PHOTOS: The best beach towns in Brazil – our top 8 picks

– March 5, 2012Posted in: Adventure, Best of, Destinations

There’s more to Brazil than carnival. Whether you are a laid-back beachcomber or die-hard partier, Brazil has a beach for you!

The largest country in South America, Brazil has over 4,600 miles of coastline and is home to hundreds of amazing beaches. We had the chance to explore many of them during the two months we spent beach-hopping from Sao Paolo to Natal.

Below are the 8 most beautiful beach towns we visited.

Leslie and Jake befriending sea urchins off the coast of Maceio, Brazil.

>> Is your favorite Brazilian beach missing from this list? Share it with other readers by leaving a comment below!

#8. Trindade

Trindade is the quintessential beach town. Dreadlocked hippies roam the beaches selling handcrafted jewelry, vacationers sip beer at beachfront cafes, and more adventurous travelers hike up rock formations for stellar views of the coastline. Trindade offers great swimming, hiking and fine white sand. What more could you ask for in a beach destination?

#7. Paraty

Just a 45-minute public bus ride from Trindade is the colonial town of Paraty, an excellent base of operations for your Brazilian beach vacation. You can easily fill your days snapping photos of 18th century buildings, eating traditional Brazilian meals, visiting neighboring beaches and going down the natural “waterslide” (a boulder sitting in the middle of a waterfall). Four nights is more than enough to experience the local attractions– but you might find it hard to tear yourself away!

#6. Praia da Pipa

This laid-back beach town is a 2-hour bus ride from the northern city of Natal. Popular among European tourists, it is known as a good place to swim with dolphins. If you are looking to get close to these intelligent mammals, simply walk to the public beach, wade in and wait for an encounter. (To maximize your chance of a dolphin sighting, bring a flotation device so you won’t tire as quickly and can spend more time in the water). If hiking is more your style, head to the Ecological Sanctuary to walk in the forest; don’t miss their miniature labyrinth, which is surprisingly challenging. You wouldn’t come to Brazil just to visit Pipa, but it is a pleasant stop on the Brazilian coast.

#5. Maceio

When you think of Brazilian beaches, this port city in Alagoas state would not come to mind. It is barely mentioned in the Lonely Planet and we didn’t encounter any American tourists during our stay. However, Maceio offers the comforts of an urban destination (like business hotels and solid public transportation) with beautiful, uncrowded beaches. Fishing boats line the shore and offer to ferry visitors to a nearby reef for about $9 each (depending on your ability to haggle in Portuguese).

#4. Praia do Gunga

We took a boat excursion from Maceio to the island of Praia do Gunga, considered one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches, for under $10 per person. Since this area isn’t geared toward international tourism, a working knowledge of Portuguese or Spanish will help you get by. We became friendly with a Brazilian couple at our hotel in Maceio and they helped us to book this boat trip. While there may be a language gap, Brazilians are usually very friendly and willing to help!

#3. Ilha Grande

This island is located just off the coast of Rio de Janeiro but is a world away. You won’t find chain hotels or cars plying the cobblestone streets and the main activities are swimming, hiking, indulging in decadent desserts and having a drink in the village square. Most hostels and family-run guest houses (known as “pousadas”) are located on the hills surrounding the square; they are affordable and typically include a homemade breakfast. The beaches are adequate (and perhaps the best you will find so close to Rio de Janeiro), but we were more attracted to the hiking trails that led to a swimming hole, an aqueduct and the ruins of a colonial prison.

#2. Morro de Sao Paulo

Located off the coast of Salvador de Bahia, this island is known for its nightlife. While it is a required stop on the Brazilian backpacker trail, Morro de Sao Paulo is not filled with 18 year old “gap year” students; in fact, when we visited most travelers were Argentine. The island is safe, laid back and charming; since cars are not allowed, local men offer to transport your luggage on wheelbarrows. Each beach has a unique character and we enjoyed exploring them all. It’s easy to walk from one beach to the next, although you may have to keep tides in mind when you make your crossing. Morro de Sao Paulo is the perfect compliment to the bustling city of Salvador, which offers rich Afro-Brazilian culture and delicious cuisine.

#1. Fernando de Noronha

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again… Fernando de Noronha has the most beautiful beaches in the world! This remote archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean can only be reached by by plane from the mainland cities of Recife and Natal. Tourism on this UNESCO World Heritage Site is restricted and a visitor’s fee is required in order to preserve the abundant marine life, which includes dolphins and sea turtles. As a result, you can spend hours hiking or swimming without seeing another traveler. You won’t find a Marriott here; most visitors stay in locally-owned guesthouses known as pousadas that offer homemade breakfast and tourist tips. Off-shore snorkeling is allowed at most beaches and scuba diving is excellent. We brought our own snorkel gear and came across giant sea turtles about 10 feet from the beach. This is not a budget destination– but it is well worth the cost of the flight and entry fee.

