Brazil’s coastline ‘offers hidden paradise’
Along with football and the Rio de Janeiro carnival, Brazil’s coastline is one of the country’s most iconic images.
CopaCabana’s white sands against the backdrop of Rio de Janeiro’s towering metropolis have been the subject of many a photo and paint an idyllic portrait of holidaying in the country.
However, Brazil has many more beaches to offer than just Rio’s most famous sands, however, and with over 4,500 miles of coastline, there is plenty of shore to explore.
Laura Rendell-Dunn, marketing manager at Journey Latin America, says that some of her favourite beaches are in hidden-away coves and on remote islands, off the beaten tourist track.
Firstly, she recommends Praia da Pipa in the north-east, which is very close to Natal.
“The nearest city is a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive away, which means that there aren’t many tourists that visit it,” she reveals.
“At certain times of the year you can see pink dolphins. The water in the north-east of Brazil is much warmer than in the south-east, it’s quite calm and when the tide’s out you get all these big natural pools,” she says.
Ms Rendell-Dunn adds that it is a great area for families as it is a very safe beach.
Known as the City of the Sun, Natal is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Brazil, attracting over 500 thousand a year, thanks to a near-guarantee of favourable weather.
The region enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year and the average temperature is 26 degrees C.
Natal’s white dunes and clear, warm waters offer something for everyone, with reefs, cliffs, areas for free diving and even good conditions for surfing.
It is not just beaches that the north-eastern region has to offer, however, as it also features the second largest urban gardens in Brazil, the Dunas Park,
Another of Ms Rendell-Dunn’s favourites is on an island called Ilha Grande, located in the south of Brazil, close to Rio de Janeiro.
The beach, called Lopes Mendes, is around an hour-and-a-half boat trip from the mainland, so getting there is an adventure in itself.
She explains: “The island is inhabited but not many people live there and it’s quite difficult to get to this beach. It’s a huge expanse of white sand and absolutely stunning.
“As well as the beaches, it’s covered in coastal rainforest, so it’s very lush, very tropical.
“When you’re on the island you have the feeling, that sensation, that you’re on a deserted island,” she adds.
Rio de Janeiro also has a variety of other beaches with plenty to offer, such as Pepino, which is used by hang-gliders as a landing place, or Barra da Tijuca, ideal for experienced surfers.
“But of course you can’t go to Brazil without seeing Copacabana or Ipanema beach, as those two beaches are the most famous,” insists Ms Rendell-Dunn.
Ipanema is one of the most celebrated sands across the globe, hosting the Beach Volleyball World Championships, while Copacabana is home to one of the most famous New Year’s Eve parties on earth, with a spectacular fireworks display and free music shows.
“Although they’re city beaches, with that wonderful backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain and the statue of Christ, they’re incredibly beautiful beaches to visit,” she concludes.
