Brazil🇧🇷 | beachesPraia das Dunaswind-shaped dunes, open sands, kite surfing | things to do and best time to go

1. Sandboarding the Dunes (Essential)
If you’ve ever wanted to combine the thrill of snowboarding with the distinct possibility of getting sand in places you didn’t know existed, this is your moment. Praia das Dunas isn’t just a name—the dunes are real, and they’re massive. Rent a board from a local vendor (expect a board that’s seen more action than your average surf shop rental) and launch yourself down the slopes. The climb back up is a quad workout disguised as fun, but the views from the top—wind-whipped Atlantic on one side, endless sand on the other—are worth every panting step. This is the kind of activity that leaves you grinning, sandy, and slightly sunburned. My personal favorite, because nothing says “vacation” like laughing at your own wipeouts.





2. Kite Surfing the Atlantic … read more 👉

1. Sandboarding the Dunes (Essential)
If you’ve ever wanted to combine the thrill of snowboarding with the distinct possibility of getting sand in places you didn’t know existed, this is your moment. Praia das Dunas isn’t just a name—the dunes are real, and they’re massive. Rent a board from a local vendor (expect a board that’s seen more action than your average surf shop rental) and launch yourself down the slopes. The climb back up is a quad workout disguised as fun, but the views from the top—wind-whipped Atlantic on one side, endless sand on the other—are worth every panting step. This is the kind of activity that leaves you grinning, sandy, and slightly sunburned. My personal favorite, because nothing says “vacation” like laughing at your own wipeouts.





2. Kite Surfing the Atlantic Gusts (Essential)
Praia das Dunas is a magnet for wind junkies. The Atlantic here isn’t just breezy; it’s a full-on wind factory. If you’ve ever wanted to try kite surfing, this is the place. The learning curve is steep, but the payoff is flying across the water with a view of the dunes in the background. You’ll see locals doing aerial tricks that make you question the laws of physics. Even if you’re just spectating, the scene is electric—colorful kites, adrenaline, and the occasional spectacular crash landing.





3. Sunset Dune Hikes (Essential)
Forget the “golden hour” Instagram clichés—here, the sunset actually earns its hype. The dunes swallow the sun in a slow, dramatic fade, and the sand glows like it’s plugged in. Join the slow parade of locals and travelers who climb up with coolers, guitars, or just a stubborn sense of optimism about sand in their shoes. The wind can be relentless, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch impromptu music or capoeira circles at the top.





4. Nighttime Beach Bonfires (Essential, but DIY)
After dark, the beach transforms. There’s no official bonfire scene—just clusters of friends and families making their own fun. Bring your own supplies (and your own crowd, unless you’re feeling bold and want to crash someone else’s party). The stars over the dunes are absurdly bright, and the sound of the surf is a natural soundtrack. It’s low-key, a little wild, and about as far from a resort experience as you can get.





5. Windswept Beach Runs (Overrated)
Yes, the sand is firm enough for a run, and yes, you’ll feel like a fitness influencer for about five minutes. But the wind here is not messing around. Unless you enjoy exfoliating your face with airborne sand and running into a headwind that feels like a personal vendetta, save your energy for the dunes. This is one of those “sounds better in theory” activities.