Brazil's Best Beaches: 25 Coastal Gems

Accessible only by boat or a dramatic ladder descent through a rock crevice, Baía do Sancho is a secluded paradise on Fernando de Noronha. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers pristine snorkeling with sea turtles and reef fish, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Praia dos Carneiros is a palm-fringed paradise in Pernambuco, known for its iconic chapel at the water's edge. The natural tidal pools formed by offshore reefs and the dense coconut palm groves create a serene tropical atmosphere.

Copacabana Beach is the legendary 4km Rio beach with its iconic wave-pattern promenade and unmatched urban energy. From beach football to the Fort of Copacabana with panoramic views, it's a vibrant slice of city life.

Ipanema Beach is Rio's chic and cultured beach, famed in song and for its dramatic Dois Irmãos sunset views. The sunset applause ritual at Arpoador rock and the distinctive 'postos' beach sections add to its charm.

Praia do Forte is a palm-lined Bahian beach home to the renowned Projeto Tamar sea turtle sanctuary. The natural tidal pools at low tide and the nearby Castelo Garcia d'Ávila ruins make it a unique destination.

Praia de Jericoacoara is a bohemian dune-fringed beach village in Ceará, famed for kitesurfing and starlit sand streets. The sunset ritual atop the Duna do Pôr do Sol and the Pedra Furada natural rock arch are highlights.

Praia do Espelho is a mirror-smooth low-tide beach backed by dramatic cliffs on Bahia's Discovery Coast. The natural reef pools at low tide and the exclusive, secluded ambience make it a hidden gem.

Praia de Lopes Mendes is a car-free paradise beach on Ilha Grande reached only by boat and jungle hike. The squeaky fine white sand and consistent surf break make it a surfer's dream.

Praia do Rosa is a horseshoe-shaped Santa Catarina beach renowned for southern right whale watching. The Lagoa do Rosa freshwater lagoon and consistent surf breaks add to its appeal.

Praia da Pipa - Madeiro is a quieter forested-cliff beach near Pipa, ideal for beginner surfers and dolphin sightings. The gentle waves and forested cliffs backing the sand create a tranquil setting.

Baía dos Porcos is a tiny rock-framed bay on Fernando de Noronha with superb tide pool snorkeling and a Dois Irmãos view. The pristine snorkeling with reef fish and rocky scramble access add adventure.

Morro de São Paulo - Quarta Praia is the most beautiful of Morro de São Paulo's numbered beaches, with palms and reef-sheltered tidal pools. The car-free tropical island atmosphere and catamaran arrival from Salvador make it a perfect escape.

Praia de Ponta Negra is Natal's lively city beach anchored by the striking Morro do Careca dune. The 3km lively beachfront promenade and warm, calm waters for swimming make it a family favorite.

Praia do Patacho is an unspoiled palm-backed Alagoas beach near one of the last Antillean manatee sanctuaries. The thousands of coconut palms and reef-protected calm waters create a serene environment.

Praia do Gunga is a photogenic Alagoas beach where the Rio Roteiro meets the Atlantic beneath coconut-crowned cliffs. The classic Maceió buggy day trip and calm lagoon for paddle boarding add to its charm.

Praia de Maragogi is the 'Brazilian Caribbean' of Alagoas, famed for its offshore Galés reef pools of transparent turquoise water. The catamaran trips over reef and long sandy town beach make it a tropical paradise.

Praia de Canoa Quebrada is a Ceará beach town beneath dramatic red-ochre cliffs, known for dune buggies and a lively nightlife. The iconic moon-and-star carved cliff symbol and paragliding from cliff tops add to its appeal.

Praia do Farol de Santa Marta is a wild Santa Catarina coastline crowned by one of the Americas' largest lighthouses. The historic Santa Marta lighthouse and consistent surf breaks make it a surfer's paradise.

Praia Mole is Florianópolis's most fashionable surf beach, a horseshoe of soft sand framed by green hills. The international surf competitions and vibrant LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere make it a lively destination.

Praia do Francês is an Alagoas beach with one side of calm reef pools and another of surf-worthy Atlantic waves. The warm natural tidal pools and colorful beachfront food scene make it a versatile destination.

Praia de Taipus de Fora is a remote Bahia peninsula beach with some of Brazil's largest and clearest natural reef pools. The vast low-tide reef pools and natural aquarium with reef fish make it a snorkeler's paradise.

Praia de Taíba is a traditional Ceará fishing village with world-class kitesurfing conditions and rolling dunes. The flat-water lagoons for freestyle and traditional fishing village atmosphere make it a kitesurfer's dream.

Praia Vermelha - Ubatuba is a small red-sand cove in Ubatuba enclosed by Atlantic Forest-covered headlands. The distinctive reddish fine sand and short trail to neighboring beaches make it a unique destination.

Praia do Sono is a remote Caiçara beach community near Paraty, reached only by jungle trail or boat. The 90-minute Atlantic Forest hike in and traditional Caiçara community make it an adventurous escape.