Best Beaches of Buzios Brazil

In our search for the Best Beaches of Brazil, we found paradise! Many call the beaches of Búzios, Brazil, "undoubtedly, the most charming beach resort town in the country." Let that soak in for a minute. We are talking a country that has more coastline than continents put together.

So, what is Búzios and "where" is Búzios on the globe?

Officially named Armação dos Búzios, Búzios is the name of a cute conch shell, and the name given to the way a fortuneteller who uses the same shells, tells your future. Búzios is located just two and a half hours up the Atlantic coast from Rio.

In addition, Búzios has a fascinating history! Originally settled by pirates and slave traders, some of them made these Búzios beaches their home and prospered. Fishing and especially whaling became a way of life. The small village of Búzios, was born. It would stay a sleepy town for centuries.

However, something extraordinary happened in 1964. Starlet Brigitte Bardot traveled to Rio to visit the home country of then boyfriend Bob Zagury, and decided to linger in Brazil before returning home to Paris. A photographer/friend suggested Búzios, and Bardot and her boyfriend set out to visit.

And that's all it took to put Búzios on the map. With the help of the world media, Búzios was immediately in the limelight.

To get there, your best bet is to rent a car or book that leg in advance from home. Like anywhere, if you leave it to the last minute, chauffer's are waiting to take advantage of your situation. Remember, it’s a two-hour car ride.

And why Búzios?

Three main attractions: The Búzios beaches (of course), the rugged coastline of Búzios, and the small shops and restaurants in town.

Búzios is home to over twenty beaches of all types; windsurf, surf, calm, cold, mild... And, they're all within a few miles of each other. We cover each one in depth on the next few pages. This is a spectacular work of God - Búzios is a peninsula of mountains and beaches are present between almost every one of them.

They call Búzios the 'playground of the rich'. More than twenty different nations live in harmony in Búzios, among them, Africans, Germans, Argentineans, Americans, Cubans, Spanish, Italians, and the list goes on.

They come to Búzios for the beaches, the shopping (some of the finest), the beautiful people and the jet set nightlife that has transformed this quaint Brazilian fishing village into a sought-out beach destination. Búzios' center is the famous Rua das Pedras, or Street of Stone (which it really is - flagstone). Búzios boasts fine boutiques and art galleries.



At night, that’s when Búzios really comes alive with great bars and world-class restaurants. Every night, even in the traditional off-season you'll find live music and small discos coming alive and going into the early hours of the next day.

With its wealth of secluded beaches, bars and surf, we saw almost every water sport - sailing, surfing, windsurfing, diving, kite boarding (very cool), kayaking, snorkeling, scuba, swimming, water skiing, did we miss one? Trekking and fishing are big pastimes as well. Búzios is a sophisticated resort, where elegance, beauty and leisure are in perfect harmony with nature.

No matter whether you travel for business or pleasure, you will enjoy your stay in Búzios, Brazil. Hotels and "Pousadas", or family-run "inns" are almost all charming - designed as a place for travelers to enjoy Búzios from the heart. And, the emphasis is on "relax".

But, for Búzios accommodations, keep in mind location: the downtown area has great night life but not the best beaches.

Most of the Búzios hotels are very well located, either right on the beach or on the side of the mountain overlooking the Atlantic. Owners have decorated the rooms in the Búzios architectural style; exposed wooden beams, hand painted furniture and local handcrafts abound. You’ll be happy to know there are good eats close by or right at your hotel. Búzios also has fast food and snacks right downtown. And there is no lack of small, enchanting restaurants through out the area.

When you book your Búzios hotel or pousada, please note that high season is during North American winter - all the way through Brazilian Carnaval (mid to late February). Buzios room prices vary from $40 in low season, to $400 in high season (at the top hotels). It pays to shop, and shop early. A local joke says that Buenos Aires is the second most populated city in the world during the summer; and that Búzios is the first! Immigrants will agree.

Now, let's look at each beach individually, starting out with the southernmost beach, working around the peninsula to the northernmost. Up first is Praia de Tucuns, or Tucuns Beach, named after an interesting tree with a fruit locals eat as a snack. It's also one of Buzios' best for kiteboarding and windsurfing! Next! >>

Beaches of Buzios, RJ - Brazil

History of Buzios
Were there really pirates in these here parts?



