The city of Rio de Janeiro has over 100 kilometer of beach coast and more than 20 beaches. Everybody knows the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, but there are way more great beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Some of them are actually more beautiful and pleasant than the two most famous beaches of Rio. In this article you will find are the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro you definitely need to visit while spending time here.
Praia Vermelha
The Red Beach is the only beach on this list located in the touristic South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. In fact, you can find this quiet little beach, with a little more than 200 meters of extension, right next to the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s a beach with an enchanting view, a real paradise within Rio de Janeiro. Located in Urca, one of the most famous districts of Rio de Janeiro, Praia Vermelha is next to the square from where the cable car leaves to the Sugar Loaf, and has a beautiful view of one of the main postcards of the city. Praia Vermelha is characterized by its thick sand and reddish color and mainly visited by locals, since the tourists prefer to visit the more famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
How to get to Praia Vermelha:
From anywhere in the South Zone or City Center, get a taxi or Uber. It will cost you around R$ 20 to get there. With the metro, you need to go to the station of Botafogo and from there it is about a 30 minutes walk. You also can go by bus, get line 581 or 582 to Urca and walk the last part to the beach.
Prainha
Prainha is a beach with small dimensions, only 150 meters and a narrow strip of sand. It is located in the West Zone of Rio, between the districts of Grumari and Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Surrounded by hills and rocks and covered by abundant vegetation of native Atlantic Forest, this beach hides a unique beauty. It has clear sands, great waves and crystalline waters, as it is not polluted by the city. This makes Prainha to be considered as the best surf spot in Rio de Janeiro, a true paradise. It is also home to several tournaments, National and International Surfing Championships. In addition to all the beauty and attractions offered by the beautiful waves, Prainha also has good services. It is possible to spend the whole day at the beach, serving yourself with snacks and drinks sold at the kiosks in the area. You definitely have to go the restaurant Mirante da Prainha, located right next to the beach, for a fresh fish (open from 10am to 5pm).
How to get there to Prainha:
You can go by metro to the last stop, Jardim Oceânico. From there it will cost you around R$50 with a taxi. However, it can be a problem to come back by taxi since there is little internet connection. You might need to walk a couple of hundred meters to get to the beach of Macumba, where you have more movement and possibility to find a taxi or order an Uber.
Praia da Joatinga
Joatinga Beach is literally a place to relax. It is located inside a condominium — called Costa Brava — with a guard at the entrance. The beach, which is small with a length of about 300 meters, has several good restaurants and bars and a great security, offering greater comfort and tranquility to the visitors and locals of the place.
Among the negatives of Joatinga beach are the fact that at times it is not suitable for bathing, parking is not prepared for the number of cars passing through the region, causing traffic jams and being a beach located in a valley area, the sun goes away faster than normal. So you need to be early to visit this place. Despite these issues, Joatinga is an of the nicest beaches in Rio de Janeiro, being sought after by those who seek tranquility on a beach far from the chaos of the city.
How to get to Praia da Joatinga:
You can go by metro and get out at São Conrado station. From there you will need a taxi or Uber to get to the entrance of Costa Brava map. Or you can get a taxi right away, which leaving from Copacabana or Ipanema will cost you around R$40-50.
Grumari
Grumari is probably the best beach around in Rio de Janeiro. It is located 40 kilometers from the famous Copacabana, but it is worth a visit. With 2.5 kilometers of extension and almost no one around it will take you back in time. Between the many hills, shores and green vegetation, you stay in a protected natural zone where the local beauty and the ecosystem are preserved.
It is a breathtaking scenery and a perfect place to surf as well. It is advisable to visit the beach on weekends, as these are the days when there is a considerable flow of people.
How to get there:
Since the beach is far away from civilization, it is best to rent a car. Or make a deal with a taxi driver to pick you up at a fixed time.
Praia do Pepê
A small beach that is part of the huge beach of Barra da Tijuca. It is well known as a great place to practice sports, and therefore being frequented by several artists. Originally a spot for kitesurfing, it turned out to be one of the popular hot spots for the young and rich locals. Lots of nice bars and restaurants with live music, create a nice atmosphere — especially on the weekends. The Clássico Beach Club is the most famous. Praia do Pepê is definitely one of the beaches in Rio de Janeiro cariocas love the most.
Both the name of the beach and that of the Avenida, which is right next to the waterfront, were given in honor of the businessman and sportsman, Pedro Paulo Guise Carneiro Lopes, or Pepê. He was very popular in the region and tragically died in a hang gliding accident.
How to get to Praia do Pepê:
You can go by metro to the last stop, Jardim Oceânico. From there it is a 10 minute walk to the beach.
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