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Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil
Life in Rio revolves around its long, golden beaches, where cariocas meet to relax, play and socialise. No visit to Rio would be complete without experiencing at least one. Beaches facing Guanabara Bay, including Botafogo and Flamengo, are pretty but water quality is poor. Atlantic-facing beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema, are larger and cleaner. Beaches in the outer suburbs – like Grumari and Prainha – have the highest water quality and the best surf.
Join Rio locals for an early-morning workout. Joggers run along the sand, gym bunnies pump iron al fresco and everyone gathers at kiosks for a pre-work acai or coconut juice.
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Destination Guide >Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil
At over 18km, this is the longest beach in metropolitan Rio. The water is clean, and the open ocean and prevailing winds make for good kite-, wind- and board-surfing. K08 offers kitesurfing courses. Rio Adventures offer surf lessons.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil
Head to this tranquil beach across the bay from Rio at sunset for superb views of the sun sinking behind the city, Sugar Loaf and Corcovado.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil
This world-famous 4km crescent is the epicentre of Rio’s beach scene and the perfect place for beach sports and people-watching. It;’s not great for swimming – water quality is especially poor when the tide comes in.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil
Nature-loving locals seek out this stretch of pearly sand backed by rainforest and washed by gentle waves. It’s a 40-minute drive from central Rio and you’ll need your own transport.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Water temperatures average between 21°C and 27°C. Don’t wear or take valuables to the beach – only bring what you’re prepared to lose. And never walk on Rio’s beaches after dusk; muggings are common.
Rio’s best surf beaches are Barra da Tijuca, Grumari and Prainha, on the outskirts of the city. You can hire boards there, or take a lesson with rioadventures.com – with 20-25 knot winds, warm waters and a sandy bottom, Barra da Tijuca is also a kitesurfing hotspot. K08 offers courses recognised by the International Kiteboarding Organisation.
For post-beach refreshments, head to one of the many small drinks kiosks up and all the ocean beaches – for fresh, ice-cold coconuts. (You drink the delicious fresh juice straight out with a straw). Or make for a juice bar for a bowl of purple acai slushie – a vitamin-packed rainforest berry and local superfood.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil
This sumptuous beachside boutique, with a rooftop pool and bar, is where visiting celebs come to admire the Copacabana views and each other.
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Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil
There’s a rooftop sundeck with fabulous beach views, a small pool and the restaurant serves high quality comfort food including a huge breakfast (included in the price).
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Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil
Good-value hipster hotels in upcoming Botafogo with Christ and Sugarloaf views from rooms and the rooftop bar
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Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil
Ducasse-trained chef is sumptuous. That’s a good thing, because alternative eateries, bars and the famous beaches are a 20-minute cab ride away.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Southeastern Region, Brazil
Heaven for healthy hedonists – hang glide, surf or hike by day, relax on the beach and party all night. Then, of course, there’s that carnival…
