Best 25+ Brazil Beaches
Few countries have a beach culture to rival that of Brazil - think "The Girl from Ipanema", Havaianas and micro bikinis. There has even been a Brazilian world surfing champion. It is not hard to imagine why as there is nearly 8,000 km (5,000 miles) of mostly tropical coastline here.
While the beaches of Rio, such as Ipanema and Copacabana are most likely to spring to mind this vast coastline is home to beaches of every shape and size, the majority of which are simply stunning. From wild beaches in national parks to chic luxury resorts, Brazil has them all.
The Best Brazilian Beaches...
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1. Baia do Sancho // Fernando de Noronha
Hans von Manteuffel Great for:- Snorkeling
The volcanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha off the north eastern coast of Brazil is home to many fantastic beaches. However, it is Baia do Sancho that takes the crown of, not only the finest beach on the island, but possibly the best beach in Brazil. That's pretty good going considering there are well over 2,000 other great beaches in Brazil.
What gives the beach at Baia do Sancho a… read more »
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2. Lopes Mendes Beach // Ilha Grande
Nathan Chor Great for:- Surfing
Of all the beautiful beaches on Ilha Grande, it is Praia de Lopes Mendes that is perhaps the closest to perfection. Making regular appearances in World's best beaches articles, the beach is something of a darling of the travel media. But does it live up to the acclaim? We think so.
The beach itself is a gorgeous expanse of fine golden sand which stretches for 3 Km along the clear,… read more »
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3. Ipanema Beach // Rio de Janeiro
Juliana Lopes Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
The mere mention of the name Ipanema Beach conjures thoughts of a perfect tropical setting, beautiful bronzed bodies, acres of powder-white sand and the alluring ocean blue. You won't be disappointed, except for the setting, because Rio's southern latitude - just north of the Tropic of Capricorn - means it is merely sub-tropical. However, that never stopped anyone and Ipanema is still the crowning glory of Rio de Janeiro's many… read more »
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4. Praia da Galheta // Santa Catarina
© Papa Pic Great for:- Surfing
The arched white sands of Praia da Galheta can be found roughly 20 kilometres from the centre of Florianopolis on Santa Catarina island. Hidden from the road by a ridge of steep hills covered in foliage and wild orchids, its fine sands are accessed via a short trail that leads from the northern end of Praia Mole.
One of the areas more natural beaches, without restaurants or other facilities, Praia… read more »
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5. Olho de Boi // Rio de Janeiro
Rodrigo Soldon Positioned on the western side of a tiny cove shaped like a "V", Olho de Boi is an official nudist beach on a promontory of land outside of the resort town of Armação dos Búzois. It is accessible only by water taxi or on foot via a jungle path of around 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) in length. The name of the beach translates literally to 'eye of the bull',… read more »
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6. Morro de São Paulo // Bahia
Edwiges Lopes Tavares Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Surfing
On arriving at this idyllic island destination just south of the city of Salvador, first time visitors may well think that little can have changed since the mid-1530s. This is when colonial explorers first landed on the virgin beaches of Tinharé Island in Bahia and realised the enormous strategic importance it held for the region.
Situated on the northeastern tip of the island, Morro de São Paulo achieved importance… read more »
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7. Praia do Espelho // Bahia
Gabriel Castaldini Great for:- Snorkeling
Praia do Espelho is on the south coast of Bahia, between trendy Trancoso and laid back Caraíva. It is often cited as yet another contender to title of Brazil's most beautiful beach. But with difficult access not too many visitors make it to this isolated and exclusive spot.
Espelho is the Portuguese word for "mirror" and the beach gets this name because when the tide is low and the weather clear… read more »
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8. Lagoinha do Leste // Santa Catarina
Great for:- Surfing
Set towards the southern tip of the island of Florianópolis, the Praia de Lagoinha do Leste is not what you might imagine of a beach in the close vicinity of a city of half a million. In fact what you will find is a pristine beach that feels virtually untouched by humanity.
Lagoinha do Leste is a truly wild and beautiful spot. Surrounded by heavily forested mountainous terrain and bookmarked by… read more »
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9. Praia dos Carneiros // Pernambuco
© ckturistando Great for:- Snorkeling
A veritable forest of coconut palm trees line the white sands of Praia dos Carneiros in northeast Brazil. Along with clear blue seas and offshore coral reefs you will be in little doubt that you are firmly in the tropics. This is without one of the best beaches on this stretch of coast.
The beach is set at the mouth of the Formoso River, about 5 km north of the town… read more »
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10. Praia do Pinho // Santa Catarina
Otávio Nogueira Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
The pristine golden sand shoreline of Praia do Pinho is located in Brazil's southern state of Santa Catarina; a region known for its beautiful and unspoilt coastline. This beach is certainly a place of natural beauty with its clear blue waters and backdrop of verdant hillsides.
With all the other great beaches along this stretch of coast there is one thing in particular that makes Praia do Pinho stand out… read more »
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11. Porto da Barra // Bahia
Tereza Torres/Turismo Bahia Great for:- Swimming
Set at the mouth of huge Bahia de Todos os Santos (Bay of All Saints) in Brazil's oldest city is the lively beach of Porto da Barra. The beach gives a nod to Salvador's history with the old colonial fort standing guard at one end and Santo Antônio church overlooking the other.
There is always something going on at Porto da Barra from organized events through to the endless beach volleyball… read more »
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12. Praia Ilha do Campeche // Santa Catarina
Rodrigo Soldon Great for:- Swimming
Praia Ilha do Campeche, or Campeche Island Beach, can be found in Brazil's Santa Catarina state. In an area of the country known unofficially as the "Caribbean of Brazil", it lies on the western side of a small island east of Santa Catarina Island, and is reached by boat from Campeche Beach – which it is not to be confused with.
Comprising idyllic white sands and warm turquoise waters, Praia Ilha… read more »
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13. Jericoacoara // Ceará
Alberto Perdomo Great for:- Kitesurfing
In a country famous for its laid-back beach scene they don't come much more laid-back than Jericoacoara on Brazil's north coast. Located about 200 km west of the city of Fortaleza this village and beach have long been on the hippy trail but over recent years has begun to attract adventurous travelers of all kinds.
The name Jericoacoara is believed to have originated from a native language and translates to "the… read more »
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14. Praia do Forno // Rio de Janeiro
Rafael Rabello de Barros Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
It is quite bizarre how different Praia do Forno is from neighbouring Praia dos Anjos. The latter is backed by the large town of Arraial do Cabo and you can barely move for boats. Yet just a couple of hundred metres hike over the headland to the north and you will feel like you have landed on a tropical island.
As you crest the headland you will get you first glimpse… read more »
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15. Geribá // Rio de Janeiro
Filipe Fortes Great for:- Surfing
Geribá is the most happening beach in the popular coastal town of Buzios. It is situated on the southern side of the Peninsula with the town right behind. This long, curving stretch of sandy beach is the hang-out of Rio de Janeiro's rich and famous who come here to relax, party and enjoy the surrounds.
Along with the celebrities come a mix of beachgoers; often a young crowd, Geribá is particularly… read more »
