The Coast of the Discovery - Jericoacoara beach - Paraty - Porto de Galinhas
Florianópolis - Arraial do Cabo - Ipanema Beach

Brazil’s shoreline is 4,577 miles (7,367 Km) long - or 5,281 miles (8,500) long if you consider all kinds of coastal features such as bays, gulfs etc. As a general rule, the Brazilian coast faces the South Atlantic Ocean, as only a small part of its shore (in the far north of the country) is bathed by the Caribbean Sea.

 

The Brazilian coast’s coordinates range from 04º30’N down to 33º44’S, located therefore for the most part in the inter-tropical zone. The average population density per square kilometer of the Brazilian coast is 87, five times over the national average, of 17. This is due to a historical tendency of settling in the coast. With such a long ocean coast, one can expect to find beaches to suit all tastes. Indeed, Brazil has beaches with either calm or rough water, either warm or cold, located in small villages or dazzling big cities, appropriate for sports or for rest.

As a general rule, the water in the northeastern region is usually calmer and warmer, whereas in the south and southeast the water is comparatively colder and rougher. All around the country, the visitor can find beaches suited for diving, surfing, fishing and sailing. Summer in Brazil goes from December to March. Nevertheless, the majority of our beaches offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. The northeast, especially, guarantees sunshine whatever the season. As to the tourist visiting the south region, he or she would make the most of the trip when it is summer.

Brazil beaches also harbor two national marine parks, in the archipelagoes of Fernando de Noronha and Abrolhos, natural areas meant to preserve untouched the fauna and the vegetation, for educational and scientific purposes and, to a minor degree, for leisure, too. It is forbidden to fish, hunt, litter or collect natural material in the parks.The marine parks are the ideal environments for the development of ecological projects. In Abrolhos, the humpback whale project conducts research on behavior, tourism monitoring and stranded whales in nearby areas. The humpback  whale visits the clear and warm waters of the archipelago during mating and procreation. In Fernando de Noronha, the rotary dolphin project researches the species and monitors tourism, seeking to ensure that the animals are left alone; every day, from 200 to 700 dolphins visit the Bay of Dolphins, in the main island.

Another interesting feature of the Brazilian coast is the string of historical fortresses, built from the 16th century on in order to protect the shore from pirates and invasion. The Portuguese built 860 fortresses along the coast, some simple beaten-mud barricades, now lost to time and weather; others, built according to the most advanced defense techniques of their time, still stand. Currently one hundred of them still exist and 28 can be visited. Located in strategic places, these fortresses were usually built on high terrain near the sea, giving the visitor a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

Going to the beach is undoubtedly the Brazilians’ favorite “appointment” during the weekend and vacations. The sand then become the favorite space for sports, such as soccer and beach volleyball; or for a meeting point for friends; or the kids' playground. Nowadays, an appropriate and comfortable infrastructure is in place at the majority of our beaches, where the visitor can find good hotels and inns, either sophisticated or rustic ambiances, renovated roads, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. And the seafood cuisine is among the best in the country, satisfaction guaranteed and instantaneous!

The Coast of the Discovery

 

covers the southern shore of the state of Bahia, from Coroa Vermelha Beach to Prado. It is so called because it was the region where the first Portuguese navigators landed when they discovered Brazil in 1500. Today, this area is an extensive tourism complex, the main city of which is Porto Seguro, and attracts thousands of tourists annually. This year Brazil is celebrating the fifth centennial of its discovery, and many events will occur along the Coast of the Discovery, including a regatta that includes a replica of the ship commanded by Pedro Alvares Cabral (the Portuguese navigator who discovered Brazil in 1500). Bahia is a sunny land and can be visited any time of the year. The period from December to March is the warmest. Besides its historical aspect, the Coast of Discovery is a Natural World Heritage Landmark, as established by UNESCO,

 

How to arrive:Porto Seguro has an airport with many scheduled commercial flights, but the most common route to Porto Seguro is flying to Salvador and then taking a flight to Porto Seguro. You can also take a flight from Rio or São Paulo to Porto Seguro.

