Brazil🇧🇷 | regionsRegião dos Lagocoastal lagoons, sand dunes, fishing hamlets | things to do and best time to go

Praia do Farol
You need to catch a boat from Arraial do Cabo, and there’s a reason locals treat this as a rite of passage. The sand is so white it almost hurts your eyes, and the water clarity is Caribbean-level. The catch? Strict access limits—only a handful of boats allowed per day, and you get about 45 minutes on the island. Worth every second. If you want to feel like you’ve snuck into a secret club, this is your ticket.

Rua das Pedras, Búzios
Yes, it’s the main drag, but hear me out: this is where the soul of Búzios struts its stuff. Cafés spill onto cobblestones, caipirinhas in hand, and you’re just as likely to hear French as Portuguese. Come at sunset for people-watching and the kind of street music that makes you linger. It’s touristy, but it’s got character—think St. Tropez with flip-flops. … read more 👉

Praia do Farol
You need to catch a boat from Arraial do Cabo, and there’s a reason locals treat this as a rite of passage. The sand is so white it almost hurts your eyes, and the water clarity is Caribbean-level. The catch? Strict access limits—only a handful of boats allowed per day, and you get about 45 minutes on the island. Worth every second. If you want to feel like you’ve snuck into a secret club, this is your ticket.

Rua das Pedras, Búzios
Yes, it’s the main drag, but hear me out: this is where the soul of Búzios struts its stuff. Cafés spill onto cobblestones, caipirinhas in hand, and you’re just as likely to hear French as Portuguese. Come at sunset for people-watching and the kind of street music that makes you linger. It’s touristy, but it’s got character—think St. Tropez with flip-flops.

Praia do Forno, Arraial do Cabo
Skip the main beaches and hike the short, dusty trail over the hill. You’ll drop down to a cove with pink-tinged sand and water that’s somehow always the right temperature. There’s a single shack selling grilled fish and cold beer. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to claim as your own.

Praia das Conchas, Cabo Frio
Locals love this shell-shaped beach for its calm water and family-friendly vibe. Rent a kayak or just float—no one’s rushing here. The seafood stalls at the entrance serve up fried fish that’s as fresh as it gets. It’s not flashy, but it’s the real deal.

Ilha do Japonês, Cabo Frio
A sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide, this is where you’ll find families picnicking and paddleboarders gliding past. Bring your own snacks and go early—by noon, the secret’s out. It’s a slice of local life, and the shallow water is perfect for lazy wading.

Mirante do Morro da Guia, Cabo Frio
Here’s your panoramic shot without the crowds. Climb the steps to the tiny chapel and you’ll get a 360-degree view of Cabo Frio’s lagoons, beaches, and red-tiled roofs. Early morning is magic, with fishermen heading out and the city just waking up. This is my personal favorite—quiet, contemplative, and a world away from the beach bustle.

Praia do Forte, Cabo Frio
The main beach, but not just for the sand. The 17th-century São Mateus Fort anchors one end, and you can wander its ramparts for free. The contrast of colonial stone and turquoise water is pure postcard, but the fort’s history—pirates, gold, and all—gives it real bite.

Praia Brava, Búzios
Not for the faint of heart. The waves here are wild, the crowd is mostly surfers and locals, and the vibe is raw. If you want to escape the Instagram crowd and see how the region really lets loose, this is your spot. Bring your own snacks—there’s nothing commercial here.

Lagoa de Araruama
The largest hypersaline lagoon in Brazil, and a playground for kitesurfers. The wind is relentless, the sunsets are electric, and the little fishing villages along the shore serve up moqueca that’ll ruin you for anywhere else. It’s a world apart from the beach scene.

Praia do Peró, Cabo Frio
A local favorite that rarely makes the guidebooks. Long, wild, and backed by dunes, it’s where you go when you want space to breathe. Vendors walk the sand selling queijo coalho (grilled cheese on a stick)—don’t skip it. This is the anti-tourist beach, and that’s exactly the point.