The Best Beaches in Rio de Janeiro
Everyone likes to spend the day on the beach, laying on the sand the warmth of the sun slowly turning your skin a lovely shade of brown or a bright red if you forget the sunscreen. In Rio de Janeiro going to the beach is more than just laying on the sand it forms part of the fabric of society, each beach has a different vibe and attracts different beach goers. With over 40km of beach to choose from Rio de Janeiro has a beach for everyone. Let’s have a look at some of the more popular beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
Leme- Maybe not one of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beaches but definitely one of the most relaxed. At the northern end of Copacabana beach under the shadow of a huge rudder shaped rock, which gives the beach its name. This beach is very popular with families and the elderly. Just off the beach are some really good restaurants and excellent shopping and there are walking trails over the jungle covered “Morro de Leme” where you might just see a monkey.
Copacabana- Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach, loads of tourists and locals flock to Copacabana beach to soak up the sun, join in impromptu games of football, watch the beautiful people walk by and of course a swim. You won’t see too much swimming though as many of the locals can’t swim. At one end of the beach is Sugar Loaf and the other Copacabana Fort and all along the waterfront are shops, restaurants, hotels and bars.
Ipanema- This is where the girl famously hailed from. A carnival like atmosphere invades this beach with vendors selling anything and everything, people playing football and volleyball, surfing and wakeboarding. This beach in Rio de Janeiro stretches for over 3km and there is something happening on every inch of sand.
Leblon- Another very popular beach in Rio de Janeiro the difference here is the exclusivity. Leblon is the playground of Rio’s rich and famous; there are gourmet restaurants, upmarket bars and shopping malls only metres from the beach. One of the major attractions for families at this beach is the special baby and toddler area full of toys and with a baby changing area. It is known as “Baixo Baby”.
Barra- The longest beach in Rio de Janeiro, stretching for over 18km, and also where hardcore water sports are practiced such as wind surfing, kite surfing and surfing. Barra beach is set to host many of these sports during the 2016 Olympic Games. Due to the surf conditions it is not suitable for weak swimmers. All along the beach are bars serving food and drink and if you need a break there is some fantastic shopping at the nearby downtown megamall.
Now we have shown you the beaches it is time to move on to beach etiquette or beach culture so that you can fit in like a local.
- Be fashionable: Guys that means board shorts or swimming trunks. Girls that means a bikini, usually skimpy. Topless is a big no-no.
- Do take a bag or backpack with you not a plastic shopping bag full of your things.
- Girls are able to sit on a kanga (sarong) a chair is also OK. Sorry guys but you need to sit on the sand, a towel is definitely not cool.
- Do buy your food and drink from the beach vendors, help support the locals.
- Robberies are common along the beaches in Rio de Janeiro so leave any valuables at your accommodation. Just take the money you need.
James – Marketing Team
