Popular Destinations In The Brazilian Coast
Brazil has an extensive and rich coastline known for its beauty and diversity, so sometimes people can have a hard time deciding where to go. In this article we will cover some of the most popular destinations on the Brazilian coast.
Overview
For Brazilians and foreign visitorsalike, the coastline of about 7500 km and stretching over 17 states is the most popular destination in the summer. The Brazilian coast attracts many tourists, especially during summer vacation, which in Brazil happens at the beginning of the year.
The Northern areas of Amapá and Pará are dominated by the salt marshes and mangroves. In the Northeastern regions sand dunes and beautiful beaches with warm waters are more predominant.
The Southeastern region is the busiest part of the coast with lower altitudes and cooler water. Finally, the Southern part of the Brazilian coast is known for its low sandy shores and cooler water.
Most Popular Destinations on the Brazilian coast
Each beach on the Brazilian coast has its own characteristics and offers different attractions, cuisines and other services for visitors.
Amapá
Praia de Araxá, Macapá
This beach is located in the state capital. Despite having muddy waters and black sand it is known for being an ideal beach for nautical sports. It is becoming an up-and-coming tourist destination in Macapá.
Praia da Fazendinha, Macapá
The kiosks here offer great typical food and a pleasant view, where it is possible to relax and enjoy a peaceful day. The beach is 13 km away from the capital, so driving to Macapá and choosing a good hotel to stay is possible.
Pará
Praia da Princesa, Algodoal
This beach is considered one of the most beautiful. The beach, which is located on an island, offers many attractions for tourists, with various hotels and guesthouses. It is possible to get a room with air conditioning and a good bed for USD 60.00/night.
Praia de Caripi, Barcarena
This beach is covered in fine white sand and varied vegetation.
Alter do Chão, Santarém
Located in Amazonia, this beautiful sandbank draws a lot of attention from tourists. The best thing to do is to stay in one of the tents scattered across the beach which allows you to enjoy the view.
Praia do Farol, Mosqueiro
Known for its beautiful sunsets and tasty food this beach offers a lot of accommodation and attractions for tourists at affordable prices.
Maranhão
Praia Ponta da Areia, São Luís
Famous for its memorable sunsets and long wide stretch of sand this place offers a wide variety of hotels and guesthouses.
Praia do Olho d’Água, São Luís
A long sandy beach surrounded by native preserved forest is often visited by nature lovers. The beach is full of budget guesthouses, that usually provide a great and attentive service.
Praia do Calhau, São Luís
This is the main beach in the city of São Luís and therefore is very busy and full of kiosks serving food and beverages. Highly recommended for those who appreciate sitting in a good seafood restaurant.
Piauí
Barra Grande, Cajueiro da Praia
This is the perfect place for windsurfing due to strong winds. It offers several rustic-chic style lodges and a very diverse gastronomy.
Pedra do Sal, Parnaíba
This beach not only offers the perfect spot to relax, swim and enjoy the view but it is also famous for being the best location for surfing and nautical sports in the state of Piauí. It is recommended that you stay in Parnaíba, a municipality that is close to the beach, which has more accommodation options on offer.
Praia de Maramar, Luis Correia
This beach tends to get very crowded with kitesurfers, who can enjoy some of the best seafront accommodation in the Piauí state.
Ceará
Jericoacoara, Jijoca
This beach used to be a fishing village, a tradition that is not totally lost. It is one of the ten most beautiful beaches on the planet, mostly because of its green and transparent waters. The accommodation options are pricy, as this is a popular tourist destination.
Lagoinha, Paraipaba
Formed of cliffs, dunes and coconut trees it is one of the most paradisiacal and less crowded beaches in Ceará. It has many rustic and affordable guesthouses to choose from.
Praia do Futuro, Fortaleza
This beach is the most popular in Ceará for swimming and diving. The surrounding area is not considered safe so it is recommended that you take a taxi to and from the beach.
Porto das Dunas, Fortaleza
Perfect for practicing kite surfing this beach is very windy with warm and clean water. There are many attractions for tourists including hotels, guesthouses, resorts, bars and restaurants, not to mention the biggest water park in South America, The Beach Park.
