Praia do Forno - Oven Beach Buzios

Truely a gem on the Buzios Peninsula is a beach that is actually colored by a certain mineral. The Brazilians call the mineral "granada", and we found that it contains a great deal of iron - thus the reddish color of the sand here at Praia do Forno, or Oven Beach.

This one is a recommended beach.

Only crowded on holidays, Praia do Forno has it all. It is easy to reach, has a nice snack hut facility and shade. Because the beach is in a semi-circle, you can spend time along each part of it and have a different experience.

For example, on the far right, you'll have rock bottomed shallows that is generally warm. As you make your way to the middle of the beach, the water is deeper and cool. There are rock ledges underwater you can wade out to. Just take time to wear your beach shoes as there are a few anemones.

Toward the left, you're in for a treat. Yes, there's a nice rock outcropping that you can hang out next to, but venture out past the rocks and along the shore, and you'll come to another, smaller beach that is even more red than Forno! This beach can only be reached by swimming around the rock (unless you're Tarzan - and that's not recommended).

Plan a day here and enjoy the beauty of Praia do Forno, or Oven Beach, named for the red sand and because the reflection of heat off the rocks of the closed-in bay warm the air at the beach.

Get adventurous and walk down the right-side rocks. You'll come to the staircase of an old home built on top of the hill. I wonder who could live in such paradise?

Hey, this next beach is a Bull's Eye! >>

Praia do Forno - Oven Beach - Beach Index:

• Sand - the most unusual hue of red, caused by a mineral named "granada" which comes from local rocks. Sand is fine, with no shell or coral.
• Facilities - local snack shack has no restroom.
• Shade - trees and cliff shade the beach in late afternoon. Umbrellas at snack shack.
• Sports - a fun snorkel spot, varied marine life including starfish.
• Notes - mostly calm beach makes for a wonderful family beach. Recommended.