8 Beaches You Must Visit in Arraial do Cabo

Praia do Forno

Praia do Forno is one of Arraial do Cabo’s main attractions—and for good reason! The colorful water in the cove, the stretch of white sand, and the lush vegetation creates a picture-perfect scene. To reach the beach, you’ll need to follow a hiking trail that includes an uphill climb, but it’s manageable. Along the way, you’ll find a lookout point with a bench perfectly placed for you to admire the beach from above. It will be hard to leave!

If you enjoy diving, Praia do Forno is the perfect place for snorkeling, where you can spot plenty of turtles.

Prainha

This small cove, located between the Mirante and Forno hills, offers calm, colorful waters, fine sand, and lots of activity! When you arrive in Arraial do Cabo, this beautiful beach will be your first welcome. The beach is excellent for swimming and easily accessible.

The right side of the beach is always busier. There, you’ll find restaurants, a small clothing market, kiosks, and chair and umbrella rentals. You can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to enjoy the sea! If you’re looking for a quieter experience, head to the left side of the beach.

Praia Grande

Praia Grande stands out for its long stretch of sand. But it’s most famous for its sunset, one of the most iconic in the city! It’s a great idea to enjoy the late afternoon and have dinner nearby, as the boardwalk has excellent restaurants and kiosks.

If you visit during the day, there are plenty of sports options at Praia Grande. You can play volleyball, slackline, beach soccer, and even try surfing on the open-sea waves, which attract surfers from all over.

Praia Brava

Praia Brava is the favorite beach for surfers! Besides that, it’s very well-preserved and almost always empty! You can enjoy this paradise in two ways. The first is by admiring all the beauty of the ocean from the viewpoint. The view is breathtaking! Even better if you plan to watch the sunset from there, as it’s one of the spots in the city with the most incredible late-afternoon views.

The second way is to venture along the trail that leads you to the beach. The path goes through rocks, so you’ll need to be careful and pay attention. The trail starts at the top of Pontal do Atalaia, and some steps have been built to make access easier. Just follow the path down, and you’ll arrive at the beautiful Praia Brava, which stretches for 200 meters.

Make sure to check the tide calendar! Depending on the time of year and time of day, the beach can be completely covered by water, meaning you won’t be able to go down and enjoy it.

Praia do Pontal

Praia do Pontal is a bit hidden, which makes it peaceful and not very crowded. It’s perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy the mix of white sand with a deep blue sea!

You can access it via a dirt road, right after the city’s entrance gate. The road is in good condition, and you can park your car right in front of the beach. No need for trails to reach this paradise!

Praia dos Anjos

You know those TV scenes that show a beautiful beach with many fishing boats? That’s Praia dos Anjos! It’s not a beach for sunbathing, lounging on the sand, or swimming. It’s a place to admire the beauty, and there’s even a lookout offering an amazing view of the beach.

One way or another, you’ll pass by Praia dos Anjos. This is where all the boat tours in the region depart from. It’s also where you’ll find the trail leading to Praia do Forno. And if you’re looking for a restaurant for lunch or dinner, the best ones are located right here. Just take your pick!

For a stunning sunrise, wake up early and head to Praia dos Anjos!

Boat Tour

A boat tour is something you definitely shouldn’t miss in Arraial do Cabo. It’s unmissable! The tour lasts around 3 to 4 hours, and the guide will take you to Praia do Farol, pass by the Gruta Azul, stop at the Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia, and finally take you to Praia do Forno for a delightful swim.

There are boats for all tastes: some are more intimate and quieter, while others are lively with lots of partying! Just choose the option that suits you best and enjoy every minute of this experience! Heads up!

Heads up!

Arraial do Cabo is a great city to visit at any time of the year. To reach this paradise, you can depart from the city of Rio de Janeiro. You can travel by bus or car, and the trip takes about 4 hours. There’s also the option of hiring a private transfer that will take you in a van—the driver picks you up at Rio’s airport or your hotel and drops you off at your accommodation in Arraial do Cabo. Once you arrive in Arraial do Cabo, soak in the atmosphere, the beaches, and the wonderful landscapes! And, of course, don’t forget to take plenty of photos to keep as memories!

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