 

Inns/hotels:

www.svn.com.br/bahiatursa/deonde-i.html

www.arraial-dajuda.com.br/cheiroverde/english.htm

 

Links about the Coast of the Discovery:

www.svn.com.br/bahiatursa/descobri-i.html

www.trancoso.com

www.caraiva.com.br 

www.portonet.com.br

 

Jericoacoara beach

300 km (186 miles) from Fortaleza, capital of the state of Ceará, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. As it is an area of environmental protection, the village is preserved from development changes such as electrical light, paved roads and high buildings. Hunting and predatory fishing are strictly forbidden. As a result, it is the right destination for those who do not want luxury and look for a more intimate contact with the nature. Jericoacoara offers simple but comfortable inns. Some people stay as guests in the houses of local people, or in camping. In Jericoacara the tourist can take long walks on the beach, ride horses, practice windsurf and other water sports. There are non-stop flights from Miami to Fortaleza,  where tourists will be received at the airport by the staff of hotel/inn at which he is booked. Ceará is considered the sunniest state of Brazil and offers sunny days any time of the year. 

How to arrive: You need a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Nevertheless, please note that, as a rule, the tourist will be received at the Fortaleza International Airport by the reception staff of the hotel/inn. If you want to use a rental car, a personal guide will be needed to get to the beach because the access is difficult.

Inns/hotels

weballiance.com.br/ceara/english/jericoacoara_wheretostay.htm

www.jericoacoara.com/hotels/index.html

 

Restaurants

weballiance.com.br/ceara/english/jericoacoara_wheretoeat.htm

 

Links on Jericoacoara

www.jericoacoara.com/

www.ceara.com/

www.webpraxis.com/msabba/jeri.htm

www.jericoacoara.org/ 

 

 

Paraty

 

Is a historical coastal town in an extremely beautiful region before the Serra do Mar mountains, between the cities of Rio and São Paulo, facing a bay with 65 islands and more than 100 beaches. Its coast reveals several natural recesses which make possible many marinas and small harbors. The water is extremely clean, perfect for scuba-diving and other aquatic sports. Tours through beaches and islands can be easily arranged, you just have to rent a boat in the city harbor that will take you to places with natural swimming pools and unimaginable beaches. Restaurants of quality, excellent inns, handcraft stores and shops are located in the city's historical center, considered by UNESCO a world heritage landmark and the most harmonious architectural place of the 18th century.

 

How to arrive: - road - take the BR 101 federal road, Paraty lies 235 km (145 miles) from Rio and 325 km (201 miles) from São Paulo, both cities that receive most international flights. 

- air - you can also take an air taxi from Rio or São Paulo.

 

Inns/hotels:

www.uol.com.br/guiadolitoral/paraty/pousadas.htm

www.paraty.com 

www.paraty.com.br/sandi/index.htm

 

Restaurants:

www.uol.com.br/guiadolitoral/paraty/restaurante.htm

www.paraty.com.br/sandi/irsandi.htm

 

Links on Paraty:   

cidadeshistoricas.terra.com.br/indexe.htm 

www.paraty.com.br/iindex.htm  

www.rio-off-rio.com.br

darkwing.uoregon.edu/~sergiok/brasil/parati.html 

 

Porto de Galinhas

 

One of the most beautiful beaches of Brazil with warm green clean waters. When the low tide comes, natural pools, protected by reefs, are formed. Thousands of fish of all colors can be seen. The coast has 18 km of beaches; this paradise lies about 60 km (37 miles) from Recife. Until few years ago, the area was only a fishermen village, but was discovered by tourism and it is already prepared to receive visitors, offering good accommodation and good food. Night in Porto de Galinhas is full of entertainment. 

 

How to arrive: Porto de Galinhas lies 58 km (37 miles) from Recife by road (a 1 hour-trip by car from Recife). The inn staff at Porto de Galinhas can receive you at the Recife International Airport and take you to Porto de Galinhas. There are many domestic flights to Recife and also international flights.

