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A beautiful, quiet, golden sand beach in Brazil

The Best Beaches in Brazil

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By Charlie Baxter


Rainforests, wildlife, Carnival, and football are just a few of the many things Brazil is famous for. From perfect conditions for watersports to idyllic protected coves, and lively city beaches to quaint fishing villages, this enigmatic country is also renowned for its beaches, each with unique qualities to suit everyone’s needs.

Let’s look at some of the best beaches Brazil has to offer.

Ilha Grande

Known for its mix of lush rainforest and secluded coves, Ilha Grande deserves its renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and is widely considered to have some of the best beaches in Brazil. Situated between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the island’s picture-perfect beaches feature fine white sands, a beautiful jade-coloured ocean and unspoilt scenery, providing a stark contrast to these bustling cities.


Lopes Mendes Beach is one of the most popular around the island, with the stunning mountainous backdrop and long stretches of sand, which make Ilha Grande a perfect choice for those wanting a mix of beach and wilderness.


 

The beautiful unspoiled Lopes Mendes Beach in the southeastern part of Ilha Grande, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Lopes Mendes Beach, Ilha Grande

Búzios

Originally a quiet fishing village, Búzios has evolved into a lively chic beach resort, with over 20 beaches and a range of shops, bars, and restaurants. With large waves perfect for surfing and watersports, Geribá Beach is among the most popular sprawling over 2km.


Easily accessible by road from Rio de Janeiro, it provides a perfect option for those wanting to escape the city for a spot of relaxation on some of Brazil's best beaches.


 

Fishing boats in the clear blue waters off the coast of Búzios beach in Brazil
Búzios Beach

Praia Espelho, Trancoso

With over five miles of scenic trails along red clay cliffs backed by lush vegetation, Praia Espelho in Trancoso is consistently considered one of Brazil's best beaches, situated within easy reach of Porto Seguro airport. Also known as Mirror Beach, due to the reflection of the sky perfectly hitting the natural warm swimming pools created by reefs at low tide, it is the perfect place to explore, swim or simply switch off and unwind.


 

View of a crystal water of a paradisiac beach in Bahia, Brazil
Espelho Beach

Praia do Forte

An hour’s drive from Salvador International Airport lies the laidback village of Praia do Forte, named after the 1556 fort built on the shores to protect the city from invasion. Surrounded by miles of deserted beach, this area is popular with wildlife enthusiasts due to the big focus on sea turtle and marine conservation.


The untouched white sands are backed by protected marshlands, whilst the village centre boasts quaint restaurants and shops, making it an ideal destination to combine with lively Salvador.


 

The beautiful golden sand beach lined with palm trees in Praia do Forte, Brazil
Praia do Forte

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Arguably one of the world’s most famous beaches, and for good reason too, Copacabana Beach and its striking geometric promenade stretches along Rio de Janeiro’s skyline, with skyscrapers sprawling upwards into the mountains. The beach is one of many in Rio and offers a chance to soak in the sunshine without having to travel out of the city.


Locals often flock on weekends, but with white sands continuing for 4km, there is enough space for everyone to enjoy some beach time during an otherwise packed trip to this energetic city.


 

An aerial view of the skyscrapers that line the white sand beach of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

Jericoacoara

Located in the north of Brazil around four hours from Fortaleza, Jericoacoara is the best beach in Brazil for wind and kite surfing.


The sweeping golden sand dunes, impressive rock formations and idyllic fishing village have been ranked in the ‘Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches Worldwide’ by The Washington Post, and the area offers a range of boutique properties to choose from for the perfect retreat.


 

Two ladies walk along the white sand beaches of Jericoacoara in Brazil
Jericoacoara Beach

Fernando de Noronha

Renowned for snorkelling and diving opportunities, the archipelago 350km off the coast of Brazil features a variety of remote beaches and jagged coastlines within a protected marine park and Brazil’s first national park.


Baio do Sancho on the main island was voted the ‘Best Beach in the World’ on TripAdvisor and has won countless other awards. Visitor numbers to the island are restricted to preserve the natural beauty, therefore providing a sense of tranquillity and paradise, perfect to round off a busy Brazil itinerary.


 

An aerial view of the golden sands and blue ocean of Fernando de Noronha in Brazil
Fernando de Noronha

For more inspiration, take a look at our Brazil Holidays pages.

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Written by Charlie Baxter

Charlie is a Procurement Manager for South America based in our Kensington head office. Charlie has worked at Trailfinders since 2022 and has travelled to 34 countries. His favourite destinations include Australia, South Africa and Japan.

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