- Tuesday 19 February 2019
Beach stays close to Rio de Janeiro!
Rio de Janeiro is perhaps one of the most famous and exciting cities in the world and if you are planning a holiday to Brazil then a stay in Rio is a must! The atmosphere and vibrancy of the culture mixes perfectly with the great weather, stunning scenery, great food and nightlife! Recognisable landmarks including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, now one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, and Sugar Loaf Mountain, reached by cable car, are easily accessible and a 'must do' on a visit.
Stunning beaches including Copacabana, Ipanema and Praihna Beaches are ideally located to enjoy a mix of city and beach. These beaches are a hive of activity anytime of the day!
Rio also has a lot more to offer including arty neighbourhoods, most notably, Santa Teresa, with a good choice of restaurants and bars; great food including local delicacies and the local Churrascaria and a vibrant nightlife including Samba shows!
There is so much to see and do in Brazil and with a vast coastline of almost 7,500km long, you simply have to visit one of the stunning beaches. From the North to the South you will find resorts and most you have to fly to from Rio. However, a few hours’ drive North or South of Rio you have villages and towns that compliment a holiday to Rio with their laid back atmosphere; stunning surroundings, beautiful beaches and best of all, you don’t need to take a flight to get to them.
Below is our pick of some of the villages and resorts along the coast!
Buzios
Made famous by Bridget Bardot in the 1970’s, Buzios is a charming fishing village located 2.5 hours’ drive North of Rio de Janeiro. It is surrounded by approximately twenty bays and beaches, all reachable by taxi boat.
The two main pedestrianised streets offer a large number of shopping opportunities including souvenier shops, upmarket boutiques and local artists craft shops. Here you will also find a huge choice of restaurants, ice cream parlours, bars and a nightclub.
Buzios really does have so much to offer, with a relaxed atmosphere and is ideal for honeymoon couples or those looking for a relaxing start or end to their Brazilian holiday.
There is a wide range of accommodation available in Buzios including privately owned and run Pousadas, small hotels and hotel chains.
Angra dos Reis
Angra dos Reis is a bay located some 155km, a two hour drive, South of Rio de Janeiro which is comprised of 365 islands and islets and a multitude of stunning beaches. Located in the “Costa Verde” the Green Coast, the area is surrounded by the Atlantic forest.
There is great access to the nearby islands from the town of Angra dos Reis and day trips to these tropical islands is one of the main excursions here. The area also offers an abundance of activities including diving, snorkelling and kayaking.
Accommodation varies from local family run Posadas to All-Inclusive beach resorts.
Ihla Grande
Ihla Grande is located South of Rio de Janeiro and its bustling harbour town of Vila do Abraao is reached by ferry from the town of Angra dos Reis. There are no cars on the island, which adds to its charm. There are over 30 restaurants on the island, serving delicious fresh seafood and there are a choice of bars where you can enjoy live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
There is an endless amount of activities available here including boat tours around the island and to nearby islands, hiking forest trails and kayaking, snorkelling, diving and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the islands beaches.
The beaches on the island are stunning. Lopes Mendes Beach, often considered one of the Top 10 best beaches in Brazil, is a stunning beach. It can be reached by boat or by a hike. There is no development here. Walking on the beach, the sand crunches beneath your feet like snow; paradise!
Paraty
Paraty is a charming town with a beautiful and historic colonial centre. The town has a lively and vibrant atmosphere and the town squares are surrounded by great restaurants with superb seafood and not to forget a choice of beach bars.
From Paraty there is so much to see and do, including visiting the nearby islands and beaches where you can kayak, surf, snorkel and scuba dive. The jungled Bocaina Mountains provide adventure and activities including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and canyoning.
Paraty’s proximity to bays, islands, beaches, peninsulas, rainforests and mountains combined with its vibrant culture makes it an ideal destination to savour what Brazil has to offer.
We can tailormake your holiday to Brazil to include all destinations including the Amazon and Iguazu Falls, plus so much more. We can also combine Brazil with other South American countries including Argentina, Peru, Chile and Uruguay.
To find out more and enquire about a holiday or honeymoon to Brazil call us on 021 4277094 or 01 6965135, email info@shandontravel.ie or call into our shops on Grand Parade in Cork City, Clonakilty or Bantry.
Click HERE to view our holidays to Brazil.
Click HERE to view our holidays to South America.