Praia do Campeche
The city of Florianopolis is an incredibly popular destination for beach lovers with 42 distinct beaches to choose from. Half of the city is on the mainland of Brazil while the other half is on the Island of Santa Catarina. Campeche, on the southeast side of Santa Catarina Island, is one of the best beaches in Florianópolis. The beach is a favorite among surfers, kitesurfers and other active beachgoers. In front of the beach is Ilha do Campeche, an island rich in native rainforest and archaeological sites.
Lopes Mendes, Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is and island off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro that was used long ago as a leper colony, and remained uninhabited for many decades afterward. As a result, this area was able to avoid much of the environmental pressures that come with development. Today, it is one of the most pristine and intact rainforest remnants in the region, and home to many endangered species, like the red-ruffed fruitcrow and the brown howler monkey. The island remains today without vehicles or even roads. Lopes Mendes is a long beach that is a short rainforest trek from the drop-off point of many boats. The surf is good, and it has safe swimming as well.
Jericoacoara
This region, known familiarly as “Jeri” sits secluded at the north end of Brazil, hidden behind a sea of dunes. For those who find that the most rewarding locations require a journey, this is a great choice. A trip across unpaved sand tracks through the dunes is the only way to get here. Arrival to the small town of Jericoacoara greets visitors with small but ample lodging, restaurants and nightlife. Along with spectacular coastal views there are several coastal activities found at Jeri Beach. One must-see trip should be to Sunset Dune and some of the most spectacular sunset vistas to be seen, as well as a chance to see the elusive “green flash” just as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Ipanema
The beach made famous in the bossa nova song “The Girl from Ipanema” in the 1960s is one of Rio de Janiero’s most popular tourist spots today. A long, arcing expanse of soft white sand and rolling waves, Ipanema routinely reaches the top of the “Best Beaches in Brazil” lists year after year. A well-organized grid of shops, cafés and restaurants as well as an array of art galleries, theaters and clubs, border the beach. Located in the upscale South Zone, or “Zona Sul”, Ipanema lies between the beaches of Copacabana and Leblon.
Baia do Sancho
The clear blue waters of this beach keep it consistently on the top ten lists of world beaches. Trip Advisor, the Weather Channel and many others tout this beach, located along the remote Fernando de Noronha archipelago, to be unmatched in pristine beauty. Another beach on the archipelago, Praia do Leão is often ranked highly as well. Both beaches offer crystal clear blue water with areas for swimming and snorkeling. This island chain is sparsely inhabited even during high season, so the island chain is a great place to seek romantic beach seclusion as well.
Copacabana
Though many of Brazil’s famed beaches are wild and secluded, this one is right in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Subsequently, it offers a wide variety of amenities that make it easy to visit without much planning. A beautiful boardwalk with a black-and-white checked pattern of Portuguese stone flanks the sand, with a large number of hotels and restaurants behind. This is a notorious party and festival area, and it is filled with guests during many of Rio’s festivals, and events like the hosting of the World Cup.
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