Beaches of Rio de Janeiro: Beyond Copacabana and Ipanema
When we think of Rio de Janeiro, it’s normal that the first image that comes to mind is the famous landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, the mountains, and of course, the beaches.
As a city — or better yet, a state — by the sea, Rio has no shortage of beaches, but unfortunately, many tourists stick to the Copacabana–Ipanema route.
That’s why in today’s post, I’ll talk a little about the less obvious beaches that are worth your visit.
Rio de Janeiro
The best beaches to enjoy from morning until night, famous for their kiosks and events: Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.
The wide stretch of sand in the West Zone is home to excellent options for families. Since they are less crowded and more spacious, Barra da Tijuca, Recreio, and Prainha are also highlights for those who enjoy outdoor sports.
For those seeking peace and breathtaking landscapes, Grumari is a great choice!
But be careful: in Grumari Park you’ll also find Praia do Abricó, known as a nudist beach, so keep that in mind when taking the little ones.
Niterói
Niterói is a city near Rio, about 20 km away, easily accessible via the Rio–Niterói bridge or ferry boats. The city also has beaches that deserve your visit!
Icaraí Beach is the most famous. Located in the heart of the city, it has a vibe similar to Copacabana and Ipanema. It’s lively and has plenty of shops and services.
São Francisco and Jurujuba beaches are less visited but ideal for sports like rowing and sailing, as well as being popular fishing spots.
Camboinhas, Piratininga, and Itacoatiara are family-friendly beaches. They also attract surfers and hikers, especially Itacoatiara Beach.
The stretch of coastline from Itaipuaçu to Arraial do Cabo, passing through Maricá and Saquarema, is open-sea, which means strong waves — requiring caution when swimming. These beaches are a hotspot for professional surfers.
Região dos Lagos
Known as the “Rio’s Caribbean”, the Lakes Region is famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes.
The beaches of Arraial do Cabo, Cabo Frio, and Búzios are very popular among both tourists and locals, so they tend to be crowded, especially during high season and long weekends.
From Rio das Ostras to São Francisco de Itabapoana, towns also share the same coastline. Although lesser known, they’re worth visiting. Since they face the open sea, extra care is needed when swimming.
Book your Arraial do Cabo tour!
Southern Rio
Now that we’ve covered the beaches north of Rio de Janeiro city, let’s explore those to the south.
Beyond the beaches of Grumari Park, there are Barra de Guaratiba and Marambaia, parts of which are protected by the Army with restricted access to preserve the ecosystem.
Costa Verde / Angra dos Reis and Mangaratiba
Another slice of paradise is the Costa Verde, perfect for nature lovers. Lopes Mendes, Dentista, and Araçá beaches stand out for their crystal-clear waters, tranquility, and calm seas.
Book your Angra dos Reis tour!
Paraty
A historic city with calm, family-friendly beaches such as Trindade and Praia do Sono.
Ilha Grande
A true escape from urban life. With a paradisiacal setting and untouched nature, many beaches here are deserted, allowing you to enjoy them with no worries.
Where to Stay Near the Beaches
To make the most of each beach, it’s important to choose practical and reliable accommodation. Pineapples offers properties near Rio’s main beaches, with comfort, safety, and full infrastructure.
