Last Updated on January 12, 2023 by Helen E. White
The beaches of the city of Rio de Janeiro are synonymous with adventures, beautiful views, sports and of course, bodies with strong muscles and curves of slow death.
From Ipanema and Copacabana to Perigoso, Arpoador and Vermelha beaches, on the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro, you will never get bored. Make the most of those sunny days by doing something different and fully enjoy the Brazilian beaches.
Below, you will find everything about how to get there, what to do in each place, where to eat and all the activities offered by these spectacular coasts, located in the south of Brazil.
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What are the Best Beaches in Rio de Janeiro to visit this 2022
So without further ado, let’s start with the list of the beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
1. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is perhaps the most relevant beach in the place, near Ipanema. Its 4 kilometers of extension offer you an excellent tourist offer in this Brazilian city. It is famous for its colorful, lively and busy atmosphere,
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Being one of the beaches to visit in Rio de Janeiro, it is highly sought after by vacationers and usually has a large influx of visitors. Here during the day, you can appreciate its familiar and carefree environment, but at night the atmosphere invites you to party and sleeplessness.
When you are in this bay, be sure to try the famous caipirinha cocktail, a traditional Copacabana drink that you will never forget.
2. Barra da Tijuca Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Barra de Tijuca Beach is one of the beaches to visit in Rio de Janeiro. Its white sand and green shores create the perfect stay for those seeking privacy and you locate it in Barra de Tijuca, very close to Recreio de las Bandeirantes,
There you will find lovers of windsurfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing. But, if aquatic practices are not your thing, riding a bike and going on hiking trails or boat trips are other things you can do. If you go with children, take them to visit Iván Passini Square, with games and attractions to keep them entertained.
As a curious fact, you should know that right there in Barra de Tijuca you will find the City of Arts, the soccer museum and the Bosque da Barra that you cannot miss.
3. Vermelha Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Vermelha is an Eden 200 meters long, its charm lies in its areas surrounded by trees and palms that make the landscape a unique postcard. It is located in Urca, one of the most famous neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, very close to the city center and the tram that leads to Sugar Loaf, Morro da Urca and Morro de Babilonia.
The bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro, is characterized by its thick reddish sand, and you can go hiking and horseback riding. To get to know all its corners, you must take the Cláudio Coutinho route, which takes you to see the most emblematic areas of the city.
Do not forget to visit the statue of Chopin near the Pan de Azúcar beach, and take the maritime excursions that run through the Guanabara Bay.
4. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Tourism in Brazil makes no sense if you don’t go to Ipanema Beach, one of Rio de Janeiro’s famous beaches for dividing its shores with lifeguard posts. Its 2 kilometers of coastline and soft white sand welcome all kinds of visitors.
Ipanema is usually quite frequented by tourists, as well as inhabitants of the region who are looking for a bike ride or simply to drink the famous coconut water that they sell in most restaurants in Rio de Janeiro.
But, the magic doesn’t only happen during the day, the nightlife in Ipanema is quite hectic because they have parties, bonfires and live concerts.
5. Arpoador Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Arpoador is located between the south of Ipanema and Copacabana. With 800 meters of extension, it is one of the beaches for surfers in Rio de Janeiro, who are always active with their boards in hand. In Brazil, the beaches have a very peculiar color, and in Arpoador the color of the sea is a shade that goes from green to blue.
One of the main tourist spots that you can see on the coast is the Piedra del Arpoador, which separates its waters from those of Copacabana.
Of all the beaches in Brazil, this is one of the most sought-after places to appreciate a beautiful sunset, looking at Morro dos Hermanos on one side and the Devil’s and Copacabana beaches on the other.
6. Praia de Grumari, Rio de Janeiro
In Barra de Tijuca, near Abrico de Rio de Janeiro, you will find Grumari Beach, a 1.5-kilometer beach resort, surrounded by mountains and vegetation.
It is one of the nudist beaches in Rio de Janeiro, although it is not easy to get to it, it is not impossible either. In Rio de Janeiro you will not find another beach quieter than this one, its sand is reddish in color, and it is recommended to visit the coast on weekends, as they are days when there is less flow of people.
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Remember to visit the Municipal Natural Park of Grumari and see the multiple species considered in danger of extinction in The Marvelous City.
7. Morro Dois Irmaos
The imposing rock formation of Morro Dois Irmaos is located in the Vidigal neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. To start getting to know it, you must take the hiking trail that leads to a mountain where you can have a 360-degree panoramic view of the tourist beaches of Rio de Janeiro.
It’s a 40-minute hike, but it’s quite an easy climb to do. If you are in good shape, the cycling routes are other things you can do, since the route lasts approximately five hours.
Right there you will find the beginning of the Dois Irmãos Park, which has four viewpoints at different heights, from which you can get views of the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Botanical Garden, the Christ of Corcovado and the coasts of Leblón and Ipanema.
8. Flamenco Beach
Flamengo beach will please you because much of what it offers to do is related to sports. Between the Santos Dumont airport, you will find the Flamengo sandbank.