Praia das Fontes, Morro Branco
Small caves have formed on this beach which gives tourists a very unique landscape. The buggy ride through the dunes near the beach is a great option for tourists that would like to explore.
Rio Grande do Norte
Pipa, Baia dos Golfinhos
As the name says for itself, the main attraction of this beach is the dolphins (golfinhos) that show up from time to time. It’s possible to get cheap boat rides and hotels in the region, though prices are beginning to soar as it is becoming a popular touristic destination.
Pipa, Praia do Madeiro
A great place for those who want to see the dolphins, that usually visit the beach in the morning. A beautiful green sea as well as clean and warm waters makes this beach one of the best in the state of Rio Grande do Norte.
Ponta negra, Natal
This is the busiest beach in Natal. The sea usually attracts people who practice windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddling due to the heavy wind and waves. It offers good restaurants with great views and many accommodation options.
Tourinhos, São Miguel do Gostoso
Here the focus is not on infrastructure or luxury, but the views. During low tide the so-called "whale sighs" are formed, which originate from the shock of the waves on the stones. The area has about 40 hotels to choose from.
Barra do Cunhaú, Canguaretama
An extensive and desert like stretch of sand is what makes this beach so attractive with crystal clear waters. There are a few guesthouses that offer very simple accommodation for tourists.
Praia de Maracajaú, Natal
Maracajaú is known for its corals, which are called parrachos. The ATV and buggy rides in the region are a good and fun option for tourists.
Paraíba
Praia da Areia Vermelha, João Pessoa
A great option for people who want a peaceful and trendy place to visit. This beach, located on an island can get crowded at times depending on the day (avoid weekends). The sand has a particular red colour due to the high iron concentration in the region.
Coqueirinho, Conde
This beach is difficult to reach as the road to the beach is very steep. However, it is very beautiful and clean, full of coconut trees and clearwaters. The municipality offers a great variety of hotels and guesthouses.
Pernambuco
Baía do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha
The green and blue shades of the sea gives visitors one of the best beach views in Brazil. There are various guesthouses in the region and many of them offer a certain luxury and typical pleasant environment, despite the extremely high prices.
Praia do Leão, Fernando de Noronha
This beach is quiet with soft sand but treacherous waves. Projeto Tamar uses the beach for the preservation of turtle eggs, which can be visited by tourists. In terms of accommodation it is easy to find a comfortable guesthouse. However, prices tend to be quite steep in the region.
Porto de Galinhas, Ipojuca
The impressive natural pools are famous for their crystal-clean waters. The local area is also impressive with many five star and luxury hotels.
Calhetas, Cabo de Santo Agostinho
Beautiful rocks, coconut trees and a marvelous sea can be found at this beach. The municipality of Santo Agostinho has about 20 hotels.
Boa Viagem, Recife
Located in the state capital, Boa Viagem beach is beautiful mainly because of the sea and the beautiful palm trees that surround it. There are many hotel options close to the beach but be aware that there have been a few cases of shark attacks reported at this beach.
Alagoas
Praia do Francês, Marechal Deodoro
Praia do Francês combines both calm and rough waters depending on the side of the beach so it is possible to take a dip as well as surf. The colour of the sea is an impressive crystal-clear green. Visitors can easily find a good hotel or guesthouse in the region.
Praia do Gunga
This beach is located 33 km from the capital of Maceió, so it is better to stay in the capital and look for a hotel there. The bars and kiosks play the typical music style of the state: forró. The buggy ride in the region is highly recommended for tourists.
Ponta Verde, Maceió
The contrast between the buildings and the green color of the sea creates amazing views. Ponta Verde is famous for its food kiosks which claim to be the best in the country due to their outstanding food, music and people. As it is located in the capital, the region offers many accommodation options.
Ipioca, Maceió
One of the most famous beaches in Maceió, mostly because of its sea and huge palm trees. The surrounding area is great but the prices tend to be quite high. As this beach is located in the capital, finding a place to stay is easy.
Praia de São Bento, Maragogi
This beach is known for its incomparable crystalline water that is a turquoise colour inviting tourists for a dip. In Maragogi it is possible to find several five star hotels. There are also some guesthouses for travellers on a budget.
