Brazil has some of the sexiest, swoon-inducing, stretches of sand in the world. Glorious beaches fringe much of the country’s 7500 km-long coastlines, from the steamy tropical coast in the north to the sweeping strands of silvery sand near the southern Argentinean border. Brazil is one of the world’s hottest beach destinations, with chic low-key resorts, coral reefs and superb surfing. Here is our pick of the best Brazil beaches.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Brazil, your essential guide for visiting Brazil.
Nestled between a bottle-green ocean, a heart-shaped lagoon, and the towering, forest-covered boulders of the Serra do Mar, Ipanema is one of the best beaches in Brazil – and easily one of the most iconic beaches in the world.
Head to the far southern end for an early breakfast in the buttery yellow light. Then grab a chair at one of the simple beach shacks and order an ice-cold, freshly-cut coconut and an energizing açaí berry sorbet. Ipanema isn’t just a postcard-perfect slice of Rio – it’s a symbol of Brazil beaches at their most effortlessly cool.
Take the Rio metro (Line 4) and get off at General Osório station. From there, it's a short walk to the beach. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also easy and affordable in Rio.
December to March is peak season, with hot days and a buzzing atmosphere. For fewer crowds but plenty of sun, aim for April to June or September to November.
Palms and Two Brothers Mountain on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Shutterstock
One of the most renowned Brazilian beaches, Copacabana was once an isolated area, cut off from the rest of Rio by mountains until 1892, when the Túnel Velho linked it to Botafogo. The open sea soon drew beachgoers, but Copacabana remained sparsely populated until the grand Neoclassical-style Copacabana Palace Hotel opened its doors.
Copacabana still feels larger than life. The over-the-top vibe is etched into the very pavement – mosaic wave patterns designed by landscape architect Burle Marx. While it may be past its golden age, this is still one of the best beaches in Brazil for people-watching, with locals playing football on the floodlit sand long into the night.
Take the Rio metro (Line 1) and get off at Cardeal Arcoverde, Siqueira Campos, or Cantagalo stations – all a short walk from the beach. Taxis and ride-shares are also readily available.
Visit between December and March for summer sun and big energy. For a more relaxed vibe and cooler temperatures, go in April-June or September-November.
Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro © Pixabay
The environmentally protected archipelago of Fernando de Noronha lies in the equatorial Atlantic, around 545km from Pernambuco and 350km from Natal. It's home to some of the most unspoiled Brazil beaches and is one of the top spots in the country for snorkeling and diving.
The largest and only inhabited island, Ilha de Fernando de Noronha, is just 10km long and mostly within the national marine park. The main hub is Vila dos Remédios, surrounded by a few quiet villages connected by a single road. The most famous beaches – Baía dos Porcos, Praia do Leão, and the iconic Praia do Sancho – all sit inside the protected area. Sancho is the standout: a golden-sand cove with turquoise water, backed by cliffs and reached via a steep metal ladder built into the rock.
Fly into Fernando de Noronha from Recife or Natal – flights take around 1.5 hours. From Vila dos Remédios, you can get to Praia do Sancho by shuttle, buggy, or taxi. To access the beach, you’ll need a park pass and a short hike followed by a ladder descent through a rock crevice.
August to October offers calm seas and excellent snorkeling. January to March brings bigger swells – good for diving, but less ideal for swimming.
Fernando de Noronha Island - Baia do Sancho © dronepicr/Flickr under CC BY 2.0 license
Cacimba do Padre is one of the island’s most dramatic stretches of sand – a broad, one-kilometre arc tucked between rugged headlands and facing the open Atlantic. It’s known for powerful surf and the striking Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) rock formation just offshore.
In peak season, this beach becomes a magnet for Brazil’s top surfers. Off-season, it's quieter but just as wild and scenic. It’s less polished than Sancho, but no less memorable – especially if you're chasing waves or sunsets. Its raw beauty and surf culture make it one of the best places to visit in Brazil if you're looking to escape the crowds without giving up adventure.
Fly into Fernando de Noronha, then take a shuttle or buggy from Vila dos Remédios. A short sandy path leads to the beach – no ladder required.
December to March brings world-class surf conditions. For a calmer experience, visit from August to October.
Cacimba do Padre on Fernando de Noronha © Alex Robinson
Not all Brazil beaches are saltwater. Pesqueiro sits on Ilha do Marajó – a sandbank the size of Denmark at the mouth of the Amazon River. It stretches north like a continent of its own, dotted with tiny fishing villages on stilts, caiman-filled mangroves, and pockets of Amazon rainforest.
What makes Pesqueiro so unusual is the water. It’s washed by a gentle, freshwater river-sea that flows wide and deep into the Atlantic, turning the ocean sweet for nearly 100km offshore. The beach itself is vast and peaceful, with soft sand and no crashing surf – just long, calm stretches where the Amazon meets the sea.
Take a ferry from Belém to Ilha do Marajó – around 3 hours. From the port at Camará, it’s another hour by road to the beach, either by taxi or shared transfer.
June to November is the dry season – the best time for beach days and exploring inland. January to May is wetter but still warm, with fewer crowds.
