Top 5 beaches in Búzios

Búzios, the beautiful beach town that belongs to the "Region of the Lakes", is located 180 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro (about 2 hours away by car) and is known as a honeymoon destination and for travel with your significant other. But it is a suitable place for all types of travelers and here I’ll tell you for the reasons that make them special. [caption id="attachment_14013" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Búzios is a romantic destination, one of the favorites for the Honeymoon / Photo: Tadeu Jnr[/caption]

Beaches in Búzios

Most of the beaches in Búzios can be reached easily with a shuttle service that runs between them and has excellent regularity. You can also rent a buggy (vehicle designed to drive in the sand) or a car and do it on your own. Another recommendable option is to go by Water Taxi that leaves from the pier of the downtown and you can choose to go to the beach of your choice or visit several on the same day. Travel Tip: If you are in Rio de Janeiro, you can take this one day tour in Búzios with Panoramic Navigation and enjoy this Brazilian paradise. Now, let's get to know the main beaches in Búzios:

1) João Fernandes

[caption id="attachment_14016" align="aligncenter" width="675"] João Fernandes is the trendy, coolest beach / Photo: Gonzalo Ramirez[/caption]   It is the most famous one in Búzios. Here you will see cruises that stop in order for tourists to get disembark to spend the day. Because of its location, a number of services and beauty is usually overflowing. It is an ideal beach to be in the movement of the place: you will be able to do stand up paddle, kayak, snorkel, and diving. The hostels have everything from light food to snacks such as calamari, bolinhos de camarão (shrimp fritters) and isca de peixe (fish sticks), to very elaborate dishes with the catch of the day.

2) Ossos

[caption id="attachment_14017" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Ossos is an ideal beach for those looking for relaxation and tranquility / Photo: Gonzalo Ramirez[/caption]   It is a beach that connects with the center of Búzios and also serves as a pass to reach Azeda and Azedinha. Its landscape is composed of the water taxis that park there and the local vendors’ boats. Ossos has a calm rhythm that invites you to relax, and the plus of this beach is the end of the afternoon when the sunset falls behind the sea and postcard landscapes appear.

3) Tartaruga

[caption id="attachment_14019" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Tartaruga is the family's favorite beach, with few waves and good infrastructure / Photo: Eiti Kimura[/caption]   This beach has the particularity that the waves are calmer and much more spacious than the other beaches. The variety of products from the street vendors is also broader. It is ideal to go as a family since there are good infrastructure, tranquility and a calm sea.

4) Geribá

[caption id="attachment_14020" align="aligncenter" width="675"] If you practice surfing or some other extreme sport, Geribá is perfect for you / Photo: Brigitte_Vds[/caption]   It is in the open sea, where the waves are strong and it is recommended for those who like surfing. The color of the sea and the visual of the beach is beautiful! Geribá has many rows of umbrellas and a variety of places to eat. Undoubtedly, this beach invites you to walk to the end where Ferradurinha begins, which is a very small addition.

5) Ferradura

[caption id="attachment_14021" align="aligncenter" width="675"] The Ponta da Lagoinha viewpoint at Ferradura beach invites us to take a thousand and one photos / Photo: Luciano Guelfi[/caption]   This beach is different from the others because of its set of features like its name says in Portuguese, it is a horseshoe. It also has a beautiful landscape and the practice of water sports is well varied. In the end, there is a viewpoint called Ponta da Lagoinha that invites you to take a thousand and one photos.

Bonus track

Very close to Búzios are the cities of Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo. Especially in the latter, there are beaches such as Praia do Forno, Pontal de Atalaia and Praia do Farol which are spectacular! White, fine sand and turquoise and warm sea. Travel tip: if your vacation took you to Rio de Janeiro, take the opportunity to take the day tour in Arraial do Cabo with a boat trip. [caption id="attachment_14022" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Arraial do Cabo has super top beaches, white sand, and turquoise waters / Photo: Gonzalo Ramirez[/caption]

What to do in the center of Búzios?

It is worth strolling through the center of Búzios and I recommend you to begin the walk along the Orla Bardot, which is the small street that goes along the sea. As you walk through it, beautiful landscapes appear, there are places to sit and contemplate the sea while chatting with the locals and ending at Rua Das Pedras, which is a must-see street for strolling. The center is very beautiful, neat, warm, clean and with many businesses to visit. From clothing houses, beach goods shops and places to try the famous caipirinha, to restaurants with international menus and charming coffees to stop and contemplate the rhythm of local life. [caption id="attachment_14024" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Spending some time in the center of Búzios will allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature with the comforts of a big city / Photo: Marcelo César Augusto Romeo[/caption]

Tips for trying local delicacies

- Sukao (142, R. João Fernandes, 2 - Village of Búzios): Here the Pão de batata (potato bread) sandwich is delicious. - Chez Michou (R. das Pedras, 90 - Downtown, Búzios): It has the largest variety of crêpes you’ll ever see. All are exquisite and the setting is beautiful. - La Bardot (Av. José Bento Ribeiro Dantas, 412 - Village of Búzios): If you like to eat by candlelight, at a table on the street and overlooking the sea, this is your place. The homemade pasta with seafood is a must.

Useful information about Búzios

- The official currency is Real. - During the night it gets cool out, so it is good to take a light coat. - If you go during the Carnaval season, remember that the city explodes with people everywhere. - Most shops accept credit cards although it is good to have tickets to buy handicrafts and from street vendors.  

Written by: Gonzalo Ramirez, author of the Travel Blog GonTraveler