50 best beaches in Brazil

Many people have become acquainted with this beach not through geography lessons or personal travel experiences, but thanks to the enchanting bossa nova hit "The Girl from Ipanema" ("Garota de Ipanema"). Its creators, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, catapulted this shoreline to fame, rivaling even Copacabana. Intriguingly, the name 'Ipanema' translates from Tupi as "bad, dangerous waters." Indeed, the waves here are quite formidable, making it an ideal destination for surf enthusiasts. However, those who venture here simply to swim should proceed with caution.

Copacabana Beach stands as a dazzling highlight among Rio de Janeiro's most iconic attractions. Renowned for its pristine white sands, expansive and well-maintained infrastructure, and breathtakingly vast expanse, this beach captivates with its scenic vistas. It is equally cherished for its vibrant and lively ambiance, a plethora of entertainment options, and its close proximity to one of the world's most stunning metropolises.

Campeche Beach (Praia do Campeche), one of Brazil's premier holiday destinations, holds a prestigious spot among Santa Catarina's top-rated tourist attractions, consistently ranking within the top five renowned resorts. With its archaeological treasures, soothing sunshine, expansive stretches of sand, and crystal-clear waters, the island leaves a lasting impression. As a result, visitors are often compelled to return, drawn by the resort's continuous enhancements that promise an even more delightful experience with each visit.

The beach at Santos, located not far from São Paulo, is a serene escape for city dwellers seeking respite from the frenetic pace of urban life. On weekends, residents of the metropolis flock here to unwind. In terms of scale and popularity, as well as being lined with chic high-rise hotels, it bears a resemblance to Rio's Copacabana. However, Santos Beach offers a more tranquil atmosphere, devoid of the vibrant and occasionally perilous nightlife. For many, the absence of noisy and inebriated crowds is a welcome advantage, making Santos Beach a more peaceful retreat.

Crystal-clear waters, pristine white sands, and an ocean of emerald hues... Lopes Mendes is heralded as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Brazil, offering a serene escape from the clamor of noisy restaurants and bustling nightclubs. This haven of absolute peace and tranquility is serenaded by the cries of seagulls and the rhythmic lapping of foamy waves. Flanked by two majestic hills, Morro dos Castelhanos and Morro do Ferreira, which stand as sentinels to its seclusion, Lopes Mendes invites you to spend an entire day with your family, enjoying a tranquil picnic on the shores of the tempestuous ocean.

In order to avoid pronouncing the lengthy name, locals refer to this beach simply as "Jerry." It is an idyllic haven where travelers often extend their stay beyond their initial plans. The world you enter upon arriving at Jerry is a stark contrast to the frenetic pace of modern life, with its blaring car sirens and congested traffic jams. Here, everything unfolds leisurely and with delight - free from stress, haste, or commotion. It's a place of pure relaxation, where the ocean's presence is the only constant.

Abricó Beach, the sole city beach in Rio de Janeiro officially recognized for naturism, beckons admirers of this liberating lifestyle. Nestled on the western fringes of the city, within the pristine confines of a biological reserve in the Grumari region, Abricó offers an idyllic escape. Renowned as one of the country's earliest nudist beaches, with a history dating back to the 1940s, it remains the only beach officially sanctioned for naturism to this day.

Forno Beach, nestled on the southeastern fringes of the Buzios Peninsula, stands as one of the most breathtakingly picturesque beaches in the region. Tucked away in a secluded bay, just a stone's throw from the namesake resort town, this Brazilian gem is renowned for its unique pink-red sand - a vivid testament to the high iron content mineral predominance. It's this distinctive landscape that occasionally earns the beach the moniker "Martian," captivating visitors who seek a touch of the extraterrestrial on their seaside getaway.

Pipa Beach, renowned as one of Brazil's most celebrated beaches in the northeast, is a haven for kitesurfers. Its name, which translates to "Kite Beach," aptly reflects its popularity among enthusiasts, though the area was once known by other names that vividly described the local scenery, such as "Painted Cliff" and "Cape Verde." Nestled in Tibau do Sul, close to the city of Natal, Pipa Beach lies on the fringes of the quaint fishing village of Pipa.

Baia do Sancho, a small yet incredibly picturesque beach nestled in the eponymous secluded bay on Fernando de Noronha, has been recognized as the first Brazilian marine park. Year after year, this beach consistently ranks among the top ten destinations for a beach vacation in the vast expanse of Brazil. Situated approximately an hour's journey from the northeastern mainland, it undoubtedly merits the attention of all who are drawn to stunning natural landscapes.

Praia dos Carneiros, ranked among the top ten of the world's best beaches and also within the top ten in Brazil, boasts 8 km of pristine white sands that often appear untouched by human presence. Towering palms gently sway over the warm sea, which is home to vibrant underwater reefs. In the lush coastal mangroves, sloths and Ara parrots find sanctuary, while turtles make their way onto the sun-kissed sand. This idyllic setting is a slice of paradise for those seeking a tranquil beach vacation.

Taipus de Fora is often hailed as the most exquisite beach in Brazil. Its soft, white sands extend over 7 kilometers, while the turquoise waters appear almost surreal in their beauty. This slice of paradise is nestled in Maraú, on the southern coast of Bahia.

Porto da Barra, a picturesque crescent of golden sand nestled near Salvador, one of Brazil's most vibrant cities, is a true gem. Situated on the Bay of All Saints, which faces westward, the beach becomes a captivating stage for nature's spectacle each evening, drawing crowds who gather to witness the breathtaking sunset that paints the sky. In 2014, Porto da Barra was rightfully recognized as one of the top 50 beaches in the world by CNN, a testament to its enchanting allure.

Porto de Galinhas, a gem nestled within the Ipojuca municipality, lies in close proximity to the bustling city of Recife. Esteemed by Portuguese-speaking readers of "Viagem e Turismo," a premier travel magazine, Porto de Galinhas has been heralded as Brazil's finest beach destination for an impressive eight times. Situated in the tropical zone near the equator, it boasts an eternal summer ambiance, graced with perpetual sunshine and inviting warm seas that beckon travelers seeking a paradisiacal beach vacation.

Espelho Beach, one of the most captivating beaches on the northeast coast of Brazil, is nestled in Porto Seguro, Bahia, approximately 22 km south of the charming village of Trancoso. The beach's name, translated as "mirror," poetically highlights the pristine clarity of its waters, mirroring the sun's brilliance, the azure sky, and the cotton-white clouds. Encircled by scenic cliffs adorned with lush rainforest, Espelho Beach beckons to romantics at heart, enhancing its allure with every shimmering reflection.