Porto Pesqueiro, Brazil © MTur Destino/Flickr/Public Domain
The mountains of southeastern Brazil’s Atlantic forest drop into an emerald-green ocean, rising again offshore as a ripple of islands. The most beautiful of these is Ilha Grande – Big Island. Covered in dense tropical forest and completely roadless, the island is all about boat rides and hiking trails that lead to its string of untamed beaches.
Lopes Mendes is the most famous. It’s about a two-hour trek from the island’s only village, Abrãao, along a trail that climbs through monkey-filled trees, winds past warm, sheltered bays, and finally opens onto a wild, three-kilometre stretch of white sand. Backed by forest and pounded by open-ocean surf, it’s one of the most untouched spots on the island – a must for any Brazil itinerary that includes Ilha Grande.
Take a ferry from Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba to Vila do Abrãao on Ilha Grande. From there, hike the well-marked trail to Lopes Mendes (about 2 hours), or take a boat to Pouso and walk the final 20 minutes.
Go between May and October for drier weather and calmer seas. Summer (December to March) brings heat, humidity, and bigger waves – better for surfing, but tougher for hiking.
Lopes Mendes beach on Ilha Grande © Alex Robinson
Trancoso is a boho beach village perched on a high sandstone bluff, where rainforest gives way to tens of kilometres of golden sand. Clustered around a grassy square lined with old Portuguese cottages and a tiny whitewashed church, it feels like a time warp – until you spot the crowd.
Over the past decade, it’s become the off-duty playground of Brazil’s jet set. Supermodels and sun-kissed celebrities roll in for the New Year, staying in laid-back boutique resorts with just the right amount of polish. You’ll find them dining al fresco under the stars or dancing barefoot at beachfront bars. Or you can ditch the scene entirely – some of the most serene stretches of sand are just a short walk away.
If you’re planning a trip to Brazil and want a mix of charm, beach time, and people-watching, Trancoso easily earns its place. It's also one of the best low-key spots to add to your list of things to do in Brazil if you're after something slower, but still stylish.
Fly into Porto Seguro, then drive or take a shuttle to Trancoso – about 1.5 hours. Some resorts offer private transfers. The final stretch is along a dirt road, adding to the off-grid charm.
Visit from August to March for the best weather. New Year and Carnival are peak party times – book ahead or come earlier for quieter beaches and lower prices.
Trancoso, Bahia © otorongo / Shutterstock
Tucked between Trancoso and Caraíva on Bahia’s Discovery Coast, Praia do Espelho ("Mirror Beach") is one of the most quietly spectacular beaches in the country. The name comes from the way the calm, shallow sea reflects the sky at low tide – but it’s not just a pretty face.
Espelho has towering cliffs, tidal pools, coconut palms, and just enough low-key accommodation to feel remote without being isolated. There’s no town here – just a scattering of rustic-chic pousadas and a couple of beachfront restaurants serving grilled fish and caipirinhas. It’s peaceful, stylish, and ideal if you want a break from the Trancoso scene.
Fly into Porto Seguro, then take a road transfer (roughly 2.5 hours via Trancoso). The final stretch is a dirt road, best tackled with a 4x4 in rainy season. You can also hike in from nearby beaches.
August to early December offers clear skies and fewer visitors. January is peak season – expect crowds and high prices. Rain is more likely from March to June, but it’s still warm and quiet.
Out on the tip of the Península de Maraú, Barra Grande is a sleepy, sand-street village surrounded by long beaches and the pristine waters of the Baía de Camamu. Things are starting to shift, but for now it’s blissfully low-key – the kind of place where your biggest decision is whether to walk the beach or do absolutely nothing.
Just south of the village lies Taipus de Fora, a 7km stretch of palm-lined sand facing the open Atlantic. This is one of the most beautiful Brazilian beaches for reef snorkeling, with natural tide pools forming between the coral at low tide. You can base yourself here, or stay in Barra Grande and make it a day trip.
From Ilhéus, drive or take a transfer north to Camamu, then catch a boat to Barra Grande. From there, it’s about 20 minutes by car or moto-taxi to Taipus de Fora. Some pousadas offer bikes or transfers.
July to October is dry and breezy – ideal for reef swimming and beach hikes. December to March is hotter and busier, especially around New Year and Carnival.
Taipus de Fora, Bahia, Brazil © André Solnik/Flickr under CC BY-SA 2.0 license
Prevailing Atlantic winds have swept sand from the wide pink-and-white beaches into towering dunes that stretch far inland, enclosing shallow saltwater lagoons and marshes. From the dune crests, the views are surreal – golden sunsets fading over sand into deep reds and soft pinks.
Those steady winds, calm seas, and clear lagoons have turned Jericoacoara into a magnet for kite- and windsurfers looking to escape the crowds of Europe. It's one of the most iconic beach towns in Brazil, with a laid-back vibe and access to some of the most unique beaches in Brazil’s northeast. Surfing is straightforward here – the town is lined with board rental shops, and nearly all of them offer lessons for every skill level.
