The top 10 beaches in Rio de Janeiro
Rio is one of the cities with the most beaches. Whether they're sweating over a volleyball match or strutting their stuff in those infamously tiny bikinis (fio dental, which means dental floss) and budgie smugglers (sungas), these golden stretches of sand serve as a backyard and playground for cariocas, or residents.
Summertime at the beach is an egalitarian pleasure in a city where social inequality is often glaring. There are plenty of restaurants and food and drink vendors along these sun-kissed shores, so you won't go hungry. Local snacks like grilled cheese skewers, acai smoothies, and crispy cassava Globo biscuits are definitely worth trying. There are many activities available, such as strolling miles of shoreline or playing in the waves, in addition to sunbathing and people-watching.
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| The top 10 beaches in Rio de Janeiro |
1. The Vermelha Beach
What's that? At the foot of Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf) and Morro da Urca (Hill of Urca), this small beach has a striking Jurassic-style backdrop, unique vegetation, and coarse reddish sand.
Why leave? It goes hand in hand with a visit to the towering Sugarloaf overlooking the beach. This is a popular place for stand-up surf paddling and canoeing because of the calm waters and sheltered bay. The beach is also regarded as one of Rio's safest due to its location inside a military zone.
2. Leme do Praia
What's that? This Copacabana neighbor is more affordable and offers a spacious sandy beach along with a tile boardwalk. The name, which is derived from the wooded hill that rises beside the beach, translates to "ship's helm" in Portuguese.
Why leave? There always seems to be something entertaining going on here, from volleyball courts to bodyboarding on its eastern breakers, and even weekend music jams and DJs in the summer. Even though Leme is a small, affluent residential neighborhood, fishermen and artists are drawn to the beach.
3. Copacabana Beach
What's that? It really doesn't need an introduction—Barry Manilow, no less, immortalized this famous 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand.
Why leave? The quintessential Rio beach experience can be found here, complete with hawkers, caipirinha kiosks, people-watching, and football games all day long. Wander along the mosaic sidewalk with waves in it, admiring the magnificent Copacabana Palace Hotel, and stay for a breathtaking sunset. Did you know that it's traditional to cheer as the sun sets?
4. Ipanema Beach
What's that? Nowadays, the brightest young things in Rio prefer to hang out on Ipanema sugar-sand beaches over Copacabana, which is right next door.
Why leave? Finding your beach tribe is made simple by the number of lifeguard towers that designate the various zones. Rainbow flags at posto eight indicate the gay-friendly area, which offers massages and exercise benches, while posto seven is the hub for surfers. With the peaks of Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) framing the sunset, Ipanema also has one of the most breathtaking sunsets.
5. The Leblon
What's that? Wish to mingle with the well-known and wealthy? The scenery on Leblon, which is located west of Ipanema, is made up of upscale hotels, sophisticated cocktail lounges, and extremely attractive beachgoers.
Why leave? Compared to the other beaches in the South Zone, it is more refined and quiet. Fitness is highly valued and draws athletes, cyclists, and joggers who want to perfect their beach bodies. Leblon is also very family-friendly thanks to the Baixo Baby area, which consists of a sizable enclosed playground and a baby changing station.
6. Barra da Praia
What's that? Barra, with its enormous malls and opulent condos, isn't a particularly appealing area for tourists, but its beach is incredible.
Why leave? Barra has the longest sandy shoreline in Rio, spanning 11 miles. It's much less crowded because of the ample space, and not many tourists take the 25-minute taxi ride from Zona Sul. While surfers will love the rolling waves on the western end (and its less expensive surf schools), kite surfers offer an exciting aerial display.
7. The Joatinga
What's that? On this undiscovered gem, surfers and smokers mix with dog walkers and villa owners.
Why leave? After you've visited Rio's crowded central beaches, "Joa" is another enticing retreat with immaculate sand and clean water. But be ready to put in a little more work to get there—there's only a car access route that winds through the rocks.
8. Prainha
What's that? Prainha is a rustic surf haven that offers a picturesque escape from the city, situated on the edge of the lush Atlantic Forest nature reserve.
Why leave? Expert surfers come here to ride three-meter waves, and locals come here for the large stretch of gorgeous sand to lounge on. The view is an explosion of exotic greenery, except for the sporadic fish shack. Prainha is 45 minutes away from the city center, but visiting it is simple and affordable thanks to the R$5 Surf Bus service.
9. The Secreto Beach
What's that? Imagine a natural lagoon instead of the typical beach strip at this little hidden gem, nestled between Macumba Beach and Prainha.
Why leave? There's nothing like this around Rio, but you have to sing for your supper to get to this cool, private spot. You have to hike through the forest and climb a fairly steep rocky wall. A beautiful natural setting is created by the shallow turquoise water surrounded by smooth rocks that are perfect for sunbathing.
10. The beach at São Conrado
What's that? There are plenty of adrenaline addicts in this palm-lined, sandy strip. It's a fantastic middle ground between more isolated beaches and Rio's bustling central sands—accessible but still private.
Why leave? Are you prepared to leap from a jungle hilltop while running? Welcome to the best hang-gliding spot in Rio, where you can circle the Pedra de Gávea mountain and land on the powder-soft sands of São Conrado. The rougher eastern end of the water is populated by surfers. A low key beach experience, local style.