches of varying styles - rugged coastlines, peaceful white sand, emerald green water and Thailand-like landscapes. Adventurists will delight in the island’s endless coves for kayaking and unspoiled trails for hiking. The best part? The entire island is vehicle-free! For the ultimate beach experience with minimal travel time, we love combining a visit to Ilha Grande with Rio de Janeiro and Buzios.

Buzios

Head to Buzios if you have hankering for a posh getaway. Just two hours north of Rio’s International Airport, the “Hamptons of Rio de Janeiro” showcases a contrasting coast of 17 beaches, from long sandy strips to rocky coves and tiny bays. When you aren't beaching, spend time boutique shopping, dining in chic restaurants, and enjoying a vibrant nightlife scene. Thanks to Brigitte Bardot, Buzios was put on the international map, and has been frequently compared to the South of France. If you're a beach lover but short on time to travel all over Brazil, check out our combined Rio and Buzios package, offering the perfect blend of fun in the sun in less than a week.

Jericoacoara

For a deluxe, isolated beach getaway, come to the rustic fishing village affectionately known as “Jeri.” Several hours from the Fortaleza, the capital of the northeastern state of Ceara, Jeri is known for its sandy dunes and freshwater lagoons. A sunny, breezy climate makes for great kite and windsurfing conditions, which is why the town consistently draws water enthusiasts from all over the world.

Florianópolis

This 33-mile island attracts everyone including international jet setters, boho chic artists, and tanned, sculpted surfers. Night clubs, cocktail lounges, boutique shops, and white sand beaches combine to make Florianopolis the go-to destination for any personality. Unlike our other top beach picks, Florianopolis is quite south of the equator, making the best time to visit its beaches during the peak summer months spanning November - February. For something different, follow Brazil’s most beautiful people to Jurere’s summer long party and music scene. We recommend splurging on a stay in Ponta dos Ganchos, one of the country’s best Relais & Chateaux properties.