Ten unmissable urban beaches to visit in Brazil – 03/05/2023 – Tourism

Brazil has more than 2,000 beaches with the most different geographies, from those surrounded by the Atlantic forest, in the South and Southeast, to the dunes and cliffs in the Northeast. And there are also urban beaches, which even with a city in the background, manage to deliver warmth, good bathing and various tours and activities.

In this third chapter of the series of reports on one hundred unmissable places in the country, Folha highlights ten urban beaches in Brazil. The list takes into account the proximity to the urban area, the ease of access, the quality of the bath and the diversity of attractions. See below:

Cumbuco (Caucaia, CE)

In the metropolitan area of ​​Fortaleza, Cumbuco offers, at the same time, the vibe of an isolated beach and the infrastructure of accommodation and beach clubs — which makes it the favorite day trip for people from Fortaleza. Thanks to the trade winds, it’s also one of the most popular kitesurfing spots in the world, so much so that the colorful kites have become part of the landscape. The most experienced even travel by kite to other beaches, but tourists can test their skills without fear near the sandstrip or in the freshwater lagoons nearby.

Ponta Negra (Natal, RN)

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Natal, it’s certainly because you’ve been enchanted by the photos of this beach. It is located on the edge of town, close to Morro do Careca, the postcard dune 107 meters high. The closer to the hill, the calmer the sea, perfect for children. At low tide, it is possible to escape the hustle and bustle by walking around the hill, where small beaches full of stones invite you to contemplate.

Tambaú (João Pessoa, PB)

The blue sea and the sunrise in João Pessoa are already a delight. But Tambaú beach, the most famous in the city, holds other gems, such as the brutalist hotel designed by Sérgio Bernardes and the natural pools of Picãozinho and Seixas, a few kilometers out to sea. Accessible by catamaran, its clear and warm waters provide a fun snorkeling experience, where corals and different species of fish can be observed.

Ponta Verde (Maceio, AL)

5 km from the center of Maceió, this tiny point of the continent is surrounded by reefs that extend 500 meters into the sea, forming the natural pools of crystalline waters that make the capital of Alagoas famous. They are even more beautiful in the weeks of new moon and full moon, at times of low tide —which also reveals a sandbar on the western portion of the beach, Caminho de Moisés. Through it, it is possible to walk through the sea from the sand to the corals, in a curious and fun walk.

Porto da Barra (Salvador, BA)

The 300 meters of sand between the forts of Santa Maria and São Diogo, right at the entrance to the bay of Todos-os-Santos, are the most disputed of all the coast of Salvador. No wonder: Porto da Barra is the only beach in Salvador completely facing west, which guarantees unique and enchanting sunsets. For those who prefer a quieter day at the beach, the tip is to arrive in the morning and take the opportunity to also visit Farol da Barra and its beach, just a ten-minute walk away.

Pitinga (Porto Seguro, BA)

Those who stay at the inns in the historic center of Arraial d’Ajuda, in Porto Seguro, don’t take more than ten minutes by car to be surprised by the exuberance of this beach. Over 30 meters high, its cliffs give a terracotta tone to the landscape and form a viewpoint accessible by two trails: a very short and steep one, and a lighter and longer one. At low tide, the meeting of the Pitinga River with the sea forms a beautiful freshwater lake on the sandstrip. All this just a few meters from a complete parking infrastructure and stalls serving drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Pontal do Atalaia (Arraial do Cabo, RJ)

Only 5 km separate the center of Arraial do Cabo from this beach, which has become one of the most iconic on the Brazilian coast thanks to the easy access, the emerald green waters and the stairs that lead to the strip of sand, which makes the scenery even more instagrammable . Those who prefer can arrive by boat, on tours that depart from Praia dos Anjos and pass by points such as Praia do Forno, Farol and Gruta Azul.

Arpoador (Rio de Janeiro, RJ)

On one side, there is a natural lookout that allows you to see the city from the outside; on the other, Morro Dois Irmãos, one of the main icons of Rio de Janeiro; and finally, a calm and often transparent sea. It is this combination that makes this beach the favorite of so many people — in addition, of course, to the location, 1 km from the General Osório Metro station. From playboys and tourists to the offspring of Pavão-Pavãozinho, everyone goes there to watch the sunset. Sometimes it gets too crowded — but with such a cinematic landscape, it’s understandable.

Joatinga (Rio de Janeiro, RJ)

Those traveling between the south zone and Barra da Tijuca pass by this beach without realizing it. Isolated between two slopes, it is only accessible by sea or by a short path that descends from a closed condominium (but open to the passage) to the sand. On days when the sea is calm, the pool-green waters are transparent — and it’s worth arriving early, as high tide covers the entire beach. It’s so paradisiacal, it’s hard to believe that this setting is just 5 km from two Metro stations (Jardim Oceânico and São Conrado).

Praia Mole (Florianópolis, SC)

Right in the middle of the island’s north and the adventurous vibe of the south, Praia Mole mixes the best of both worlds. Families are attracted by the good infrastructure, surfers go for the good waves and LGBTQIA+ young people for the late afternoon hustle. In the northernmost portion, a rock formation makes the sea calmer and serves as a lookout and starting point for the trail to Galheta beach — which, although naturist, welcomes curious people dressed.