Summary of Búzios’ Attractions
Búzios is the best-known destination on Costa do Sol, a 190-mile stretch of beaches north of Rio de Janeiro, encompassing 13 cities. Its sunny winters make it an ideal escape from Rio.
The five-mile peninsula boasts 23 scenic and pristine beaches along with a charming town center that attracts visitors year-round. Búzios enjoys warm winter days with clear skies and temperatures in the 70s. The city’s unique geographical location contributes to its classification as one of the sunniest beach destinations in Brazil, offering a drier climate than Rio de Janeiro and other coastal areas to the south.
One of the Top Destinations on Brazil’s Sun Coast
Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, Búzios has retained its appeal since. Recently, a range of charming hotels, pousadas, fine dining establishments, and lively clubs have emerged in the area.
Orla Bardot, the central beachfront boulevard, along with Rua das Pedras, filled with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, are popular gathering spots for those looking to socialize. During the summer, the nightlife intensifies considerably.
Búzios caters to adventurous travelers with an abundance of activities such as windsurfing, kite surfing, diving, and hiking. Furthermore, its friendly weather, calm beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a perfect destination for families with children.
Although tourism has taken center stage in the local economy, fishing remains part of the community’s identity. The full name of the city, Armação de Búzios, reflects its fishing heritage, with “armação” signifying a fishing technique or the craft of whaling ships. Historically, Búzios, translating to “conches,” refers to large shells used by indigenous tribes as horns to warn of the coming Portuguese settlers.
Búzios serves as a port of call for international cruises, like the Celebrity Infinity, allowing passengers to explore key attractions in the city and enjoy nearby beaches and islands on a catamaran.
When to Go
Due to its position on the Brazilian coast, Búzios typically experiences sunnier, drier, and warmer conditions compared to other southeastern beaches. This makes it a fantastic spot for winter escapes in Brazil (June-August) as well as throughout the year.
Travelers should plan to reserve hotels in advance for visits during July, which coincides with Brazilian students’ winter breaks. Additionally, summer in Búzios sees an influx of tourists, particularly during New Year’s Day and Carnival.
How to Get There
Getting to this coastal gem is straightforward. If you’re based in Rio de Janeiro, inquire with your hotel or pousada for recommendations.
By Air:
The Cabo Frio Airport, located about 18 miles from Búzios, operates flights from numerous Brazilian cities. Once there, you can easily arrange a transfer to your accommodation or opt for a taxi.
For small planes, Búzios has its own airport, Umberto Modiano. Airlines offering flights from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios include:
- Líder Aviação
- Aeróleo
- Helistar Taxi Aéreo
- TEAM Linhas Aéreas
By Bus:
Viação 1001 operates daily buses to Búzios from Rio de Janeiro’s major bus terminal (Rodoviária Novo Rio).
Top Activities and Things To See
Búzios’ beaches and its vibrant town center, which includes the beachfront boulevard – Orla Bardot – and the bustling Rua das Pedras, host most of the top attractions in the area.
Art and Cultural Activities
Central Búzios is home to some of the most photographed bronze statues in Brazil, crafted by artist Christina Motta. Notably, her work features Brigitte Bardot sitting on a bench overlooking the sea at Orla Bardot and the three fishermen located at Armação Beach. Furthermore, Motta has sculpted the statue of president Juscelino Kubitschek in front of Solar do Peixe Vivo Pousada, along with whimsical representations of children and cats at the nearby Travessa dos Arcos shopping area.
The shopping gallery, Travessa dos Arcos, showcases the work of Minas Gerais-born architect Hélio Pellegrino, who has designed some of Búzios’ most captivating restaurants, boutiques, and beach houses.
The central pier in Búzios is a bustling departure point for boat tours and is an excellent spot to relax and enjoy sunsets.
The Best Beaches of Búzios
Characterized by a compact peninsular shape and hidden beaches along the curving shoreline, Búzios ranks as one of Brazil’s prime beach hopping destinations. Regardless of your choice, each beach presents its own unique charm, all boasting pristine beauty. Opt for beachfront accommodations that align with your preferences and venture to explore nearby beaches by car, catamaran, or on foot.
- Caravelas: Accessible via a mostly unpaved road from Rio past Cabo Frio, Caravelas is a quaint beach featuring rough waters and white sands.
- José Gonçalves: Named after a historical slave trader, this small fishing beach serves as a surfing hub and can be reached via a dirt road.
- Tucuns: Home to the luxurious Breezes Buzios Resort, Tucuns offers thrilling hang gliding and paragliding experiences against a backdrop of crystal-clear waters.
- Geribá: Favored by travelers and locals alike, this beach has shallow waters along its shore, suitable for swimming, while also catering to surfers.
- Ferradurinha: A small bay featuring unique rock formations, it’s an exquisite snorkeling destination accessible by car or on foot from Geribá.
- Ferradura: This family-friendly beach boasts calm waters ideal for children while also offering nightlife and bars for evening entertainment.
- Ponta da Lagoinha: A must-see for geology enthusiasts, this beach features rocks believed to be over 520 million years old. Caution is needed for swimming due to crashing waves.
- Foca: This picturesque yet tiny beach can be reached via an unmarked trail from Forno and is noted for its rough waters.
- Praia do Forno: A serene spot with calm waters and distinctive red sands.
- Olho-de-Boi: One of Brazil’s nude beaches, small and protected by cliffs, it can be accessed by a 20-minute hike from Praia Brava.
- Brava: An excellent surfing location with various accommodation options.
- João Fernandinho: This attractive beach requires a descent of nearly 100 steps through the rainforest, sharing the tip of the peninsula with larger João Fernandes.
- João Fernandes: A widely favored beach for families and South American visitors with plenty of accommodations available.
- Azeda: A secluded beach easily reachable from Búzios, accompanied by its smaller neighbor, Azedinha.
- Central Búzios Beaches: Forming the heart of beach life in Búzios, Ossos, Armação, and Praia do Canto are essential stops for relaxation.
- Praia das Virgens: This secluded beach is accessible only via a challenging trail from Praia dos Amores.
- Tartaruga: Ideal for families, this beach features calm waters and is popular among boat tours.
- Manguinhos: Known for its water sports and gourmet eateries, it’s an attractive locality with charming lodging options.
- Praia Rasa: A romantic spot with gentle waters perfect for couples.
Best Restaurants in Búzios
Búzios has embraced Brazil’s growing culinary scene and is now celebrated as a top destination for food enthusiasts near Rio.
In July, the town hosts a culinary festival featuring local chefs showcasing traditional fare from the fishing community. For dining, consider these exceptional choices:
- Sawasdee Bistro
One of the premier Thai restaurants in Brazil, Sawasdee was established by chef Marcos Sodré in 1997. After a decade at Orla Bardot, a Rio de Janeiro branch followed, now including a São Conrado location. The menu reflects the family’s street food heritage with dishes celebrating culinary traditions from Thailand. - Satyricon
This branch of the renowned Ipanema seafood restaurant overlooks Praia da Armação, emphasizing freshness with its large aquariums displaying the evening’s fare. - Insólito
As the name suggests, this beachfront dining establishment offers luxurious romantic meals specializing in Franco-Brazilian cuisine with a seafood focus. - Zuza
Chef Christopher Cabicieri’s (Zuza) restaurant captures Búzios’s sunny spirit, showcasing a range of dishes influenced by fresh catches from local markets and regional ingredients. - Rocka
A beach lounge and restaurant providing stunning views and exquisite meals crafted by chef Gustavo Rinkevich, creating a memorable experience enhanced by live DJs. - O Hedonista
Known for its selection of wines and delicious seafood and pasta offerings, providing a cozy and romantic ambiance. - Briza
This attractive beachfront restaurant located at Villa Rasa Marina specializes in exceptional grilled seafood dishes. - Buzin
Just two blocks from the beach, this buffet restaurant offers diverse options, from various pasta selections to sushi.
