No way can one cover the entire length of Brazil’s beaches in one sitting, best take it in strides. Let’s start with Rio de Janeiro. Of course what comes to mind are the city beaches. Names like Copacabana and Ipanema have definite ring to it, and many beaches there are within city limits indeed. But let’s leave Rio to its own chapter and head out of Rio de Janeiro.

Going north of Rio, though geographically it is east on Sun Coast first, the first area of splendid beaches is the Cabo Frio – Buzios area, with some three dozen fantastic beaches within twenty miles of coastline, many in secluded coves.

Buzios is the focal point beach area of the young and restless, with great beaches and great nightlife. Put on the map by Brigitte Bardot in late 60s Buzios is hopping day and night. Beaches of note are Forno, Tartaruga, Brava, Azeda and Azedinha.

There are nice beaches around Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo, another small town nearby, but Ilha do Farol, a fine island close to Arrial, with clear water and underwater grotto, attract more divers and surfers than swimmers looking for comb seas.

Before Cabo Frio there are several lagoons separated from open ocean by sandbars with couple nice beaches, though Saquarema is prime surfers’ beach resort.
If you seek fine beaches and need sumptuous nightlife, don’t mind spending some money and want to play, head to Buzios, but be prepared Buzios is not a budget playground. There are some quality pousadas to stay in and you will eat well though not cheaply.

If you want cheaper and more choices in lodging opt for Cabo Frio, the biggest town in this part of the coastline east and north of Rio de Janeiro.