Sergipe
Praia de Atalaia, Aracaju
This beach is considered to be a cultural and artistic centre which also has a vast amount of bars, restaurants and kiosks. The nightlife in the region is very lively and the beach is very good for practicing sports. Visitors will not have a hard time finding a good place to stay.
Barra dos Coqueiros, Aracaju
For those who want a place to rest and enjoy a peaceful day this beach is perfect. The sea is very calm and the food served in the region is great.
Bahia
Praia do Espelho, Caraíva
There are many guesthouses in Caraíva, so finding a charming and comfortable place to stay in the region is not difficult. The crystalline green waters reflect the sun making it look like a mirror. Praia do Espelho is also known for being a perfect place for snorkeling.
Taipus de Fora, Península de Maraú
Nature lovers usually love this place. In Taipus de Fora it is possible to enjoy the corals and natural pools which have transparent waters. The region has many guesthouses and hotels, although the prices are relatively high.
Moreré, Boipeba
Moreré is a small beach and is located on an island. The perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. The natural pools and the calm and clear waters of the sea gives the beach a great atmosphere. There are a few guesthouses where it is possible to relax and get comfortable for a reasonable price.
Praia do Forte, Mata de São João
Many tourists visit Praia do Forte for its beautiful turquoise waters. It is a typical tourist beach with a great surrounding area. There are bars, restaurants and kiosks offering great local dishes.
Espirito Santo
Camburi, Vitória
Great for families, this place is a typical beach located inside a city. The sea is calm and the area is good for practicing sports. The infrastructure is also good as it has many kiosks, restaurants and hotels around the beach.
Praia da Costa, Vila Velha
The broad sidewalk along the beach is great for having a pleasant walk and enjoying the tasteful typical food. However, this beach is usually very crowded.
Praia de Itaparica, Vila Velha
This beach is recommended for those who appreciate a clean, safe and pleasant location but at the same time enjoy great food and nature. Some of the attractions include the corals that can be explored. Vila Velha provides comfortable accommodation in its hotels.
Rio de Janeiro
Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
One of the most popular beaches and the postcard of the city, Ipanema attracts many tourists. It usually has lots of people practicing sports. As this is an upper-class neighborhood, the price of services and food can be high. Recently, a number of hostels have opened in the region, attracting a lot of young tourists.
Barra da Tijuca
The most extensive beach in Rio de Janeiro is divided into the calm part and the lively part, in which many surfing championships take place. The beach is located in Barra da Tijuca, a neighborhood that is known for being the gastronomic centre of Rio. Regarding accommodation the region has a lot of hotel and hostel options.
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Maybe the most popular beach in the country, Copacabana is usually the stage for many events. However, it’s not easy to park in the region, which is really busy. It has great attractions for tourists and local people and offers various hotel options. Here you will find the most luxurious place to stay to the simplest one. Eating here is often expensive.
Arpoador, Ipanema
With an amazing sunset, Arpoador offers a different experience in terms of views of nature and is great for surfing. The region offers several guesthouses, that can provide a simple but good place to stay.
Geribá, Búzios
With an outstanding infrastructure for tourists, Geribá beach offers great food options in its kiosks. Here you can see beautiful and young people looking for fun and perfect waves. Tourists usually rent houses while staying here, but there are many guesthouses too.
São Paulo
Pitangueiras, Guarujá
The beach is very popular so it tends to get very crowded on weekends. The sea is beautiful, but sometimes the waters are considered improper for bathing. Sitting in kiosks on the seafront is a great idea for those who enjoy seafood, but this area offers quite poor options of hotels and guesthouses.
Praia da Enseada, Guarujá
The longest beach in the area with many kiosks by the beach that often serve good food. The long stretch of sand turns a walk on the beach into something very pleasant. There are not many options of hotels and guesthouses in this region.
Juquehy, São Sebastião
This beach is not overcrowded and offers great eating possibilities for both tourists and local people. It has warm and clear waters with fine sand. It can have big waves from time to time, depending on the weather conditions. The structure of guesthouses is great. They are usually located in front of the beach, which increases prices.