Praia dos Tucuns - Tucuns Beach
Nice, large beach. Unpopulated. Paragliding, fishing. Beautiful!


Praia de Geribá - Geriba Beach
Buzios' most "happening" beach. The party starts here!



Praia Ferradurinha - Ferradurinha Beach
Smaller sister beach to Ferradura, is a horseshoe as well. Cool, calm sea.


Praia da Ferradura - Ferradura Beach
Shaped like a horseshoe, Buzios' most upscale beach.



Praia Foca - Seal Beach
Seals were seen here once! Crystal clear, cool water.



Praia do Forno - Oven Beach
Red beaches and warm water. Perfect for families.



Praia Olho de Boi - Bullseye Beach
Buzios' only nudist beach. Hard to reach.



Praia Brava - Brava Beach
The name says it all. Great surf beach.
Waves swallow the beach when rough.


Praia de João Fernandinho - João Fernandinho Beach
Small beach, green water, calm and warm. Great kids beach!

Praia de João Fernandes - João Fernandes Beach
Near the town center hotels. Great for boogie boarding!



Praia da Azedinha - Azedinha Beach
Buzios' most romantic beach.



Praia da Azeda - Azeda Beach
The perfect family beach. Great snorkeling.



Praia dos Ossos - Bones Beach
Most charming beach of Buzios. Sit and relax, swim. Enjoy.


Praia da Armação - Armação Beach
Pirates used this beach to load their bounty!



Praia do Canto - Canto Beach
At the center of town, a unique mix of man and nature.



Praia dos Amores - Lovers Beach
Hard to reach and secluded. Lovers will have it all to themselves.


Praia das Virgens - Virgins Beach
Beautiful, small, no homes nearby. Arrive by boat.



Praia Tartaruga - Tartaruga Beach
Another beautiful family beach. Favorite of locals.



Praia dos Manguinhos - Manguinhos Beach
Windsurfers' heaven. Small surf, nice winds. Silty beach.



Praia Rasa - Shallow Beach
Fast growing community. Lots of oceanfront property available.


Orla Bardot - Bardot Cove
Brigitte Bardot came here in the '60s. Beautiful promenade.

Praia Rasa - Flat Beach Buzios

The longest beach of Buzios isn't on the peninsula. It's Praia Rasa and sits on the northern shoulder. If you thought Praia de Manguinhos was long, Praia Rasa is even longer, boasting more than two continuous miles of beach. You could do some serious jogging here.

But the main sport is kitesurfing and windsurfing. Though the surf here is slightly more heavy than at Praia de Manguinhos, it still makes an excellent setting for a great ride. Afternoon trade winds provide excellent consistent lift for boarding from one end to the other.

Praia Rasa has an interesting past. In the late 1800's, slaves from surrounding farms began inhabiting the Praia Rasa region. Slavery was big business in this area in the early 1800's. Indeed, Praia Rasa was even called "Landing Beach" as a slave trade port. Then in 1850, with the law that forbid the traffic of slaves in Brazilian coastal waters, the Brazilian Navy heavily patrolled Buzios looking for ships. Slavery arrivals ended.

So, even today, many of the inhabitants of Praia Rasa are descendents of the slaves of long ago. In the town square, a bronze memorial has been dedicated to the history of the slaves.

Praia Rasa (meaning "flat" or "shallow") is silty, densely compacted sand. Even so, the view here is spectacular. Offshore is fabulous Ilha Rasa, or Rasa Island, a resort.

To get to Praia Rasa, you must leave the Buzios peninsula and head north. It's not too hard to find. Follow the signs and the coast.

Praia Rasa - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - very fine, clay/sand.
• Facilities - sporadic. Look for small businesses along the beach.
• Shade - none. Mostly small sandy dunes.
• Sports - kiteboarding, windsurfing, sailing.
• Notes - longest beach in the area!
  

Praia de Manguinhos - Manguinhos Beach Buzios

Imagine a beach two miles long, positioned in such a way that it receives the afternoon trade winds, yet doesn't experience any of the related high surf.