Soccer is its activity par excellence, there you can practice and demonstrate your skills Neymar-style, but without so much drama. Its most distinctive feature is the flamingo birds that make life in the area.
If you walk around you will come across many places to visit in Rio de Janeiro, such as the Oduvaldo Vianna Filhoel Cultural Center and the Parque Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, as well as the famous Museum of Modern Art. But, if fun is your thing, Flamengo has the best nightlife you can imagine on one of the recommended beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
9. Sao Conrado Beach
São Conrado is located in a neighborhood with the same name, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. It is characterized by its strong waves that allow the practice of surfing and sailing.
It is about 1 kilometer long and its main attraction is the Pedra de Gávea, which attracts tourists from all over the world. There you can climb or go hiking, it also has several ramps for free flight and paragliding that are left in Piedra Bonita.
There you will be enjoying a privileged and pleasant climate, which is maintained for most of the year, so your choice of going to one of the recommended beaches in Rio de Janeiro will depend above all on what you are looking for.
10. Leme Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Leme Beach, one of the recommended beaches in Rio de Janeiro, is located right next to Copacabana, in the Leme neighborhood. It differs from the others because of the wide space that exists between the sea and the sand since to reach the shore you have to walk a long way. But this, far from being a point against it, is a feature that soccer lovers know how to take advantage of very well.
Its waves are intense blue and its sand is an almost reddish color that contrasts very well with the sunset. You will love Leme beach because very close you will find the largest marine aquarium in South America; AquaRio, undoubtedly one of the best tourist places in Rio de Janeiro.
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Likewise, in its sandy area, you will find a small paved path known as the fishermen’s river path, where several people usually stay with their fishing rods.
11. Perigoso Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Perigoso you find it very close to Grumari, in Barra de Guaratiba, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is identified as a deserted and attractive coast for lovers of good tourism. You will like its 2 kilometers long, full of trails and marked routes.
It is the favorite of diving lovers, with this practice you will be able to appreciate the diversity of fish and corals found on its seabed. However, you must be careful of its strong waves that are usually dangerous for tourists and which it is far from being one of the safest beaches in Rio de Janeiro. It’s called perigoso for a reason, which in Spanish means dangerous.
If you want to wrinkle like a raisin, you can visit its freshwater springs from which you will not want to leave for a long time.
12. Visita Playa de Pontal do Atalaia, Río de Janeiro
In Arraial de Cabo, one kilometer from the beaches of Forno, you will find Pontal de Atalaia, a riverbank made up of two coastlines that come together when the tide goes out, without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
There your only concern will be deciding which side to stay on because in one part the sea turns blue and in the other, it turns green.
The beach offers you a beautiful viewpoint, where you can go crazy taking selfies. You will also find a small route, known as the Grotto of Love, if you go as a couple this beautiful setting will make you happy, although if you are a lonely soul you can take a boat ride and discover the cave at the bottom of the sea of Arraial de Cabo.
13. Piratininga Beach, Niteroi
Piratininga is the favorite of those looking for a family atmosphere without neglecting the fun of water sports. In the city of Niteroi, in Rio de Janeiro, you will find this bay with abundant vegetation that attracts swimmers from all over the world due to its impressive natural beauty.
It is also known as one of the beaches for surfing in Rio de Janeiro and the favorite of young people who love partying and nightlife.
Very close to Niteroi you can visit the Oscar Niemeyer Popular Theater, known as the Niemeyer Path, one of the main tourist attractions of the city. Similarly, you should visit the Parque da Cidade, a charming natural reserve for children to be in contact with nature on their trip to Rio de Janeiro.
14. Icarai Beach (Niteroi)
Icaraí Beach stands out for its beautiful sunsets, its golden sand along with its waters that vary in shades of green. It is the favorite bay of faithful surf lovers, due to the good waves that it usually has most of the time. In fact, in the busiest season, national surfing championships are held.
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Although it is not part of the range of quiet beaches in Rio de Janeiro due to its waves, you can still play volleyball, soccer, walk or ride a bike on the promenade at any time of the day. You can find this destination in Niterói, in front of the Flamengo and Botafogo beaches.
15. Praia da Bica, Rio de Janeiro
Da Bica beach is an ideal destination for tourism in Brazil, it is another of the quiet beaches in Rio de Janeiro, which makes it an excellent destination to go alone or accompanied. It is located in Guanabara, near the island of Governador.
In addition to its calm emerald waters and golden sand, its cool and relaxed atmosphere is ideal for soccer, tennis and Hawaiian canoeing. The coastline is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and in turn, has a natural viewpoint from which you can take great photos of these excellent beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
16. Macumba Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Macumba is one of the turquoise beaches in Rio de Janeiro that invites you to practice surfing and body surfing, as on most of the coasts of Brazil. It is located between Praia del Recreo and Prainha. There you can fish or take bike rides along the marked routes.
Among all the things you can do near this beach tour throughout the bay, as well as a must-see visit to the Casa del Pontal museum. Near this coast, you will find the Arcos de Lapa in Rio de Janeiro, an impressive construction from the 1700s.
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17. Charitas Beach, Niteroi
Charitas beach you will find accommodation from 20 dollars, so you will not have any impediment to traveling to Rio de Janeiro in 2021. It is located in Niteroi, right next to San Francisco beach.
If you go as a backpacker, have your tent ready because there you will find camping areas with surveillance 24 hours a day, which makes it one of the safest beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
In the vicinity of the beach, you can see places, such as Dois Irmaos, the Floresta da Tijuca or the Botanical Garden.
18. Pepe Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Pepe beach is characterized by its relaxed, fresh and youthful atmosphere, and is a meeting point, where locals and strangers mix without prejudice to exercise, sunbathe or play sports.
It is located in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. The extensive coastline has two kilometers of crystalline coastline with strong waves and almost white sand, where you can dive or surf. The beach is named after the late sportsman Pedro Paulo Lopes, better known as “Pepe”.
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Here you cannot miss the boat and kayak tours through the emblematic areas of the island, which will convince you that this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro. In addition, the spa is characterized by its safety, it has showers and services to clean yourself up.
19. Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Recreio dos Bandeirantes beach is located at the end of Avenida Sernambetiba, close to Barra da Tijuca.
It is considered one of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro, as it is very popular with surfers, as well as is the setting for many international surfing and bodyboarding tournaments.
It is also one of the famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro for its happy atmosphere with open-minded vacationers who give life to the best night parties with live music. And, as if that were not enough, there you can see samba shows.
20. Praia da Joatinga, Rio de Janeiro
Joatinga beach is synonymous with comfort, in the middle of the Joá highway, which connects São Conrado to Barra de Tijuca, you will find this tropical paradise. There you will find several proposals that invite adventure and will make your trip to Rio de Janeiro a unique experience.
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Dare to go paragliding, without any fear, and, to make your trip more exciting, there you will find flight excursions that surround the imposing Pedra da Gávea or Sao Conrado beach.
Here you will not find simplicity, Joatinga proposes nocturnal adventures. Not in vain, it is one of the safest beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
21. Leblon Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro’s Leblon Beach is located right next to Ipanema and Copacabana and is especially known for its family atmosphere and for being uncrowded.
There you can take your tent to camp, also at the beginning of the coast, there is a space for the little ones of the house called Baixo Bebê, where they can play. There is surveillance and a lifeguard post 24 hours a day, so don’t worry about a thing. Likewise, you can rent chairs and hammocks that are very comfortable to rest.
In Leblon beach, each activity has its space, the areas to play volleyball, soccer and futevoley are removed from the spaces for rest in one of the beaches suitable for bathing in Rio de Janeiro.
22. Botafogo Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Botafogo Beach is located in a neighborhood with the same name, in Rio de Janeiro. The most peculiar thing about this place is that it is shaped like a crescent. Likewise, it is famous for its beautiful views of the Sugar Loaf, Guanabara Bay and Morro da Urca, as well as being one of the quietest beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
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Boat and sailing excursions are the main tourist attraction, as are water activities. If you want to practice some sand sport you can choose between volleyball, and football, without leaving aside cycling and walking through the emblematic areas of the island.
Something you should know is the Botafogo Praia Shopping mall, from its terrace you can enjoy spectacular views.
23. Itacoatiara Beach, Niteroi
Itacoatiara Beach is famous for its tropical climate and is one of the turquoise beaches in Rio de Janeiro that offers you the best for relaxation. Attractions are not lacking in Itacoatiara, since you will find stone formations, used for climbing, it has trails where you can take long walks as part of the tours in Rio de Janeiro.
If you want to get away from the crowd, you can explore the route that leads to the Elephant Stone, from there you can appreciate a beautiful view. Here you will have many options to eat and stay.
24. Sao Francisco Beach, Niteroi
You place San Francisco in Niteroi, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is approximately 750 meters long which gives rise to many rock formations if you like to climb.
Its natural beauty creates a unique paradisiacal environment where you will like to lose yourself, it is still virgin, away from the hustle and bustle and the festive atmosphere of other more saturated tourist spots on the beaches in Brazil.
The coast has small and discreet accommodations, unlike the large resorts that flood most of the tourist beaches of Rio de Janeiro. This bay is very frequented by the local people of the city, so the food is rather traditional and cheap, unlike other areas.
Rio de Janeiro: More Than You Expect
Rio de Janeiro and its beaches attract millions of tourists from various parts of the world for its impressive natural beauty and the warmth of its coasts. Contrary to what many believe, the city of Rio not only means sun and beach, but it can also boast of its natural wealth.
Among the tourist places in Rio de Janeiro that you cannot miss are: Dois Irmaos Park and Parque do Flamengo which offer you the possibility of climbing or taking simple walks that are rewarded with the best views of the beaches near Rio from Janeiro.
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The National Historical Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which offer the best excursions in Rio de Janeiro, are other places you should go next to the beaches. Let yourself be amazed by the peculiarities of each destination and dare to discover everything that the Marvelous City has for you.