Maresias, São Sebastião
This place is perfect for young people who are looking for partying, big waves and night clubs. There are many guesthouses with good standards. It usually gets crowded on weekends, especially in high season.
Praia da Baleia, São Sebastião
A good environment for families, as it doesn’t have any nightlife. With a calm sea and hard sand perfect for walking, Baleia is one of the best options for those who want to rest for the weekend.
Riviera de São Lourenço, Bertioga
A great destination for families and people who appreciate security, organization and great structure. The beach is extensive and very calm. The region is very organized and has a good infrastructure for tourists.
Praia da Armação, Ilha Bela
Popular amongst windsurfers and kite surfers, this beach houses the Windsurfing Association of Ilhabela, where there is a bar, toilets and showers. There is also a water sports school.
Paraná
Praia da Fortaleza, Ilha do Mel
This beach is isolated so it is a great place for those who enjoy nature and peace. Its calm waters are great for nautical sports or baths. There are a few guesthouses in the region, which are very simple.
Caiobá, Matinhos
The place is mostly visited by local people. It is divided between a calm sea and a rough sea. Due to the spectacular views, calm, warm water and clean sand, this beach turns into a very busy place during high season. There is fair amount of guesthouses, bars and restaurants in the area.
Praia das Encantadas, Ilha do mel
It is Ilha do Mel’s busiest area, full of bars, restaurants and kiosks. The island is full of guesthouses, that are simple but offer good options for accommodation.
Brejatuba, Guaratuba
The sea can be rough, which turns the beach into a proper place for surfers. A great option for families who want to rest for the day and if you wish to stay overnight, there are many options of great hotels and guesthouses.
Praia de Leste, Pontal do Paraná
Recommended for people who are looking for calm and a less crowds. The sea is propitious for nautical sports and surfing because of its big waves. The infrastructure is precarious, with some cheap and simples guesthouses. It is better to stay somewhere nearby and just visit the beach during the day.
Santa Catarina
Lagoinha do Leste, Florianópolis
The beauty of this beach is mostly due to its green velvet sea. As it is a popular tourist place there are about 400 options of hotels and guesthouses in the region. It is possible to find expensive and more comfortable hotels, as well as some cheaper and more simple guesthouses.
Praia do Rosa, Imbituba
The beach is recommended for those who enjoy a calm and beautiful place, but is also known among surfers who take advantage of the big waves. The night life in the region will not disappoint you, nor the structure, that offers great hotels.
Praia da Sepultura, Bombinhas
One of the most beautiful places in the region, Praia da Sepultura has a private area and a public area. What draws attention to the beach is the color of the sea: an incomparable crystalline blue.
Praia da Guarda do Embaú, Palhoça
This beach is very well preserved by the natives and tourists. The sea is perfect for surfing and for other nautical sports. There are many guesthouses close to the village of Guarda do Embaú.
Praia Central, Balneário Camboriú
This is an urban beach with many restaurants, kiosks and all kinds of people. It is a typical city beach, so it is usually crowded. If you are looking for peace and quiet this is certainly not the best place to visit. However, the amount of hotels and guesthouses in this region is vast.
Rio Grande do Sul
Praia de Torres, Torres
This is the only beach in Rio Grande do Sul with protruding rocky cliffs by the sea. Its beauty is mostly related to the rocks sea, which is clean and blue. Torres is a large municipality in Rio Grande do Sul, full of guesthouses and hotels. Most of the hotels have good standards but nothing sophisticated.
Praia de Tramandaí, Tramandaí
Praia de Tramandaí is another calm beach in the South of Brazil. It is also possible to practice nautical sports. The gastronomic structure does not disappoint, with many bars and restaurants. The region has about 30 options for accommodation, including hotels and guesthouses. However, if you are looking for luxury this is not the best destination for you.
Praia de Xangri-lá, Xangri-lá
This beach has big waves, so it is a perfect beach for surfers. Bathing in the sea is not recommended for children and elderly people. The hotels in the region are predominantly simple and offer only the basics.
Praia de Capão da Canoa
A rough green sea and extensive stretch of fine sand make this beach one of the most beautiful in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. There are many hotels and guesthouses in the region.