 

Inns/hotels

www.hotelarmacao.com.br/thehotel.html 

www.pousadaarcoiris.com.br/ingles/index.htm

www.ocapora.com.br/elugar.htm

www.balancodarede.com.br/ingles.html

www.somdasondas.com.br/

www.pousadabeiramar.com.br/english.htm

 

Links on Porto de Galinhas

www.hotelarmacao.com.br/place.html

 

 

Florianópolis

Florianópolis is an island with 45 beaches in southern of Brazil. There are all kinds of beaches: urban beaches, fishermen villages, wild beaches. Summer in the region goes from December to March. It is also the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. Therefore, you can find  all the infra-structure for comfortable vacations with many extra activities in "Floripa". It is worthwhile to visit local handcraft shops and fortresses which were built in the 18th century to avoid Spanish invasions.  Florianopólis has one of the best spots for surf in Brazil such as Joaquina Beach and Silveira.

 

How to arrive: There are flights from São Paulo and Rio  and many other important cities in Brazil.

Inns/hotels

www.hipernet.ufsc.br/floripa/ingles/hoteis.htm

 

Restaurants

www.hipernet.ufsc.br/floripa/ingles/restaura.htm

 

 

Arraial do Cabo

 

Arraial do Cabo is a fishing village approximately 111 miles (180 Km) north of Rio de Janeiro, located in an area - comprising several cities - known for its bathing resorts. This small beach town of 22,034 inhabitants has recently become something more than a simple fishing town as people from Rio de Janeiro and even some foreigners flee the daily grind of Rio de Janeiro and other big cities for the beautiful – and sometimes dramatic - landscape of “Arraial” (as the locals call the town). Although it preserves the look of a fishing village, tourism has been increasing due to the excellent conditions for scuba diving and underwater fishing (please note that this activity requires a license from IBAMA, the Brazilian Environmental Institute).

If you are looking for a simpler way of life, beautiful sunsets by the sea, miles of white sand [seria bom saber quantas milhas – 35 Km???] along several beaches, the shy friendliness of fishermen, Arraial is well worth a try. Some beaches stretch along several miles, such as the Praia Grande (“Great Beach”); others are shorter, and some are recluse between the sea and the mountain, such as the Praia do Forno (“Oven Beach”). The Praia Grande is easily accessible, being a major meeting point during the day and in the evening. Along its shore the visitor can find a few stores and inns. Its sand is white and thin and in some places it forms dunes. This very long beach [quantos Km/milhas?] is an excellent spot for watching the sunset, as its eastern end faces the southeast (a rare position for a beach in Brazil). The Prainha (“Little Beach”) is the most popular beach in Arraial, with white sand and waters with light green to navy-blue shades. Several kiosks serve drinks and snacks, besides providing chairs and parasols to the beach-goers. The Praia do Forno (“Oven Beach” – by now you probably noticed that praia means “beach”, right?) is secluded by hills and a promontory, rendering access by land rather difficult (see it as a challenge) but highly rewarding – the view from the promontory’s ecological trail is absolutely unmatched. Or you could choose to get to the beach by boat; if that’s your case, make sure you ask the captain (or fisherman, if it’s a fishing boat) stop by the floating snack bar standing some distance from the sand and spend a half-hour nibbling at the seafood.

How to Get There: Arraial do Cabo is 111 miles (180 Km) north of Rio de Janeiro.

By car from Rio, take the Rio-Niterói bridge across Guanabara Bay, then take the Niterói-Manila Highway up to the town of Rio Bonito; from there, take the Via Lagos (direction “Região dos Lagos”) up to the city of São Pedro da Aldeia. From there, look for the signs “Cabo Frio” (which is the last town before Arraial) and “Arraial do Cabo”.

By bus from Rio, intercity buses leave regularly from Rio’s main Bus Station (“Rodoviária Novo Rio”). One of the companies that serve Arraial is Auto-Viação 1001 (try to get an air conditioned car) or Salineira from Cabo Frio and other cities in the region.

Inns

Pousada Gênesis - 622.2335

Acuário Pousada - 622.1056

Canto da Baleia - 622.1156

Restaurants

Being a fishing village, Arraial specializes in seafood. But there are a few good alternatives, too. The following restaurants are listed in the Guia 4 Rodas Praias guidebook:

• Todos os Prazeres (recommended): 622-2365 (call in advance); diversified cuisine;
• Oriental: 622-1576; Japanese cuisine;
• Garrafa de Nansen: 622-1553; seafood.

There are options in the nearby town of Cabo Frio. But the best option (albeit simple) is to have a local resident get fresh ingredients from a fisherman and prepare the food for you. The residents of Arraial are very friendly.

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro