Summary
In Rio de Janeiro, the beach is the center of life. This is the place where the rich and poor alike gather to relax, meet friends and play sports. No matter the reason for your visit to Rio de Janeiro, beach time is a must, even if it’s just to soak in the beach culture and observe Rio’s residents doing what they do best.
Choosing a Beach to Visit in Rio
Rio de Janeiro’s beaches are divided by postos, or lifeguard posts, and just about every posto has a unique feature.
Postos 1 through 6 are located along Leme and Copacabana Beach and alongside some of the city’s most glamorous real estate. The postos along Copacabana, postos 2 through 6, were the site of beach volleyball during the 2016 Summer Olympics. Posto 6 is popular for stand-up paddleboarding and is home to Copacabana Fort and the Historical Museum of the Army. This is also the location of Olympic triathlon and marathon swimming events.
Posto 7, the smaller beach called Arpoador, is favored by surfers and families, thanks to its quieter, more relaxed vibe.
Postos 8 and 9, located on Ipanema Beach, are frequently busy with younger crowds who come here to socialize with friends during afternoons and evenings. You will find a gay-friendly area marked with rainbow flags.
Posto 10 attracts the affluent residents of the neighboring area, while Posto 11 (Leblon Beach) draws an even more exclusive crowd. It is known for celebrity sightings, including soccer stars and soap opera actors. Nearby Posto 12 includes a family-friendly area, ideal for families with small children.
Brazilians passionately engage in beach sports; volleyball and soccer are popular choices. You will also notice futevólei, or footvolley, which is volleyball played using feet—it’s a local invention!
What to Wear on the Beaches of Rio
Brazilians embrace minimalism on the beach. Women often wear bikinis, and many opt for tiny designs featuring triangle tops and bottoms with slightly more coverage than g-strings. Men typically wear a fitted sunga, which are tight, square-shaped swimming trunks. Baggy swimwear is rarely seen.
Moreover, Brazilians have little hesitation in lounging on the beach clad in their minimal swimsuits. People of all body types and ages enjoy sunbathing (though going topless is frowned upon). It is common for them to stroll along the iconic sidewalks in just a bikini and Havaianas.
Most Cariocas, as Rio residents are referred to, utilize a canga—a beach sarong—or beach chairs to sit comfortably. Sarongs can be readily purchased on the beach, and numerous hotels in Rio offer beach equipment for complimentary use or rental.
What to Eat on the Beaches of Rio
Beach culture in Brazil encompasses a variety of tasty snacks. Barracas, or stalls, provide an array of healthy snacks and refreshing drinks.
Ensure you try the agua de coco, or fresh coconut water, which is renowned for its hydrating properties after sun exposure. Rio locals relish beach snacks including corn, açaí bowls topped with granola and bananas, grilled cheese skewers, nuts, and esfihas (a type of flatbread filled with beef, spices, onions, or mustard greens). Popular beach beverages consist of the famous caipirinha and crisp beers, typically light Pilsners or lagers like Antarctica or Brahma.
Safety Tips for the Beaches of Rio
Most beaches in Rio de Janeiro are safe, thanks to heightened security and the presence of crowds. However, it is essential to implement standard safety measures while visiting.
Do not leave personal belongings unattended, even momentarily—if you wish to swim, ask a friend to keep an eye on your items. It is advisable to avoid staying on the beaches at night and to keep clear of areas with few people. Additionally, refrain from bringing valuables like expensive jewelry or cameras to the beach.