Fly into Jericoacoara Airport (JJD), about an hour from town by 4x4. You can also fly into Fortaleza and take a longer transfer (5-6 hours) by road and beach buggy.
Visit between July and January for consistent wind – the prime season for kitesurfing and windsurfing. August to December sees the least rain and the clearest skies.
Jericoacoara in Ceará © Alex Robinson
Santos’s beaches stretch along the south side of the island, about 20 minutes by bus from the city center at Praça Mauá. They’re broad, urban, and backed by gardens and bike paths – more functional than idyllic, but still a welcome escape from São Paulo’s sprawl.
The Gonzaga neighborhood faces the Baía de Santos and is where you’ll find most hotels and shopping malls. It’s not the most interesting part of town, but it’s where many visitors end up staying. The main landmark – aside from the sand – is a giant statue of nineteenth-century political figure Antônio Carlos Ribeiro de Andrada e Silva. While Santos may not offer the best beaches in Brazil, it’s an easy, accessible spot for a quick seaside break.
From São Paulo, take a bus to Santos (about 1.5-2 hours), then hop on a local bus or taxi to the beach at Gonzaga.
Visit between April and October for milder weather and fewer crowds. Summer (December to March) is hotter and livelier, especially on weekends.
Praia do Campeche sits on the southeastern coast of Santa Catarina Island, just outside the city of Florianópolis. It’s one of the best beaches in southern Brazil for surfing, with strong Atlantic swells and a wide stretch of soft, white sand.
This isn’t just a surf beach, though. You can rent a board or a kayak, hike the nearby coastal trails, or just watch the waves with a cold drink in hand. The area around the beach has a casual, beach-town vibe, with a handful of bars and restaurants serving local seafood and craft beer. It’s less polished than the north of the island – but that’s part of the appeal.
From central Florianópolis, it’s about 30 minutes by car or bus. Ride-hailing apps also work well across the island.
Visit from December to March for warm weather and consistent surf. April to June is quieter but still pleasant, especially for hiking and beach walks.
Praia do Campeche, Santa Catarina Island, Brazil © Flickr/Otávio Nogueira under CC BY 2.0 license
A long-time favorite among independent travelers, Praia da Pipa is set just south of Natal and draws a laid-back crowd with its warm seas, dramatic cliffs, and easy pace. It’s one of the best spots in Brazil’s northeast for spotting dolphins – they swim close to shore most mornings.
The main hub is 1.5km-long Praia da Pipa, lined with bars, beach clubs, and guesthouses. Around the eastern headland is Praia do Amor, where the waves make it popular with surfers. To the west is Baía dos Golfinhos – the best place for dolphin-spotting – and, further still, Praia Madeiro, a sandy crescent backed by forest and ideal for beginner surfers.
From Natal, it’s about 90 minutes by car or bus. Shared vans and shuttles run regularly from the Ponta Negra area.
September to February brings dry weather, good surf, and lots of sun. March to July is wetter, but the dolphins don’t seem to mind.
Praia da Pipa Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil © Rosanetur/Flickr under CC BY 2.0 license
The coast south of Recife has some of the best beaches in the state, especially Porto de Galinhas – a former fishing village turned resort and now one of the most well-known beaches in Brazil. Further down, the village of Tamandaré offers a quieter alternative, though that’s changing fast.
Porto de Galinhas, about 65km south of Recife, is no longer sleepy. Its pedestrianized center is packed with beachwear shops, food stalls, and souvenir stands. But the main draw is the beach itself – palm-fringed, wide, and lapped by bright, warm water. Jangadas (traditional sailboats) take visitors out to the nearby natural coral pools at low tide, while surfers head to Maracaípe just down the road for consistent waves and fewer crowds.
The easiest route is by car or shuttle from Recife – the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Buses also run regularly from the city’s main terminal.
September to March is best for dry weather and clear water in the pools. Avoid June and July if you’re after sunshine – that’s peak rainy season.
About 57km south of Porto de Galinhas, the fishing village of Tamandaré still clings to its roots – you’ll see jangadas pulled up on the sand and fishermen repairing nets. But change is creeping in, with weekend homes and boutique pousadas popping up along the coast.
Just 8km north of the village is Praia dos Carneiros, one of the most photogenic beaches in Brazil. It’s a long, palm-fringed curve of sand, with warm, shallow water and a handful of stylish pousadas and beach bars. The standout landmark is the small whitewashed Capela de São Benedito, set right on the sand and framed by coconut palms – yes, it’s Instagram-famous, but the setting lives up to the hype.
From Porto de Galinhas, it’s around 1.5 hours by car or transfer. You can also take a bus to Tamandaré, then a taxi or moto-taxi to Carneiros.
August to February is ideal for sunny beach days and warm water. March to July is the rainy season, when some pousadas scale back services.
Praia dos Carneiros, Tamandare, Brazil © Rodrigo Soldon/Flickr under CC BY-ND 2.0 license
Looking for more beach holiday options in South America? Explore our list of the best beaches in Uruguay.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Brazil without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our Brazil travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
written by
Alex Robinson
updated 22.07.2025
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