Beaches

Ipanema
This is, no doubt, the most famous meeting point in Rio de Janeiro and one of the most celebrated beaches in the city – and the world! Its ten-block length includes “soccer-volley” courts, fitness exercise equipment and, at each lifesavers post, there are public toilettes and showers to wash sand and salty water off. It also hosts many events such as the Beach Volley World Championship.

Copacabana
With plenty drinking and snacks bars, it is much appreciated for a late-afternoon cold beer. The beach’s wide stretch of sand extends from Avenida Princesa Isabel to the Copacabana fortress. Copacabana hosts one of the most famous New Year’s Eve parties in the Country, with fireworks and free music shows.

Leblon
This is a calm beach, with good infrastructure for sports and a bicycle track. It is 1,3-km long and is separated from the beach of Ipanema by Jardim de Alá – a channel connecting Rodrigo de Freitas Lake to the sea.

Prainha
It is a small beach with strong waves, one of the most favorite among surfers. Hills surrounding the beach still keep stretches of the original rich Atlantic forest.

Grumari
Environmental conservation area with many cliff walls and very brave seawaters. Grumari’s left corner is also known as Abricó.

Arpoador
Between the Copacabana Fortress and the corner of Rua Francisco Otaviano and Avenida Vieira Souto. It is famous for the huge stone that separates Copacabana and Diabo beaches from the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon. Up on the stone visitors enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Rio, with the Dois Irmãos Hill on the background. It is much appreciated by surfers.

Pepino
With string waves, Pepino beach used for hang-gliders’ landing, as they take flight from the neighboring Gávea Cliff.

Barra da Guaratiba
An urbanized beach, it stretches from the near coastline to Restinga da Marambaia marsh. This beaches gives access to trails leading to desert beaches, such as Inferno, Perigoso and Meio beaches. It offers guided walks. Information: +55 (21) 9111-3763.

Barra da Tijuca
Long and urbanized, with strong waves with some dangerous stretches not recommended to inexperienced swimmers. Much appreciated by surfers.

Pepe
It extends over a stretch of Barra da Tijuca beach just across Rua Noel Nutels, much appreciated by young boys and girls. This beach’s name celebrates a world free flying champion called Pedro Paulo Carneiro Lopes, “Pepê” – who died in a hang-gliding accident in 1991.

Botafogo
An urban beach, it is quite polluted. It offers a beautiful view of Corcovado Hill and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Flamengo
With calm waters, this beach is also quite polluted. It offers visitors a view of fancy boats at Glória Marina.