Best Beaches in Brazil - Beyond the Obvious
Brazil is famous for Rio’s iconic city beaches, but the real magic happens when you venture further. From palm-fringed tropical bays perfect for swimming to epic surf breaks and hidden, off-the-beaten-path paradises, Brazil’s coastline is wildly diverse.
At hooked, we’re all about authentic travel. We’ve sorted Brazil’s best beaches into categories to help you find your perfect spot. Dive in, get inspired, and plan your next adventure on Brazil’s breathtaking shores with us.
🏝️ Calm Swimming Beaches
Perfect for a relaxing dip in turquoise water.
Our Top Picks | States (North to South) | What to expect |
Praia dos Carneiros | Pernambuco | Coconut palms, calm sea, iconic white chapel on the sand |
Boipeba Island (multiple beaches) | Bahia | Calm island beaches with warm, clear water, mangroves, low-key tourism |
Ilha Grande (multiple beaches) | Rio de Janairo | Calm coves, snorkeling, boat and trails-access only (car-free paradise) |
Paraty & surrounding islands | Rio de Janeiro | Sheltered bay with calm beaches, many accessible by boat tours, historic colonial town |
🌊 Surf beaches
Consistent breaks for every level.
Our Top Picks | States (North to South) | What to expect |
Jericoacoara | Ceará | Wind- and kitesurf paradise, dunes, some surfable spots |
Itacaré (Resende, Tiririca) | Bahia | Consistent surf, surf schools, laid-back vibe |
Ilhabela (Bonete) | São Paulo | Remote sufer cove, accessible only on foot or by boat |
Praia do Rosa | Santa Catarina | Famous surf break, whale-watching season July to November |
Guarda do Embaú | Santa Catarina | River crossing to the beach, excellent beachbreak |
Lagoinha do Leste (Floripa) | Santa Catarina | Remote, hike-in or boat access, wild waves |
🌴 Off-the-beaten-path Gems
Secluded, wild, and unforgettable.
Our Top Picks | States (North to South) | What to expect |
Alter do Chão | Pará | "Caribbean of the Amazon", river beaches with clear water |
Baía do Sancho | Pernambuco (Fernando de Noronha) | Spectacular cliffs, limited visitor numbers, turquoise water |
Boipeba Island | Bahia | Remote, some beaches are nearly empty, authentic fishing villages |
Ilhabela (Bonete) | São Paulo | Only by trail or boat, wild Atlantic forest backdrop |
Lagoinha do Leste (Floripa) | Santa Catarina | Hike-in only, untouched scenery, amazing viewpoint |
🎶 Lively Spots for Evenings Out
Buzzing bars, live music, making new friends.
Our Top Picks | States (North to South) | What to expect |
Jericoacoara | Ceará | Forró, sandy roads, relaxed bars and joyful parties at night |
Pipa | Rio Grande do Norte | Cliffs, dolphins, many bars and restaurants, surfing |
Morro de São Paulo | Bahia | Car-free island, lively beaches with music and parties |
Itacaré | Bahia | Surf town with nightlife, music and dining |
Contact us to design your ultimate kitesurf trip, combining world-class wind and stunning beaches for an unforgettable journey.
How to combine it with kitesurfing?
In the state of Ceará, where Jericoacoara is located, you'll find multiple world-class kitesurfing spots. While Jericoacoara itself offers great conditions, nearby Preá—just a sand buggy ride away—has even stronger winds and a laid-back, rustic vibe.