Travel guides consistently recommend the June-September period as the ideal time for a vacation in Rio. During those months, the southern winter brings cool, dry weather to Brazil; while what we call winter months (November-March) are hot and humid here, with thunderstorms and muggy temperatures. Yet, traveling to Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s Eve—a prelude to the much more famous Carnival season—is becoming increasingly popular. This is because, today, people are looking for something different from the “usual” Brazilian vacation. Beaches, of course … but away from the people and tourist crowds. Is this possible, in Rio?
Rio de Janeiro: city of beaches
Rio de Janeiro is not just the city of Carnival and samba, it is also and above all the city of beaches. People come here to enjoy the sun and sea year-round. And to do so, they rely on the “good name” of some of the world’s most famous locations: Copacabana, Ipanema, Flamengo, Botafogo… who hasn’t dreamed of them at least once?
Copacabana and Ipanema are undoubtedly the most famous beaches in Rio. A 4-km long sandy coast, Copacabana is called “the princess of the sea” and is bordered by one of the most beautiful promenades in the world. Two kilometers of golden sand characterize “little Ipanema“, instead: a beach beloved by (not just) Brazilian celebrities, where spectacular surf waves break. Botafogo and Flamengo are connected and together form a single large beach that goes from downtown Rio to the southern neighborhoods. Home to a yacht club, Botafogo is a very picturesque beach, while Flamengo is “everyone’s beach”, also because it is very close to the core of the city.
These beaches, along with Praia de Fora, Leblon, Joatinga, and Reserva, are Rio de Janeiro’s top places and therefore also the most beloved, popular, and sought-after. However, if you’re looking for a unique and alternative vacation, discover Rio’s seaside corners where almost no one goes. And treat yourself to an intimate and unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
Rio’s secret beaches
To begin exploring Rio’s secret beaches, head straight to … Praia do Secreto (Beach of Secret)! This sheltered, rocky beach is frequented only by locals and is generally disliked by tourists. Inconvenient and dangerous (it’s a natural pool surrounded by rocks, which creates terrifying undertows and whirlpools during storms), it is never mentioned in guidebooks. But if you ask the locals, you’ll learn to love it and enjoy it properly: for example, with the low tide it is a true paradise! And not scary at all!
Praia do Diabo is very similar. This small stretch of coastline disappears completely underwater when the tide rises or the waves get higher! Therefore, it’s only accessible at low tide, when the ocean is calm. However, some adventurous surfers love to visit it in all conditions. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, however, check the tides beforehand and be careful.
Far from the city, beyond the beaches of Recreio, Pontal, and Macumba, you find Prainha (the little beach). It’s a sheltered and intimate beach, known more by surfers than tourists. It appears very clean and romantic, and the sand has a white color that makes it special. Be careful of the waves, which can exceed 3 meters in height when the wind blows.
Located in a wild landscape, Grumari beach is the endpoint of numerous nature trails that reach it from the surrounding reserves. There are few facilities, mostly isolated kiosks, which perhaps make it inconvenient for mass tourism but perfect for those seeking tranquility.
If you want to practice nudism, or if you’re not offended by those who do, your destination is Abricò. A secluded beach with a breathtaking view of the ocean, it’s quiet and reserved for a select few and—yes!— it welcomes those who love to fully exhibit their bodies in freedom. This makes it untouched by mass tourism and therefore definitely romantic.
Praia do Sino (not to be confused with the much popular Pedra do Sino) is a small beach overlooking the open ocean on the tip of Marambaia Island, a few kilometers from Rio de Janeiro. Wild and idyllic, it’s accessible only via a trail that starts from the “Escola de Pesca” and continues through the bush for a total 20 minutes’ walk. Alternatively, you can get there by boat.
Getting to and around Rio
Getting to Rio de Janeiro is easy, as it is home to two of Brazil’s largest airports: Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) and Dumont Airport (SDU). Both are well-connected to the city center and the beaches. To reach lesser-known destinations, however, you’ll need a more personalized transfer, perhaps with a private driver too, allowing you or your group to travel stress-free and without schedule restrictions. Transfeero, in Rio, is a guarantee of this. Our vehicles and drivers will also be available on an hourly basis to meet your needs throughout the area.
