The city pace of Rio may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but Brazil has so many golden beaches to explore. Here’s a look at some of the top beaches, should you decide to make good on that talk about visiting the “Island of the True Cross.”
Hold onto your suits, we’re heading to some of the top-rated beaches Brazil has to offer. Here are the beaches that we are going to talk about today:
- Praia do Pinho (nude beach)
- Baiho do Sancho
- Caraiva, Bahia
- Ipanema
Let’s start with the fun stuff, a bit of optional clothing and nude sunbathing:
Praia do Pinho
Located 50 miles north of the city of Florianopolis, Praia do Pinho is Brazil’s most famous nude beach, largely considered to be one of the first official naturist beaches in the world.
Unlike many ‘clothing optional’ beaches, Praia do Pinho is ‘clothing not-an-option.’ That’s right. If you’re wishing to join in the fun, you’re gonna have to go full monty on this waterfront…
And there are no single men allowed, so all you fellas either have to be coupled-up, or a member of the International Naturist Federation.
The beach itself has smooth sand, steady waves, and is set amidst the lush greenery of mountains and cliffs.
For the past 30 years, it has steadily gained a reputation as the go-to place for Brazilian nudists.
From the early days of controversy to the construction of an inn and other tourist accommodations, Praia do Pinho is now a booming bare-bum beach.
People who wish to make a stay of it can either book a room at the inn or camp. You can find all the necessary info online.
Say what now? An overview of the Praia do Pinjo Festival, with some of the beachgoers (NSFW):
Baiho do Sancho
Baiho do Sancho has been steadily voted as Brazil’s best beach, most recently in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s poll.
It ranks up among the best in the world, often trading places for first with Turks and Caicos’ Grace Bay (which just reclaimed the number 1 spot in this year’s TripAdvisor poll). But hey, it’s still number 1 as far as most are concerned. And you can’t do better in Brazil.
Baiho do Sancho is located off the coast of Recife, in the protected archipelago Fernando de Noronha, and is accessible by a narrow staircase or by boat.
The scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the best you can find in the world, as the area has rich marine life, from coral reefs and colorful fish to dolphins, turtles, and even wreck dives.
This is Brazil’s first protected marine park, and you’ll have to pay a tax towards that protection when you visit. But once you set foot, or fin, to Baiho do Sancho, you’ll be glad you’re doing your part to preserve the immense beauty of the beach and her waters.
It’s a secluded paradise, lined by cliffs, with serene swimmable waters. This is truly a bucket-list beach. Save up and go, my friends. Here’s a look at what you’re missing:
Caraiva, Bahia
With almost 700 miles of coastline, the state of Bahia is loaded with countless fishing villages and amazing beaches.
One of the best beaches is definitely Caraiva, a hidden gem located around 30 miles south of Porto Seguero, Bahia’s most famous beach site.
This place is ideal for those who like to go for walks. You can go for a walk during the low tide and enjoy beautiful coral reefs and natural pools that for along the coast.
There’s also plenty of space for you to take sunbathe or catch waves. It is also worth mentioning that the best time for swimming is in the morning as the waves get rough in the afternoon.
There are several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy unique cocktails and beautiful seafood. In the evening, you can enjoy local music or even dance with the locals.
On to the last beach from our list…
Ipanema
It wouldn’t be fair to exclude Río from this list, with the whole world tuning in to the Olympics, and the constant enticing footage of Brazil’s beaches. Ipanema has repeatedly been voted the world’s sexiest beach.
From the mountain views to the gorgeous women wearing next-to-nothing, it’s hard to compete with Ipanema. They have everything from surfing and bodyboarding, to beach volleyball and football, delicious food and drink, and of course fairs and festivals.
With its close proximity to the city, there is a distinct energy to this relaxation haven, but you’ll have no problem gazing off into the hills above the ocean, and drifting away into your happy place.
New Year’s Eve in Rio typically draws upwards of 2 million visitors. The celebration is absolutely wild. If you’re looking to one-up Time’s Square, this might be your best bet.
There are all kinds of big celebrations to see in Rio. The Street Carnival and Drag Festivals are major entertainment highlights for those looking to see Ipanema in full-swing, but perhaps not bursting at the seams.
If you’re traveling all that way, you might as well see it in all its glory.
The Ipanema neighborhood is a must-see. You couldn’t ask for a more vibrant slice of Brazilian culture and paradise by visiting Ipanema.
Here’s a glimpse at the New Year’s action from Copacabana, Rio’s other crown-jewel beach:
But sweet solitude is never far away.
