Arraial do Cabo is a city in Rio de Janeiro that is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. With crystal-clear waters, white sand, and stunning landscapes, the beaches in Arraial do Cabo are a must-visit for those traveling to the Lakes Region, which includes Búzios, Arraial do Cabo, and Cabo Frio.
The best beach in Arraial do Cabo
Editor’s Choice
Farol Beach is my favorite beach in Arraial do Cabo. This is because its waters are extremely clean and crystal-clear; without a doubt, it has the clearest water in the city. Additionally, the beach is located in a marine preservation area, which keeps it clean and free from trash and other pollutants. Although access and the time you can spend at Farol Beach are limited, I think the trip is worth every second.
Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro (see where to stay in Rio de Janeiro), make sure to explore the best beaches in Arraial do Cabo, with unique tips and information on what to do and what to expect from each beach.
The best beaches in Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo offers more than 12 beaches, ranging from the more rustic ones nestled in nature to the urban ones with bars and snack stands, and even some more secluded ones. But regardless of the type of beach, one thing is guaranteed: all the beaches in Arraial do Cabo are beautiful, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine, white sand.
Besides all their beauty, the beaches in Arraial do Cabo have one feature that not everyone might like: their waters are quite cold, even on sunny days. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the best beaches to visit in Arraial do Cabo.
Recommendations for your trip to Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro:
Transfer to or from Rio de Janeiro
Scuba diving in Arraial do Cabo
1. Farol Beach – the best beach in Arraial do Cabo
Farol Beach (Lighthouse Beach) has been voted several times as one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, thanks to its stunning, preserved condition and very clear waters. This beach is located on a naval preservation island, and access to it is controlled. Therefore, the place only allows 250 visitors at a time, and the maximum duration of stay is 45 minutes. There is no shade on this beach, so it’s advisable to bring a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
How to get there: The only way to reach Farol Beach is by boat tour with authorized vessels. Independent visits to the beach are not allowed.
Pros: The beach is clean, preserved, offers magnificent views of nature, and has the clearest waters in Arraial do Cabo.
Cons: Due to the daily restriction on the number of visitors, even if you book a boat tour, there is no guarantee that the boat will stop at this beach. If the visitor limit has already been reached at the time of your tour, the boat will not be able to stop at Farol Beach.
2. Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia – the most popular for tourists
Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia are one of the gems of Arraial do Cabo, known for their unique beauty. With a wide stretch of sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, they offer the perfect setting for a refreshing swim or a relaxing day in the sun. Their shallow and calm waters are perfect for swimmers of all ages.
The main attraction is a picturesque staircase that leads to the beach, providing an impressive panoramic view and making for incredible photos, although on busier days there may be some waiting. Be sure to also visit the Gruta do Amor, a cavern with a charming legend that says couples who kiss there will never part.
How to get there: Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia can be reached in several ways, such as by boat ride, water taxi, or through trails and stairs.
Pros: Very beautiful beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming.
Cons: Lack of infrastructure such as kiosks, restaurants, and bathrooms; plus, it gets very crowded on weekends and holidays. Sometimes, the beach is also quite dirty due to the trash left by bathers.
3. Forno Beach – the most beautiful and with good infrastructure
Forno Beach (Oven Beach) is another magnificent beach in Arraial do Cabo. With turquoise blue waters that contrast with all the surrounding vegetation, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Arraial do Cabo. The beach has crystal-clear and wave-free waters, making it ideal for swimming. Its sands are very fine and white, perfectly complementing the beauty of the place. And for those who reach the beach by trail, they can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the beach and Arraial do Cabo.
How to get there: You can reach Forno Beach in two ways: either by water taxi or by trail. We recommend taking the trail, as it features several viewpoints with beautiful views. Boat tours also pass by the beach, but do not stop for swimming.
Pros: Beautiful beach, surrounded by nature, and calm, crystal-clear waters. Additionally, the beach has beach bars, bathrooms, and beach chair rentals.
Cons: The place gets very crowded on weekends and holidays.
4. Praia Grande – the best sunset in Arraial do Cabo
Praia Grande (Grande Beach) is an urban beach with an extensive stretch of sand and many bars and restaurants along its coast. The beach has turquoise waters and an impressive view, as well as a magnificent sunset, which can be enjoyed while having a beer or a caipirinha and admiring the beautiful landscape. Additionally, the beach is also an excellent choice for staying in Arraial do Cabo, given its charm and the availability of cozy accommodations.
