It is commonplace to talk about the wonderful beaches of Rio de Janeiro…but it is inevitable. We are going to refer only to twelve of them. And we clarify in advance that this is not a ranking, but rather sharing what we know about them because we were able to visit them.
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Copacabana
It is one of the most famous and recognizable beaches in the world. It has a wide strip of golden sand and a long promenade with numerous restaurants, bars and hotels. It is a popular place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy water activities.
Located in front of the Copacabana Palace hotel. We find a life-size statue that remembers the three-time world motorsport champion Ayrton Senna da Silva. It was installed in 2019 and is the work of artist Mario Pitanguy.
Ipanema
Another iconic beach in Rio de Janeiro, known for its natural beauty and lively atmosphere. Ipanema has a beautiful shore of white sand and crystal clear waters. It is a popular beach with locals and tourists, and is also famous for inspiring the famous song “La Garota de Ipanema”.
In Ipanema there is a statue that commemorates Antonio Carlos Jobim, the author of the Garota de Ipanema and one of the creative forces of bossa nova.
Do Harpoador
Located in the southern part of the city between Copacabana and Ipanema, this beach has panoramic views of Morro Dois Irmãos and the Copacabana Fort.
It is easily accessible and can be reached on foot from Copacabana or Ipanema. One of the main attractions of Arpoador beach is its incredible sunset and it is a place where you will be able to enjoy the sunset spectacle. It is also very popular with surfers due to its good waves, as well as for diving and snorkeling, especially in the rocky area that extends towards the sea.
Here you can admire marine life and explore the reefs. From Arpoador beach, you can access a path that leads to the top of Morro Dois Irmãos. It is a moderate but rewarding hike that offers panoramic views of the entire southern area of Rio de Janeiro. The beach has public showers and bathrooms for the convenience of visitors. Additionally, there is a wide variety of bars and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy food and drinks.
Leblon
This beach is located in the Leblon neighborhood after Ipanema. It is one of the most exclusive and elegant beaches in the area, known for its natural beauty and sophisticated atmosphere.
It is also easily accessible by public transport and has several bus and metro stations nearby.
Surrounded by a series of hills, it is a stunning scenic environment. From the sand, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Pedra da Gávea, an iconic mountain. Here you will find people exercising, playing beach volleyball and enjoying drinks and food at the kiosks and restaurants located along the promenade and it is ideal for walking, sunbathing and playing beach sports.
The sand is fine and clean, and it is common to see people relaxing in beach chairs and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Its quieter and more exclusive atmosphere compared to the nearby beaches. It attracts a more sophisticated crowd and local families. It has services and amenities such as showers, public bathrooms, lifeguards, and rental of chairs and umbrellas. There is also a police presence to ensure the safety of visitors.
The journalist Zózimo Barrozo do Amaral has his place in Leblon, in a sculpture that portrays him at 40 years old. The statue signed by the sculptor Roberto Sá was inaugurated in 2001 at the journalist’s place of passage.
São Conrado
This beach is easily accessible by both car and public transportation, and has parking available. What makes São Conrado special is its natural environment that gives it the imposing Morro Dois Irmãos.
It is also located near the famous Parque Nacional da Tijuca, which is a rainforest reserve. Known for being an ideal place to practice water sports, such as surfing and hang gliding. The wind and sea conditions make this beach an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. It has good infrastructure, with kiosks and bars along the shore where you can buy drinks and food.
There are also chair and umbrella rental services for added comfort. It tends to be quieter and less crowded than the other central beaches, making it a place if you are looking for a more relaxed and less touristy atmosphere.
Barra de Tijuca
It is one of the longest and most popular beaches in Rio because it extends for approximately 18 kilometers along the coast. Unlike Copacabana and Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca beach tends to be less crowded and quieter. It is often visited by locals and residents of the area, which gives it a more relaxed and familiar atmosphere.
It has larger waves and conditions more suitable for practicing water sports, such as surfing and kitesurfing. Along Barra da Tijuca beach, you will find a good infrastructure of services and amenities.
There are kiosks and restaurants along the shore where you can enjoy food, drinks and snacks. Chair and umbrella rentals are also available, as well as toilet facilities and public showers.
Joatinga
It is a small and beautiful beach located in the West Zone of the city, in the Joá neighborhood. It is surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation, giving it a quiet and secluded atmosphere.
A unique feature of this beach is that access to it is a bit complicated. It can only be accessed through a narrow entrance at the end of Avenida Estado da Guanabara, in the Joá neighborhood. This limited access helps keep the beach quieter and less crowded. The surrounding cliffs provide a stunning backdrop, and the lush vegetation adds a touch of serenity to the surroundings.
There is also a nearby waterfall that flows onto the beach, which adds extra charm. If you like surfing, the waves at this beach are known for being challenging and powerful. The infrastructure on Joatinga beach is limited. You won’t find a lot of kiosks or services on the beach itself, so it’s advisable to bring your own drinks and food if you plan to spend a lot of time there.