You've arrived at Manguinhos Beach, or Praia de Manguinhos.

Because of this interesting feature, windsurfing and kitesurfing are "the" sports here. When we visited, we parked behind the local windsurf school, Buzios Vela Clube. It was early, so we didn't notice anyone out on the water. The people at the club were arranging the boards and sails for later instruction. The school seemed well organized.



We found an alley between the school and the next property and walked down to the beach. That's the way most beaches are here in Buzios. You find a pathway that leads down between properties. The beach is immense!

Praia de Manguinhos is well developed and faces almost due north. To the eastern part of the crescent is where a fishing development is. Come here early in the morning and get the catch of the day - plus see some real Brazilian culture as you experience the open fish market.

A tad further north along the crescent is where you can still the ancient pier where slaves disembarked, secretly, even after law went into effect in 1850 prohibiting slave ships in Brazilian waters. Why slaves in Buzios? It was the perfect dropping off point. Policing the whole coast became impossible and Buzios was chosen by traffickers because of its proximity to Rio de Janeiro, and by nature, offered many hidden coves and bays.

Today, the Praia de Manguinhos offers many beautiful posadsas. It becomes alive from Christmas through Lent - high season for Buzios. If you have the chance to experience it, make sure you take time to get a windsurf lesson at the Buzios Vela Clube. Great people with patience.

Praia de Manguinhos - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - very fine, clay-like, dense. Rock based from runoff.
• Facilities - many along the coast.
• Shade - many trees line the coast, some businesses offer umbrellas.
• Sports - windsurf, kitesurf, boating, sand soccer, futevoli, Frisbee.
• Notes - long expanse, but no white powder here.
  

Praia das Virgens - Virgin Beach Buzios

It's beautiful. Small and desolate, surrounded by jungle. And you can only get here by boat, or by coming from Praia dos Amores, Lover's Beach.

It's Praia das Virgens, or Virgin Beach.



We didn't get a chance to visit this beach, and have not found any good pictures of it.

If you have a picture of this beach that you'd like to share, please let us know.


Coming up - another green water bay named after the turtle. Next ->>

Praia dos Amores - Lovers Beach Buzios

You'll probably never see this beach on your trip to Buzios. It's off the beaten path and therefore, hard to get to. Yet, it's one of Buzios beaches and is a jewel because of its pristine condition.

And what a name: Praia dos Amores - Lover's Beach! Secluded makes sense. Where's your romantic nature?

You access Praia dos Amores by boat, or by hiking around the rocky shore from Praia do Canto. Either way, it takes some effort - but the payoff is worth it. But if you choose to venture here, remember that some of the local schooners also stop to let tourists swim, sunbathe, and walk.

One of the reasons for the condition of this part of the Buzios Peninsula is conservation. There is a great effort underway to preserve much of the green left in Buzios. This is noble and required as more and more people visit.

So there it is - the smallest of beaches on Buzios; most difficult access and a named for the many couples who have come here to "make out".

Praia dos Amores - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium grain, from rock.
• Facilities - none, but many trees near by.
• Shade - none.
• Sports - none.
• Notes - you are really on your own, here.
  

Praia dos Ossos - Bones Beach Buzios

There is beauty in the fact that time passes on and we can enjoy the present. For once this calm cove, in the center of Buzios, was the scene of death.

Two stories make their rounds in the town of Buzios.

One, is that the Praia dos Ossos, or Beach of the Bones, got its name from the processing of whales for oil and the bones were left around the beach area. Whales were hunted in Buzios to near extinction after gold was discovered in Minas Gerais around 1720. However in 1768, the Portuguese rulers put an end to whaling, (even though we have photographs of whales on the shores of Buzios from the past century).

The second story is even more gruesome. The local Tamoio Indians became friends with the French merchants, harvesting precious Brazilwood, shipping to Europe. The Portuguese controlled Brazil at the time and had enough of the pillaging. They ambushed the Tamoios on this very beach. Or, so the story goes...

Let's put that in the past because this beach is so stunning, you would not have seen Buzios without getting a glimpse. In the cove of Praia dos Ossos, you'll find beautiful yachts, small fishing boats, and water taxis. The water is mirror-like, reflecting the colors of the sunset like a soft spun kaleidoscope.

