Ah... Buzios! An ideal destination for lovers, for those curious about the bohemian lifestyle and the more affluent. Before arriving in this small pearl of the Lake District, I had heard a lot about it being a favorite place for the wealthy to relax on the beach with a caipirinha, frequent the best seafood restaurants and, of course, party. However, I visited Buzios in the low season (May) and in the sanitary context we all know today, and finally.... What a joy! I tell you in this post the story of Buzios off the beaten path, between secret beaches and wild hiking.  
In low season, Buzios is a quiet and peaceful destination, with beaches and natural spots of incredible beauty / Photo: Tiffany Flour
 

A very different atmosphere

Buzios is known as the chic beach destination of Rio de Janeiro, and is the fifth most popular tourist destination in Brazil. Crowded beaches, streets and neighborhoods full of resorts, bars and restaurants, that's Buzios in high season, especially during Carnival. What if we get away from it all for a while? I visited Buzios in the middle of the health crisis, which has greatly affected its tourism, but also in low season. In the morning, you mostly meet the locals, having breakfast on the terrace or chatting on the benches on the promenade in the center of town, or doing their morning exercises on the still deserted beaches. During the day, tourists and locals reasonably share the beaches for unparalleled visual pleasure. In the mornings, most locals can be found having breakfast on the terrace or chatting on the benches of the downtown promenade, or doing their morning exercises on the still deserted beaches.  

Secret and deserted beaches

For the more adventurous, Buzios has its small secret beaches, besides the most popular ones like João Fernandes, Ossos, Tartaruga, Geribá, Ferradura. But when you say deserted or even secret, you mean off the beaten path. Praia do Castelo is nestled at the foot of the cliffs that shelter the most affluent areas of Buzios. Located at the northern end, just follow the road that leads to the famous João Fernandes beach and its little sister Fernandinho to reach the quiet residential areas, with their empty streets, huge houses and breathtaking sea views. Once you reach the upper area, venture into nature to reach this deserted beach that looks like an exile from the world.   Travel tip: there is a small white sand and turquoise sea beach called Praia olho de Boi, which is a popular spot for naturists and therefore has a more or less protected access.   Praia dos Amores is an ideal place to come and admire the sunrise at dawn. Easily accessible from the end of Praia do Canto by the rocks, it is a small beach with clear and warm waters that is little visited. We can see paddle boarders passing by on their way to and from Praia da Tartaruga, but the atmosphere is calm and quiet.  
Praia das virgen is the ideal place for secluded sunbathing and warm waters / Photo: Tiffany Flour 
  Praia das Virgen is undoubtedly the most secluded of all, having a more complex access. Despite the abundant vegetation that awaits you, it is possible to follow the path without too much difficulty, but adventure is guaranteed! It can be reached from the road that connects Praia do Canto with Praia da Tartaruga. A secret beach, with sturdy pebbles that give way to a small red sand bank.  

The wild walks

And here I tell you a little more about this wild trail that connects Praia do Canto with Praia da Tartaruga, which mixes wild vegetation and rocky shores overlooking the infinite blue horizon. After reaching Praia dos Amores through the rocks at the end of Praia do Canto, you will find a path that climbs to the top, where the expedition begins! The path is little traveled and nature always takes over, so be careful to follow the few footprints you find. The path leads to several exits that allow you to descend the cliffs and reach the sea, real isolated and charming corners. Once you reach Praia das Virgen, just continue along the coast, without too much difficulty, alternating between small deserted beaches and wet rocks, to reach Praia da Tartaruga. It is possible to continue to Ponta da Sapata, but with a little more difficulty.  
The hike leads to several exits that give access to really secluded and charming corners / Photo: Tiffany Flour
  A second path leads to a viewpoint at the southern end of Buzios, ideal for the end of the day at sunset. It is accessed at the end of Praia da Ferradura, passing through the elegant residential areas with their many pousadas. Actually, it is possible to reach it by car, but there is a wilder road that allows you to bury yourself in the vegetation and feel away from the world. At the end, you will be ready to admire an incredible panorama.  

Other charming places

To finish this unprecedented list to visit Buzios off the beaten path, between secret beaches and wild walks, I give you two last good places, ideal to sit in peace and enjoy the beauty of the place. The first is at the entrance of the road to the viewpoint of Praia da Ferradura, a small opening to the sea called Poço da tartaruga where the waves break over the cliffs and rocks. 
The Poço da tartaruga is a small opening to the sea where the waves break over the cliffs and rocks / Photo: Tiffany Flour.
  The second is a small and beautiful cave located between Praia da Tartaruga and Ponta da Sapata, called the Gruta da Tartaruga. Ideal for snorkeling and enjoying the warm waters with a light mind, it is accessible by continuing along the rocks at the end of Praia da Tartaruga.  Travel tip: in low season, these places are completely deserted, so be prepared to immerse yourself in the vegetation and be careful not to get lost.   
Buzios is known as the beach and chic destination of Rio de Janeiro, it is the 5th most important tourist destination in Brazil / Photo: Tiffany Flour.
  Now you are ready to discover places only known by locals and regulars of Buzios. These little corners of paradise offer you a moment of calm and serenity in the company of the sea. Ideal to get away from the beaches and places too crowded during the high season, these places also allow you to discover a different side of Buzios, greener and wilder. 
  By: Tiffany, passionate communicator, inveterate marketer, enthusiastic traveler and collaborator of Daytours4u.