For more info

To learn more about Brazil’s beach destinations, visit the Brazilian tourism website or follow Visit Brazil on Twitter (@visitbrasil) or Facebook.

We fell in love with Brazil during our beach-hopping adventure and are always looking for new areas to explore. If you have a favorite Brazilian destination, please share your pick by leaving a comment below! If you are reading this via email or RSS subscription, click on Downtown Traveler to leave a comment.

Tags: adventure, backpacking, beach, brazil, latin-america, outdoors, photos, romance, travel

About Leslie Koch

I'm a New Yorker with a passion for travel and art. I founded DowntownTraveler.com after returning from a year-long backpacking trip around the world. Find me on Twitter at @leslietravel.

40 Comments

Reply

iamthewitch

Posted March 6, 2012 at 3:01 AM

Wow the beaches are so gorgeous! And the sky so blue.. but most importantly, you looked super hot in that pic with Jake! You go girl! 🙂
- Reply
  
  Leslie Koch
  
  Posted March 20, 2012 at 9:31 PM
  
  Thanks for your comment on our Brazil post! You are very sweet 🙂
Reply

Chezzianne

Posted March 6, 2012 at 3:18 AM

This is a very nice place to have a vacation and holidays with…The photos you have posted are all awesome!I really love the second beach…
Reply

Bicultural Mama

Posted March 6, 2012 at 1:35 PM

I have not been to Brazil – yet! This is a great beach guide with beautiful photos.
- Reply
  
  Leslie Koch
  
  Posted September 5, 2012 at 9:38 PM
  
  Thanks for your comment! You MUST go to Brazil– it is amazing! And so culturally and ethnically diverse 🙂
Reply

alyson

Posted March 6, 2012 at 8:29 PM

beautiful photos !
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  Jake Semmel
  
  Posted March 8, 2012 at 3:50 PM
  
  These photos make me want to go back!
Reply

Agna

Posted March 6, 2012 at 11:24 PM

You’re missing Jericoacoara – Ceará
- Reply
  
  Jake Semmel
  
  Posted March 8, 2012 at 3:32 PM
  
  Yeah we heard great things about Jericoacoara and wanted to visit but didn’t have time to make it that far north. Next time!
Reply

Jackie

Posted March 6, 2012 at 11:26 PM

Nice picks, but havent you gone to the “ecological route” in Alagoas? Its near Maceio, theres a city called São Miguel dos Milagres and the Patacho beach is just amazing. In my opinion this part is the most beautiful of Brazilian coast (I am Brazilian.
- Reply
  
  Leslie Koch
  
  Posted March 20, 2012 at 9:29 PM
  
  I haven’t done the ecological route near Maceio. Sounds interesting!
Reply

ChelseaGirl

Posted March 6, 2012 at 11:32 PM

I’m a fan of Paraty. That quaint little town with cobblestone streets, and rocky beach is another world.

Did you not get to Florianopolis?
- Reply
  
  Jake Semmel
  
  Posted March 8, 2012 at 3:34 PM
  
  No, we didn’t get a chance to visit Florianopolis but the beaches there do look gorgeous. We were unable to get that far south unfortunately.
Reply

Veronica Colander

Posted March 6, 2012 at 11:42 PM

Leslie, whenever I see the word “Brazil” my eyes always perk up. It is on my “bucket List”. Haven’t decided when yet. I, too, am a NYer now in the South. Love travel. Have some appreciation for art – music, paintings, etc. Thanks, Leslie, for posting those beach pics. You guys look great! Trindade and Gunga were my favoritesto look at.
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  Leslie Koch
  
  Posted March 20, 2012 at 9:30 PM
  
  Thanks Veronica! Trinidade and Gunga are great beach destinations. I highly recommend a Brazilian vacation– I can’t wait to go back 🙂
Reply

Davi Carneiro de Lima e Silva

Posted March 7, 2012 at 2:35 AM

Beautiful photos, but u should go to Boipeba, near of Morro de São Paulo. Its more beauty and authentic than Morro. 🙂
- Reply
  
  Leslie Koch
  
  Posted March 20, 2012 at 9:29 PM
  
  Thanks for the tip about Boipeba. Would love to check it out on our next trip to Brazil 🙂
Reply

Marcio

Posted March 7, 2012 at 6:17 AM

Unfortunately you guys hadn’t visited Jericoacoara beach, also called by “Jeri” placed in northeast state of Ceará. That is another beautiful beach in Brazil. Porto de Galinhas in Pernambuco state and Barra da Lagoa in the city is Florianopolis, state of Santa Catarina could be mentioned also. Great Brazilian beaches guide!
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  Jake Semmel
  
  Posted March 8, 2012 at 3:52 PM
  
  Thanks for the tips – a few other people have mentioned these same beaches that we missed. Unfortunately we didnt have time to get that far north or south, but we definitely will hit them up next time we go!
Reply

Melissa

Posted March 7, 2012 at 6:25 AM

The next time you come visit Brazil, you must go to Santa Catarina state. It’s plenty of amazing beaches, untouched nature and beautiful people!
- Reply
  
  Leslie Koch
  
  Posted September 5, 2012 at 9:38 PM
  
  Thanks for the tip to visit Santa Catarina! Will have to check it out on our next Brazil visit 🙂
Reply

Mirana

Posted March 7, 2012 at 7:37 AM

Fernando de Noronha really is the number one.. I really hope we can have a chance to visit Brazil too.. Thanks for sharing this beautiful pictures of beaches..
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  Jake Semmel
  
  Posted March 8, 2012 at 3:36 PM
  
  Yeah Noronha stands out amongst every beach area we’ve ever visited in the world. It’s too bad it’s pricey and difficult to visit but I guess that’s a big reason it’s so pristine and not crowded.
Reply

Tiago

Posted March 7, 2012 at 1:08 PM

Haven’t you been in Sao Paulo? We have a lot of pretty beautiful beaches in the Northeast Coast. You have to try this cities: Sao Sebastiao e Ubatuba. Some beaches in the Southeast Coast is nice to visit too like Santos, Guaruja and Ilha Comprida.

= )
- Reply
  
  Leslie Koch
  
  Posted September 5, 2012 at 9:39 PM
  
  Thanks for the tip! We did visit Sao Paulo but didn’t have a chance to visit those beaches. Next time!
Reply

Stephen

Posted March 11, 2012 at 5:35 AM

I’ve got to get to Brazil one of these days…the beaches look phenomenal.
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  Leslie Koch
  
  Posted March 11, 2012 at 11:04 PM
  
  Brazil is amazing!!! You have to go– the culture, food, people and beaches are wonderful.
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Helen

Posted March 20, 2012 at 4:03 AM

It is sad that my partner does not have the same appreciation for beaches. I am happy that he makes an effort to go visit them though. I just so love the photos of the places you have been. I will remember each one and hope to visit them someday.
Reply

Victor

Posted March 20, 2012 at 8:42 PM

just an information: “BrazilTour” is not the official site of tourism of Brazil. They use the official logo, but they aren’t from government.
- Reply
  
  Leslie Koch
  
  Posted March 20, 2012 at 9:28 PM
  
  Thanks Victor. Do you know the official tourism website for Brazil?
  - Reply
    
    Victor
    
    Posted April 11, 2012 at 8:30 AM
    
    http://www.brasil.gov.br/brazil/home-en
Reply

Estates Brazil

Posted March 28, 2012 at 11:51 AM

Very informative post. Get to know something new and very informative. Love to read more posts like this.
Reply

Vicky

Posted March 30, 2012 at 12:30 PM

Ar, the beaches look amazing! Wish I was there now…
Reply

Nate @yomadic

Posted April 1, 2012 at 11:26 PM

Brazil is close to number one on my “must-see” list. I hope to get there, sooner, rather than later. When I do, I’ll be looking for beaches. So, thanks for writing this article. All of the other stuff I’ve read about Brazilian beaches seems so much more touristy – these sound like the gems. Cheers!
Reply

Estates Brazil

Posted April 5, 2012 at 11:12 AM

Excellent compilation. really liked it….Wow…what amazing, fantastic beaches…
Very informative post… Great job
Reply

EJ Juen Jr

Posted April 22, 2012 at 8:44 PM

Thanks for sharing these great pictures. It’s nice to see those green landscapes while having a fun time swimming in those beaches. 🙂
Reply

Britany Robinson

Posted September 5, 2012 at 12:53 PM

I’ll be heading to Brazil in January and can’t wait to check out some of these beaches! So many great options!
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  Leslie Koch
  
  Posted September 5, 2012 at 9:40 PM
  
  We’re jealous! Brazil is such a beautiful country– enjoy your trip 🙂
Reply

Charles

Posted February 26, 2015 at 1:58 PM

Great article. I’ve been to Parity and stayed in Trindade, which we loved though it can be quite rainy in a rain forest!!

For those looking for more sunshine I recommend Saquarema on the costa do sol northeast of Rio, towards Buzios without the glitz and tour boats. We stayed at the Masai just outside of town and used bikes to get everywhere, really nice friendly fishing village and stunning beach

I am looking for an authentic beach town north of Salvador, praia do forte looks promising but I don’t want anything too glitzy or Euro feeling.