A walk down the cobblestone road that fronts the beach is memorable. Century old ipe trees line the beach and offer a wonderful views. You'll find a small kiosk operated out of an old boat hull right in the sand, with refreshments.

This is an excellent place to catch a sunset before walking to a local restaurant. Praia dos Ossos is central to where the business center of Buzios used to be. The area is surrounded by commerce. But make it a point to get here before the sun sets, so you can visit the famous Igreja de Sant'Ana to the left and up a few steps. It is the oldest church in the area.

A water taxi can take you to the other nearby beaches, or bring you here. You'll find Praia dos Ossos enchanting and romantic and well worth a stop on your visit to the Buzios peninsula.

Praia dos Ossos - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium to fine grain. Soft.
• Facilities - only at restaurants nearby.
• Shade - plenty. Beautiful trees at shoreline.
• Sports - boating! Hire a ride anywhere around Buzios.
• Notes - known as the most sophisticated beach.

More pictures of Praia dos Ossos - Buzios! ->>

Praia de Joao Fernandes - Joao Fernandes Beach Buzios

You may wonder if the pousadas and hotels in Buzios located out near the end of the peninsula because they wanted to be furthest out. That's not the case.

The large concentration of hotels and pousadas are here because of the spectacular Praia de Joao Fernandes, or Joao Fernandes Beach in Buzios. It's known throughout Brazil and Argentina as the beach with waters so calm, they're often pool-like. Which make them a great favorite among tourists.

Coupled with the fact that the surrounding terrain is out of an adventure magazine, you have the Praia de Joao Fernandes.

Who is Joao Fernandes, and why was this beach named after him? Good question! According to online reports, Joao Fernandes one of the many Portuguese merchant/explorers who often sailed in to Buzios. The story goes it was on this beach that Fernandes defended himself against Indians and occasional pirates. Note, there are other, earlier Joao Fernandes that had nothing to do with Buzios.

In any case, this is a recommended beach for Buzios. It's easy to access and does get quite busy early on, so make sure you come early to enjoy. A sunbather's paradise, Praia de Joao Fernandes also is a prime fishing spot for Atlantic anchovies. It's not uncommon to see fishermen on the surrounding rocks bringing in a beauty.

Joao Fernandes Beach has full facilities and even a few, close-by restaurants. You could very well spend the entire day here. Some tourists spend their entire vacation here.

It's that good.

Praia de Joao Fernandes - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - coarse to medium grain. See our example.
• Facilities - the best on the peninsula.
• Shade - umbrellas abound.
• Sports - mainly swimming, boogie boarding and surfing. Sports fishing,
• Notes - gets very crowded near Christmas, New Years and Carnival.
  

More Praia de Joao Fernandes pictures - >>

Praia de Joao Fernandinho - Joao Fernandinho Beach Buzios

One of the nicest beaches to take the kids in Buzios is Joao Fernandinho. You can get to it easily from the main roads, and it is near one of the largest concentrations of pousadas and hotels in Buzios.

Joao Fernandinho Beach is the baby brother to Joao Fernandes Beach. Legend has it that Portuguese captain Joao Fernandes held up on the beach that now bears his name, fighting off raids from indians or pirates. Landlocked and bounded by the sea, it was an exercise in futility, for Joao Fernandes and Joao Fernandinho set at the furthermost point on the Buzios peninsula.

These green waters and beautiful strip of sand and among the warmest in Buzios. So it's little wonder this place is packed during the holidays. As we said before, you can access Joao Fernandinho Beach from the main road. Then, a stone stairway winds down to the beach area. Near the stairs you'll find a kiosk that sells refreshments.

Another stone staircase leads from the Colonna Hotel, sitting high atop the hillside between Joao Fernandes and Joao Fernandinho. The stairs of the Colonna stop at the south rock shoreline. A walk along the rocks will get you over to the fun of the beach.

Joao Fernandinho - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium to coarse grained, rock based.
• Facilities - refreshments only, restrooms at top of stairs.
• Shade - great shade along the whole stretch with beautiful tropical almond trees.
• Sports - sunbathing, swimming is excellent.
• Notes - awesome sunsets.
  

Praia Brava - Brava Beach Buzios

The name says it all. The beach with the heaviest surf bears the name of "angry" in Portuguese. Brava, like many of the beaches around Buzios, has a history.

Three quarters of the world's transport of slaves from Africa were destined to work the fields and farmland of Brazil. And in 1743, according to the history books, Portuguese Captain Dionisio ran aground in the bay of Praia Brava with a shipload full of slaves.

With the waves heavy upon the ship, since Brava faces open ocean, it's reported that the crew prayed to Patron Saint Anne, and a miracle occurred. The ship slowly came off the rocks and the crew was able to sail it to the Praia da Armacao where everyone was spared.

Okay, so the sea here is tough. But it's beautiful, too. When you get to Praia Brava beach, you'll notice a group of residences on the main road coming in, and then one house on the hill that separates the two beaches that make up the bay. Not much development in the area, and thanks to the conservation plan of the City of Buzios, you won't see anything going up here.

There are great pousadas nearby, just to the west. But you'll need a car or scooter to get to Brava. Since it's slightly remote, bring some snacks and a good book. The atmosphere is enchanting!

During our visit, we saw a few fishermen and sunbathers. The sea wasn't that rough at mid-morning. But don't let that fool you. The shoreline slopes fairly quickly down making Praia Brava's waters the coolest of Buzios.

This is one beach that will have fewer people than most because it's not on the populated side of Buzios, the sea is rougher, the water colder, but hey... it's the same warm sun and soft sand. Enjoy.

Olho de Boi - Bullseye Beach Buzios

You won't find any pousadas or Buzios hotels in this area of the peninsula, but what an interesting name for the beach that has been officially designated as Buzios nude beach. And what makes it perfect for sunning au naturale is the fact that you can't drive to it, and it's far enough away from the road or nearby Praia Brava Beach that you can't see what goes on there.

Not that anything crazy does.

Olho de Boi is literally translated the Eye of the Bull. An "olho de boi" is also the name Brazilians give a seed frequently found on this beach. The seed is red, and very hard.

Like we said, Olho de Boi Beach isn't the easiest beach to get to. And if your going, make sure you know what you're getting in to. Once you start down the trail to the beach, it's a long way back up. But don't let the natural state of the other sunbathers keep you from enjoying one of Buzios' best.

The beach is ideal, surrounded by rock outcroppings on both sides. The sandy shore, which is made up of some of the whitest sand around Buzios, slopes gradually making the water shimmer with a beautiful hue. The water is clear here. There is now a kiosk that sells drinks and light snacks.

Late afternoon the surf can kick up and cause some dangerous situations if you swim near the rocks. You'll be greeted with a nice day of peace and quiet and an awesome almost easterly view. Sunrises here are spectacular.

To get to Olho de Boi Beach, go to Praia Brava Beach first. From Brava, just ask. Locals will point you to the trail that leads up and over the crest that separates Olho de Boi Beach from the rest of the world.

Praia de Tucuns - Tucuns Beach Buzios

If you're looking to get totally away from all the action in Buzios, Tucuns Beach is the place to be. But be prepared to really be away from it all.

There isn't much infrastructure in Tucuns. That's still about a year away. There is a large, expensive neighborhood being built here.

So, why isn't Tucuns more developed?

For one thing, as you notice, Tuncuns isn't really on the Buzios peninsula. It's on the "neck" area, even though the beach is quite beautiful, and Buzios claims Tucuns as one of the "many" Buzios Beaches on all the brochures. If you're in the much more developed Buzios area, it's a good ten to fifteen minute ride around the mountain that divides Geriba and Tucuns. And you may like that sort of thing - serenity.

There are a few excellent Pousadas (B&B's) here, worth looking into.

Tucuns gets its name from the Tucum palm, (Bactris lindmaniana), which is from the same family of the Areca palm, famous throughout Florida - but these babies have thorns; stickers. Ouch! The fruit is actually pretty nutritious and the oil is high in fatty acids. Don't worry - you probably won't eat any during your stay here. The locals, however, love them.

Okay, so let's take a look at the beach.



Tucuns is used primarily by surfers, both kite boarding and long and short boarders. There's a surf school located on the beach. The sand is a tan color, mainly due to the coloring from the runoff from the mountains. There is very little coral in the area.

Because Tucuns faces almost due south, there's a nice tradewind that picks up around 2:30 each afternoon. This is excellent for kite boarding, but remember the surf can get rough and borderline dangerous as the waves kick up.

And, unlike Geriba and several other beaches in Buzios, Tucuns does not have lifeguards. You're on your own, quite a ways from any emergency care.

Another popular sport is delta wing kite flying off the mount between Geriba and Tucuns. It's a nice ride through the wind and a spectacular view of Buzios and the surrounding area... or so they say.

To learn more about individual businesses and sports around the Tucuns area, please write us for more information. We're happy to help you as we've been in the area and have come to know some of the businesses.


Next, let's hop over the mount to Geriba - the MOST happening beach in all of Buzios! - >>

Praia da Azeda - Azeda Beach Buzios

A small sign pointed right. Praia da Azeda/Azedinha. Two of the most spectacular beaches in South America. To find them in the small fishing village of Búzios, we took the fold-up map, generously offered by another tourist who had a few, and parked the rental car at a plaza a hundred feet from another spectacle, Praia dos Ossos, or Ossos (literally, "bones") Beach.

The sign was right, but we couldn't see the beach from the road, blocked to allow only residents vehicle access. So, we asked where these magical beaches were.

"Keep on the road that runs in front of Praia dos Ossos."

The road will take you past Ossos, up a small hill and to a fork - but keep left, along the shoreline. Another hundred feet and you will see a sign that describes the two beaches, along with rough granite stone stairs leading from the road, under a few trees (that come in handy for balance), and down to the sea.

It reminded me of the way you get down to Hanauma Bay on Oahu, Hawaii. But the descent isn't that far, so the reward comes much sooner.

What strikes you first? Probably the water. Then the beach, a small crescent bordered by rock on both sides with a rustic building which probably housed some port authority over 100 years ago. It blends perfectly with the surroundings.

Notice the wave action. Just enough to hear a little surf, but calm, making Azeda a perfect family beach. And, since you have to walk here, there should be plenty of room with the exception during high season - where you'll have to start early.

Since the waves are practically non existent on this side of the island, the water is incredibly clear. Snorkeling is good around the rock boarders, with plenty of marine life, but not much coral.

Expect full sun; plan accordingly. Beach vendors along Azeda sell everything from small trinkets to those beautiful Brazilian sarongs. We saw a few people selling hammocks, too. For food, you'll see green corn, pizza, to the latest craze, cheese on a stick. Drinks are available, too. Just know that since there are no facilities at this beach, washing is by soap and sea water.

Azeda beach is a gem. Enjoy this beach while you are in Búzios and catch a sunset here as well. Azeda is very highly recommended from all guides - online and offline, like Frommers, Fodors, and Guia Quartro Rodas, and we give it our highest recommendation as well.

However, we didn't stop and swim at Azeda. We made our way to our next beach - which many call the best of Búzios. Next >>

Praia da Azeda - Beach Index

• Sand - beautiful light gold, medium grain made from a touch of shell/coral and rock. Very little silt. Sandy bottom, a few rocks.
• Facilities - none. Local building is not accessible.
• Shade - beach faces west, so shaded in the morning from trees and cliffs. Beautiful sunsets.
• Sports - none for rental. Excellent snorkel and dive site.
• Notes - recommended. A must see; take your camera. An ecological protected preserve. Some people topless at times. Can also catch water-taxis from any other Búzios beach. Crowded from December to March.
  

Praia da Azedinha - Azedinha Beach Buzios

Imagine walking down a stone trail. Branches of yellow poui trees shade you as you walk past one breathtaking beach, to the best beach this part of the country has to offer.

This is Azedinha Beach in Búzios, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Yes, it's small, but most prefer it that way. The right amount of sand, rock, sun, shade - God's handiwork humbling man's best. Unbelievably clear water, sandy bottom until around 10 feet. None of the row upon row of umbrellas blocking your view.

And, what a view! Because of the rock formation and the nearby cliffs and hills on the horizon, you immediately have a feeling of protection, of your own, personal beach. Rock formations right on the beach make it perfect for changing, putting on shoes, setting up your little spot to enjoy this piece of paradise.

Because of the slope of the sandy bottom, Azedinha is a warm beach, but not hot. Gentle waves provide three important things. They provide a good flow of water through the area. They bring just the right amount of sand up to the beach from the bottom. And, they keep the water temperature pleasant.

But God didn't do every- thing. As if to invite man to parti- cipate in this natural wonder, a rock cropping runs perfectly into the water from the beach. Long ago, in response, men closed off the sea side of the ridge creating a perfect pool - calm and refreshing, as wave water flows through the cracks. The sun heats the water and because of the rock bottom, the temperature is at least 10 degrees higher than the ocean. Soothing? Romantic? Perfect.

Praia da Azedinha's pool-like nature makes it top choice for families with small kids. There are no drop-offs, or sea anemones to step on. And the fact that you have to walk a half-mile to get here keeps the not-so-serious beach goers enjoying the easy-access popular spots.

Getting here is a fun adventure in itself. Check out sister beach Praia da Azeda for directions. You descend a path off a cobblestone road. Down twelve granite steps and along the rock path you're at Azeda Beach. Now, just past Azeda, along a rock trail overlooking crystal, clear water, you come to Azedinha (on the left).

Azedinha Beach is a must see. As always, pictures don't do it justice. Take a towel, wear your bikini/bathing suit, and bring your camera. And leave your stress behind.

Well, next - a cove that looks like a horseshoe is the most sophisticated in all of Buzios. And wait till you see its twin sister! Coming up! >>

Beach Index:

• Sand - medium grain, soft from local rock, no shell
• Facilities - none. Must go back to Praia dos Ossos commercial area.
• Shade - perfect mix of shade and sun by local trees and rock cliffs.
• Sports - great snorkeling, little coral but good variety of marine life, great diving.
• Notes - crowded during New Years, Carnaval, and Easter weekend. Local water taxis service the beach. Drinks available from local vendors.

Praia da Ferradura - Ferradura Beach Buzios

When you're planning a trip to Búzios, one beach that catches your eye is Ferradura. It seems to have the symmetry of Copacabana but the charm of a small cove. And both are true. From any angle, Ferradura is appealing.

Ferradura is a natural basin; the land sloping gradually upward to the nearby hills. There are no cliffs behind the beach, but at both ends, where spectacular mansions dot the hillside.

Named because of its horseshoe shape, Praia da Ferradura, or Horseshoe Beach, is mostly calm and clear. Many travel guides and sites list the beach as a great place to snorkel. But be advised that snorkeling is good only at the beach ends where rock croppings begin. Good marine variety can be seen around the southeast end of Ferradura.

Praia da Ferradura is classy. Some of Búzios most weathly homes are located here. Because of the calm water and gentle wind, light sailing, kayaking and swimming are very popular.

There are a number of kiosks located on the north shore of the beach. Parking is available there for a small fee, but remember, the whole beach is public. Feel free to stroll around and bring a camera.

Ferradura is thin on its west coast, especially at high tide. Still, there's nothing that can replace a closed bay with high cliffs at the entrance, gentle waves and that full, warm Brazilian sun - and no place better than here in Búzios. And did we mention that you can catch the whales passing by here from September through December?

Did you notice all of our pictures have very few clouds? The weather is nice here, too - dry and warm.

When God creates something this beautiful we generally think He's done. But Ferradura has a gorgious baby - Ferradurinha. Smaller, but full of even more painted rock, golden sand and high cliffs. And, we're off to visit it ... Next >>

Praia da Ferradura - Beach Index:

• Sand - medium grain, no coral or shell.
• Facilities - at the kiosks along the north shore. Food, snorkel rental, water sports.
• Shade - some umbrellas in spots for local food, as long as you order something - enjoy the umbrella. Most of the beach is lined with private homes, so no umbrellas in those areas. Entire west side is shaded mid afternoon.
• Notes - best beach for a peaceful afternoon not too far from the action. Crowded Christmas through Carnaval.