How to get there: This is one of the easiest beaches to access in Arraial do Cabo. Therefore, you can get there by car, bus, bicycle, or even stay in the beach area and walk.
Pros: Beautiful urban beach, easy to access, with a magnificent sunset.
Cons: Very cold water; this is the coldest beach in Arraial do Cabo. The beach gets very crowded on weekends and holidays.
5. Brava Beach – the best hidden beach in Arraial do Cabo
Brava Beach is located near Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia and is seldom visited. The reason it is not very frequented is due to its somewhat hidden access and its small strip of sand, which is completely covered by water during high tide. The beach gets its name from the rough sea and the presence of many waves. Although it is small and not well-frequented, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region and has incredible landscapes.
How to get there: Access to Brava Beach is via a trail.
Pros: The beach is beautiful and tends to be quite empty.
Cons: During high tide, the strip of sand on the beach is completely covered.
6. Praia dos Anjos – where the boat tours depart
Praia dos Anjos (Anjos Beach) is another very popular urban beach in Arraial do Cabo. From this beach, the boat tours and water taxis depart. Therefore, the beach’s landscape is characterized by the boats anchored in the blue waters. But, of course, the beach also has a section free of boats for bathers.
Although it is a beautiful beach, Praia dos Anjos is not considered very good for swimming, as there are much prettier and better beaches nearby, like Forno Beach. Moreover, from Praia dos Anjos, you can easily take a water taxi to any other beach.
Praia dos Anjos is also one of the best options for accommodation in Arraial do Cabo, as it is from here that the boat tours depart, and it is located in the city center, close to supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs, bars, and restaurants. Since the boat tours start from this beach, this will facilitate your trip.
How to get there: This beach is easily accessible. Therefore, you can get there by car, bus, bicycle, or even stay in the beach area.
Pros: Easily accessible beach.
Cons: There are much prettier beaches just a few minutes away, like Forno Beach. Additionally, sometimes the beach can be contaminated with oil from the boats.
7. Prainha – the most popular and crowded
Prainha is located at the entrance of Arraial do Cabo and is a very beautiful beach with greenish-blue water, few waves, and an extensive strip of sand. Additionally, the beach features a variety of beach bars, bars, and restaurants. This beach is quite popular, so it tends to be crowded.
Although it is a very beautiful beach, it is not among the most beautiful in Arraial do Cabo, as there are much better beaches in the town, such as Forno Beach, Pontal do Atalaia, and Farol Beach.
How to get there: This beach is easily accessible. Therefore, you can get there by car, bus, bicycle, or even stay in the beach area.
Pros: Easily accessible beach.
Cons: The beach often tends to be quite dirty, with trash on the sand and in the surroundings, and it is also a beach that gets very crowded.
These are the beaches in Arraial do Cabo that we consider the most beautiful and the best, but the city also has other beaches like Graçainha Beach and Pontal Beach. For those spending more days in Arraial do Cabo, you can also take the opportunity to visit the beaches of Cabo Frio, which are very beautiful as well.
And, of course, if you love a good beach, don’t dismiss the idea of extending your trip to Búzios (check out where to stay in Búzios), an incredible resort with beautiful beaches, magnificent hotels and inns, and many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to liven up your nights in Búzios. If you can’t spend a few days at the destination, we recommend making at least a day trip to Búzios.
Tips for enjoying the beaches of Arraial do Cabo:
- Always ask for the price: Before consuming any product or acquiring a service on the beach, always ask for the price and make sure it is communicated clearly. Also, be aware of the minimum consumption amount required to sit in the chairs of restaurants and beach bars, as, although not legalized, charging a minimum consumption is a very common practice in some establishments.
- Take your trash with you: Some more rustic beaches in Arraial do Cabo do not have trash bins or cleaning services, so to keep the beach clean, take all your trash with you and dispose of it in an appropriate place.
- Bring water and snacks for beaches that require hiking: Some beaches may be accessible through trails or by water taxis. If you opt for hiking, bring water and something to snack on, as even though the trails might be short, the sun can be very intense.
- Use sunscreen: The sun in Brazil is quite strong, especially during the summer. So, don’t forget to apply sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, and if possible, also bring a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
- Water taxi: One of the most common ways to reach the beaches in Arraial do Cabo is by water taxi. These are the boats that take you to and from the beaches. The taxis depart from Praia dos Anjos, and the prices vary depending on the destination.
Did you like our tips on the best beaches in Arraial do Cabo? Then, check out also best hotels in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná.