Beaches of Rio de Janeiro

Most of the beaches in Rio are adorned with black and white stones that create a beautiful mosaic art that identifies what beach you are on. You will also find many kiosks along these mosaic sidewalks. People watching is very popular, as well as playing volleyball, footvolley, windsurfing, and soccer on the sand. Rio is know for its Samba, Sand and Sun. The most tourist populated beaches are Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana. The neighborhoods that has the cleanest and most reserved beaches in the cities are Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Macumba, Prainha and Abricó, and Pontal.

Enjoy your fresh cold coconut water!

The only nudist beach in Rio de Janeiro, is located in the environmentally protected area of Grumari and is approximately 1.5 kms long.

This beautiful beach will welcome you with it’s crystal clear waters, surrounded by mountains and tropical plants. As of this writing, it is the only nudist beach in the city and is officially affiliated with the Brazilian Federation of Nudism (FBrN). The beach is hidden and almost hard to see. Once you’re in the area look for a paved road to get you to the beach.

It is 800m long which runs along Copacabana Fortress and Rua Francisco Otaviano with Avenida Vieira Souto. There are a few local artists that sells their beautiful handmade arts & crafts along the walkway. Make sure to visit the famous Arpoador rocks. From here you get a wonderful view of the entire beach coast.

Barra da Tijuca Beach is the largest beach in Rio. It is 14.4km long from Avenida Sernambetiba to Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Since the waves can be quite high here, it is also popular among the surfers.

This beach has quite waters and has houses, bars and an urbanized hill. It can be reached from Estrada Roberto Burle Marx road or Estrada da Barra de Guaratiba road, which are approximately 45 km away from Centro (Downtown).

Barra de Guaratiba is known by seafood lovers. It has several great rustic restaurants along Roberto Burle Marx road. A great place to unwind after the beach.

The Copacabana / Leme Beach are considered to be two of the most famous beaches in the world. It is 5.15 kms long from Avenida Atlântica to the Copacabana Fortress.

With its famous wave mosaic sidewalk on Avenida Atlântica, inspired by the sidewalk in Lisbon, Burle Marx has brought this beauty to Rio.

The Copacabana / Leme Beach gives the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration on the planet attracting over 3 million people.

Approximately 2.5 kms long, it is located about 20kms from downtown Barra da Tijuca. Buses are not allowed and there’s a limit as to the number of vehicles permitted to enter. Grumari is an environmentally protected area, and is surrounded by beautiful rock formations and tropical greenery.

Grumari can be reached either by the Guaratiba small mountain range, with a beautiful view of the sea, or by the avenue that runs along Recreio beach, passing through Macumba, Pontal and Prainha beaches.

The Ipanema Beach is best known for the birth of Bossa Nova. The song “Girl from Ipanema”, by Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Morais was written at the nearby restaurant with the same name ‘Garota da Ipanema’. This beach are popular among tourists and local artists. It is 2km long.

A variety of sports also take place on this beach, such as surfing, footvolley, volleyball, soccer, etc. You will find many of the young crowd with their motorcycles and local vendors selling their handmade arts & crafts along the sidewalk.

Joatinga Beach is located in the middle of the Joá highway, between São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca this tiny beach can only be reached by car. Once you’re there, look for the path between the rocks that will take you to the beach. The sands are white and the sea is great for surfing as well as swimming.

A family beach, with a special area for children, named “Baixo Bebê” (Baby’s Meeting Place).

The beach attracts the young trendy crowd and local artists much like Ipanema Beach. At the end of the beach, near the slope leading up to Vidigal Hill is a lookout point with a magnificent view of the Leblon and Ipanema coastlines.

Macumba Beach is an extensive beach with many kiosks and cycle tracks all along its beach shore. It is located between Recreio dos Bandeirantes and Prainha Beaches. Pontal Rock divides Macumba beach from Recreio. Surfers prefer this beach throughout the year.

Praia do Diabo beach is located to the left of the Arpoador Rock. It is a small beach, facing the open sea, surrounded by coconut trees and benches located in a square. A great place to people watch.

Located at the end or Recreio Beach, this beach is a favorite among surfers. It is 700m long. You will find many kiosks along its coastline.

A 2.8km cove at the end of Avenida Sernambetiba, with exuberant scenery.

Another favorite with surfers, this beach also holds surf and body-boarding championships. Sun worshippers can enjoy the sun until sunset.

This beach has a certain wilderness about it. Located between Barra da Tijuca beach and Recreio beach.

It is long and not very visited, the perfect place for those seeking a quiet beach within the city of Rio de Janeiro. It is located inside an environmental protection area, and it is 8 km long, with soft white sands, clear waters and vegetation. For those who like to go fishing, Reserva beach is a fine choice.

Situated besides Pedra Bonita rock, it is ideal for adventurous people who practice hang gliding.

Beginning at the end of Avenida Niemeyer and stretching for 3kms until the São Conrado tunnel. This beach is the popular place for hang gliders (Asa Delta) and Para-gliders. The sands are clear and soft. The waves are rough, which makes it ideal for surfing.

The quiet beach and small beach is located in the quarter of Urca, between the Sugar Loaf and Babilônia Hills.

On the right side of the beach is the Military Club at Praia Vermelha. On the left side is Cláudio Coutinho track, a lovely choice for those who can not resist an ecological tour. It is surrounded by the sea, striking flora and by Morro da Urca hill.