Beaches in Rio de Janeiro – Selection of The Best
We usually tell the people who join our Free Walking Tour Rio de Janeiro that they are special, as they resisted the temptation of going to the beach and choosing to know about the history and curiosities of Rio de Janeiro (Haha)! Truly, Rio has amazing beaches! That’s why I decided to share the best of Rio de Janeiro beaches in my opinion.
Personally, I do not like very crowded beaches – because Copacabana is right in the middle of town, it is easily accessible by subway and bus! In the New Year the beach is looks like this: (believe it or not has sand beneath umbrellas!!)
But this HUGE CITY of more than 6 million people there are still isolated beaches with LOTS of nature!!
Beach #1: Joatinga
The beach is located around luxury condominiums, where Brazilian celebrities live! Condominiums close the area, but by law, all Brazilian beaches must be accessible to all as a public road. So, just say to the man at the gate: “Vou à praia!” (I’m going to the beach).
This beach usually disappear when it’s high tide – so better pay attention on the tide times before going there. Also, you will have to walk down a rock before getting to the beach, that’s why we recommend you to take sneakers with you.
How to get there? It’s not easily accessible, but you can take bus #557 from Copacabana or an Uber!
Beach #2: Prainha
The beach is WONDERFUL and for sure it’s worth seeing it! The beach is surrounded by hills with a nice park behind where you can go for a hike! In the end you get and amazing view of Recreio and Barra da Tijuca neighborhood!
How to get there? There was a surf bus that used to leave from Largo do Machado subway station everyday, but it is temporarily unavailable right now. The only way to get there is by Uber or Taxi. If you are on a budget you can take it from Barra (it’s much closer and it will be cheaper!)
Beach #3: Leme
“Leme” is the continuation of Copacabana beach. Despite being right next to Copacabana beach, it is very quiet, with plenty of young people, families and surfers!
How to get there? Cardeal Arco Verde Subway Station. Walk to the beach and turn left. After “Avenida Princesa Isabel” Leme starts.
Beach #4: Ipanema – One of the Beaches in Rio de Janeiro that is Close to the Subway
Next to Copacabana, Ipanema beach is cleaner and often frequented by young people!
How to get there? General Osório Metro station (walk a little to the right side after getting off the subway)
RIO DE JANEIRO BEACHES – Beach #5: Barra da Tijuca
Barra da Tijuca beach is HUGE! Rio Beaches are divided by POSTOS that serve as location reference. I love staying between posto 5 and 6 in Barra. It’s a really calm place with clean water.
How to get there? You can take the subway and stop at Barra da Tijuca Subway Station. You will get to the begging of Barra (posto 1). From there we recommend you to take a bus or taxi to posto 6.