Praia Vermelha
Vermelha Beach is a small, picturesque beach located in the Urca neighborhood. We had photographed it before visiting it because it is located at the foot of the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) and can be clearly seen from above.
From the beach, you can have spectacular views of the hill and the surrounding landscape. Although it is not a very long beach, it has a strip of soft, golden sand, ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. Its waters are generally calm due to the natural protection provided by the surrounding mountain formations.
You can swim in its waters, snorkel to explore the local marine life or simply relax on the beach. It is also possible to rent kayaks or stand-up paddle boards to explore the bay. It is surrounded by a quiet, wooded environment, making it a pleasant place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It has basic infrastructure, including kiosks and restaurants on the beach where you can enjoy local drinks and food.
There are also public toilets and showers available. It is easily accessible by public transportation or by car, and has nearby parking. It is a safe place to visit, especially during the day, and is often frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Flamengo
It is located in the neighborhood of the same name and is best known as an urban and recreational beach.
It extends along the shore of Guanabara Bay, near the city center of Rio de Janeiro. It is relatively small compared to other beaches in Rio, but offers a nice space to relax and enjoy the water. It has a strip of soft, golden sand, ideal for sunbathing and picnics. However, due to its location in Guanabara Bay, its waters are not as clear as other beaches in Rio and are not recommended for swimming.
Along this beach, you will find walking or jogging paths, as well as green areas and well-kept gardens. It is a popular place for exercising, cycling and enjoying outdoor activities.
There are also volleyball and beach soccer courts where you can join informal games. It has kiosks and restaurants where you can buy drinks and snacks. You’ll also find public bathrooms and showers to freshen up.
The beach is well maintained and has shaded areas and benches to rest. Easily accessible by public transport and with parking for those wishing to drive, it is a safe place to visit, especially during the day, and is often frequented by locals looking for a quiet place to enjoy the outdoors.
Botafogo
It is located in the Botafogo neighborhood and is a crescent-shaped bay with a stunning view of the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar).
It is known for offering one of the most iconic views of Rio de Janeiro. Although it is not technically an open sea beach, its location in Guanabara Bay gives it special natural beauty. It has a small strip of sand, but it is mostly made up of a wide sidewalk and a boardwalk.
It has calm waters, but it is not recommended for swimming due to the pollution of Guanabara Bay. However, you can practice water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
You will find green areas, kiosks, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy drinks, food and live music. It is also a popular place for walking, running and cycling, as it has a dedicated lane for pedestrians and cyclists. On Botafogo beach, near the entrance to the tunnel that leads to Copacabana, there is a miniature replica of the famous Christ the Redeemer Statue. It is an important landmark and is often used as a backdrop for photos.
Easily accessible by public transportation and with nearby parking, it is a safe place to visit, especially during the day, and is often frequented by locals looking to enjoy the panoramic views and outdoor activities.
Grumari Beach
It is located in the western area of the city of Rio. Located in an environmental reserve, this beach is one of the most natural and least developed.
It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and forest-covered hills. It is part of the Grumari environmental reserve and is known for its wild and unspoilt environment, offering a more secluded and less touristy beach experience.
Grumari is a long beach with approximately 2.5 kilometers in length. Due to its location further away from the city center, it tends to be less crowded compared to other beaches. This makes it an ideal retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
The waters of Grumari are generally crystal clear and a beautiful blue-green color. However, it is important to note that the waves can be strong at times, so caution is recommended when swimming. The beach is also popular for surfing, as the waves can be challenging and exciting. It has a very basic infrastructure: just a few kiosks and restaurants along the beach where you can enjoy drinks and simple meals. There are also public toilets and showers available. Grumari offers the opportunity to explore nearby trails and natural areas. Grumari Municipal Park has walking and hiking trails, where you can appreciate the local flora and fauna and enjoy panoramic views.
Prainha
It is located near Grumari and is also part of the environmental reserve. It is surrounded by hills covered with tropical vegetation and is located in an almost virgin environment. And framed by lush green cliffs, which gives it a very picturesque and authentic appearance.
As its name suggests (playita) it is relatively small, approximately 700 meters in length. Due to its remote location and lack of easy access, the beach tends to be less crowded than other popular beaches in Rio de Janeiro. This makes it a quieter and more relaxed place, if you are looking for an escape from urban life.
The waters are generally clear and a beautiful blue-green color. However, as in Grumari, the waves can be strong. This feature also makes Prainha popular with surfers, as the waves can be big and challenging.
There is a restaurant on the beach where you can buy drinks and meals. Additionally, there are also public toilets and showers available for visitors. There are walking trails near the beach, allowing you to explore the local flora and fauna and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding area.
These are just a few of the most notable beaches in Rio de Janeiro, but the city has many other charming beaches to explore and enjoy.
