Welcome to the Best Beaches in Rio de Janeiro
When people imagine beaches in Rio de Janeiro, they picture golden sand, turquoise water, and the rhythm of samba carried by the ocean breeze. Find in this travel guide for the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
From the refined calm of Leblon to the legendary waves of Copacabana, Rio’s beaches are where the city’s heart beats, joyful, colorful, and alive.
This guide will help you explore not only the most famous beaches but also local gems and insider tips to experience them like a carioca (Rio local).
List of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro
Discover the most iconic best beaches in Rio de Janeiro, each with its own personality, scenery, and rhythm. Whether you prefer the upscale calm of Leblon, the vibrant energy of Ipanema, or the surfer waves of Barra da Tijuca, Rio offers a stretch of sand for every mood and traveler.
1. Leblon Beach (Praia do Leblon)
Peaceful and elegant, Praia do Leblon is known for its upscale atmosphere and postcard-perfect view of the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Mountain). It’s less crowded than Ipanema and attracts families, joggers, and couples seeking a relaxed vibe.
Local tip: Visit the Mirante do Leblon viewpoint at the western end for one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Rio. Enjoy an açaí bowl or fresh coconut water (água de coco) while watching the waves.
2. Ipanema Beach (Praia de Ipanema)
If Leblon is elegance, Ipanema is energy. This world-famous stretch of sand is divided by lifeguard stations (postos), each with its own personality:
- Posto 9: Trendy, youthful, and LGBTQ+ friendly.
- Posto 10: Family-oriented, great for sports.
- Posto 8: Laid-back, local surfers.
Don’t miss: The famous “sunset applause”, every evening, locals and visitors clap as the sun sinks behind the mountains. It’s pure Rio magic.
Nearby: Trendy restaurants and cafés line Rua Farme de Amoedo and Rua Garcia D’Ávila.
3. Copacabana Beach (Praia de Copacabana)
The soul of Rio. Stretching over 4 km (2.5 miles), Copacabana Beach is world-renowned for its black-and-white wave-pattern promenade. By day, you’ll see locals jogging and playing volleyball; by night, musicians, families, and beachgoers fill the sands.
When to visit: Early mornings for peaceful walks, or on Réveillon (New Year’s Eve), when over two million people dressed in white gather for the spectacular fireworks show.
Insider tip: Try água de coco at a beachfront kiosk, then stroll toward the historic Copacabana Palace Hotel, one of Rio’s most elegant landmarks.
4. Arpoador Beach (Praia do Arpoador)
Tucked between Ipanema and Copacabana, Arpoador is a small cove famous for its surfing waves and unforgettable sunsets. Every evening, people climb the rocks, cheer, and applaud the sun’s descent — a local ritual you shouldn’t miss.
Local tip: Arrive around 5 p.m. for golden-hour light and panoramic photos of Ipanema and the Dois Irmãos mountains.
5. Barra da Tijuca Beach (Praia da Barra da Tijuca)
Stretching for nearly 14 km (8.7 miles), Barra da Tijuca is Rio’s longest beach, wide, clean, and less crowded than the southern ones. It’s a paradise for surfers, kitesurfers, and families who prefer open space and modern amenities.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 4 to Jardim Oceânico, then a quick taxi or Uber ride to the beach.
Tip: Check out Praia do Pepê (at the start of Barra) for beach clubs, açaí stalls, and surf schools.
Hidden Beaches and Local Favorites
Beyond the famous coastline, Rio hides a series of secret gems, wilder, more natural, and deeply loved by locals. These spots show Rio’s raw beauty far from the city buzz. Here’s your quick guide to the city’s must-visit beaches, complete with insider tips and what makes each one special.
1. Praia do Secreto (The Secret Beach)
Where: Between Praia da Macumba and Praia do Recreio dos Bandeirantes (West Zone). A natural saltwater pool formed between volcanic rocks, only visible at low tide. How to get there: Uber from Leblon (≈ 45 min). The entrance trail starts near Avenida Estado da Guanabara. Wear sandals with grip, rocks can be slippery. Feeling: Hidden, intimate, pure nature. The sound of waves crashing into rocks feels like another world.
2. Prainha
Where: 50 minutes from Leblon, inside an environmental reserve near Grumari. A small cove framed by jungle-covered hills, famous among surfers for its consistent waves and photographers for its dramatic backdrop. How to get there: Best by car or Uber. There’s a small parking lot, arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends. Feeling: Untouched paradise, you’ll smell the rainforest as soon as you step out of the car.
3. Grumari
Where: Next to Prainha, 1 hour + from the South Zone. A wide, natural beach inside a protected park. No buildings, only sand, sea, and silence. How to get there: Same road as Prainha. Bring water and snacks — there are only two rustic kiosks. Feeling: Like leaving the city completely, ideal for couples, photographers, or a mindful escape.
4. Praia Vermelha (Red Beach)
Where: Urca neighborhood, at the foot of Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). Small, calm waters and a unique view of the cable cars. How to get there: Uber or bus to Urca, 20 min from Copacabana. Feeling: Romantic, peaceful, cinematic, perfect for early swims or sunset walks before visiting Sugarloaf.
5. Praia da Reserva
Where: Between Barra da Tijuca and Recreio. A long, protected beach with clean waters and dunes, part of an ecological reserve. How to get there: Accessible by Uber or bike lane from Barra. Feeling: Minimalist, pure nature, sometimes you might even spot dolphins offshore.
6. Praia do Vidigal
Where: At the base of the Vidigal community, between Leblon and São Conrado. Small and local, with laid-back bars and music. How to get there: Walk 15 min from Leblon or take an Uber to Hotel Sheraton Grand Rio and continue downhill. Feeling: Authentic Carioca spirit: real, spontaneous, alive. Perfect for those wanting culture beyond postcards.
🧭 Getting there: Most of these beaches are 25–45 minutes from Leblon by Uber. Go early for calmer conditions and parking availability.
☀️ When to Visit the Beaches in Rio de Janeiro
- High Season (Dec–Mar): Hot 30–35°C (86–95°F) — beach life, New Year, Carnival.
- Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Nov): Warm 26–30°C (79–86°F) — sightseeing, fewer crowds.
- Low Season (Jun–Aug): Mild 22–25°C (72–77°F) — walks, photography, quiet beaches.
☀️ Water temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F) year-round — comfortable for swimming any time.
🧴 Beach Etiquette and Safety Tips
- Avoid bringing valuables or leaving belongings unattended.
- Apply sunscreen generously. Rio’s UV index is high even when it’s cloudy.
- Vendors (ambulantes) sell snacks, sunglasses, and drinks; prices are negotiable but fair.
- You can rent chairs and umbrellas (cadeiras e guarda-sóis) directly on the beach.
- Swim only between the red-and-yellow flags, they mark safe zones monitored by lifeguards (salva-vidas).
- Respect locals: Cariocas love sharing their beaches, but loud music and waste left behind are frowned upon.
From Sunrise to Sunset
Whether you begin your day jogging along Leblon Beach or end it watching the applause at Arpoador, the beaches in Rio de Janeiro are more than destinations, they’re a way of life.
Each wave, each laugh, each golden sunset reveals why locals call it Cidade Maravilhosa, the Marvelous City.
Your Rio adventure starts on the sand 🌴