Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro Beaches

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Beaches

Copacabana Beach
Copacabana Beach and its smaller adjacent Leme Beach are the top destinations for beach lovers in Rio de Janeiro. It’s where most visitors sunbathe, play volleyball, play foot volley, and engage in water sports. Copacabana is a great Rio seaside for experiencing beach party life all day and most of the night with kiosks, bars, and cafes along its 4 kilometers length. MAP

Leme Beach
At the northern end of Leme Beach, the historical Forte Duque de Caxias is a good place to sightsee Leme Beach, Copacabana Beach, and Sugarloaf Mountain. A coastal walk leads to Mureta do Leme observation point with sweeping views of the beach and Atlantic Ocean. It also has rocks that kids jump from into Leme Beach water for kicks. MAP

Ipanema Beach
As one of Rio’s most iconic beaches, Ipanema is where to be to witness beach chic and lively scenes set against a dramatic natural backdrop. The parallel street and promenade that runs along the coast usually bustle with Brazilian locals and visitors who walk, skate, and bike along its length. Down on the stretch of white sand, more fun awaits. Beach volleyball and tennis nets, as well as parasol-shaded sun loungers, line the slightly curved bay, backed by the twin hills of Morro Dois Irmãos. MAP

Arpoador Beach
A popular Rio beach for sunsets. This beautiful stretch of sand lies between Ipanema and the fort of Copacabana. Arpoador offers great surf, but many who visit often make the climb up to the namesake rock formation overlooking the coast, for the dramatic sunsets. When you get up there, you can join in on the local tradition of clapping and cheering on to celebrate the spectacle as the great ball of fire descends into the ocean. If you’re thinking of going for night swims, Arpoador is an ideal spot as it’s very well-lit. MAP

Flamengo Beach and Park at night

Flamengo Beach & Park at night

LeBlon Beach
South of and adjacent to its more famous sibling, this beautiful stretch of sand lies between Ipanema Beach and the Forte Copacabana. LeBlon offers great surf, but many who visit often make the climb up to the namesake rock formation overlooking the coast, for the dramatic sunsets.MAP

Vidigal Beach
This small white sand beach at the base of Morro Dois Irmãos, “Two Brothers Hill”, feels like a private beach for the Sheraton Resort Hotel. Once reaching the peak you can see all of South Zone from Botafogo to Leblon, including Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. People often hike up to Morro Dois Irmãos, then return to Vidigal Beach. This beach is also known and loved for being close to Vidigal Favela artistic community. MAP

Joatinga Beach
A secluded haven for wave riders, Joatinga has become an upscale resort area with a collection of luxurious villas and resorts dotting the surrounding rugged cliffs. The 300-meter-long coastal stretch is only accessible during low tide. A paddle out from the beach across azure waters treats you to some great swells for surfing and bodyboarding. MAP

Vermelha Beach
This small enclosed volcanic beach is cradled by the Sugarloaf Mountain forest. Access it down a footpath that is formed from red sand and rocks. The sand gives off a pinkish glow, most apparent usually in the afternoons. A row of cafes and beach cabin-style bars surround the beach making it popular with younger crowds. MAP

São Conrado Beach
It’s popular for surfing and hang-gliding in the southern zone of Rio surrounded by modern buildings. Praia de São Conrado stretches for around a kilometer with soft golden sand and great surf. The 2600-foot-tall Pedra da Gávea stone mountain is nearby. Hike to the top for great views over the beach and Rocinha, the largest favela in Brazil. MAP

Flamengo Beach & Park
This beach and modern park is the go-to spot for exercise, yoga, cycling, jogging, skating, and beach life. Families also push baby strollers in its city park along the length of Flamengo with views of the seaside and Sugarloaf Mountain. Flamengo Park separates the main road and the coastline, with spacious lawn sections under the shade of palm trees, as well as a skatepark, a running track, and sporting facilities nearby. MAP

Barra da Tijuca
Rio’s modern resort beach in the southwest features white sand that stretches over 11 miles. Barra is an easy half-hour ride from Central Rio on RioMetro. As Rio’s longest beach, you can find a mixed crowd of locals and visitors who enjoy water sports, particularly surfing, windsurfing, and beach soccer. MAP

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