Brazil is known for many things, including soccer, Carnival, and churrasco. But what makes this country so unique is its natural environment, particularly its stunning coastline. It’s no surprise that the Country’s most visited cities are typically on the coast.
Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil’s most vibrant megalopolis, offers world-class beaches such as Copacabana. Fortunately, this is only a small part of what Brazil offers. Many expats have already moved to Brazil’s coast to enjoy the warm weather, beautiful beaches, and various activities such as surfing and swimming.
In this article, you’ll discover the best beaches in Brazil, what makes them so special, and the types of activities you can enjoy in each one.
Balneário Camboriú: Stunning beaches, a modern skyline, affordable luxury, and vibrant nightlife. Known as the "Dubai of Brazil," it attracts tourists and expats alike
Balneário Camboriú is a coastal town in Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil. It stands out due to its modern skyline, which earned it the nickname “Brazil’s Dubai.” The warm year-round weather, affordable luxury, and stunning beaches attract many expats and visitors.
Apart from being one of the safest cities in Brazil for tourists, Balneário Camboriú is perfect for luxury shopping. Shopping malls like Shopping Balneário Camboriú feature multiple international brands. If you’re looking for a lively nightlife experience, this city offers a wide range of bars, restaurants, and clubs like Warung Beach Club. Last but not least, you can explore beaches like Praia das Laranjeiras and Praia do Pinho, which combine lush greenery with crystal-clear waters.
Copacabana, one of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous neighbourhoods, is Brazil’s most iconic beach destination. The lively promenade is perfect for strolling, jogging, or people-watching, while Copacabana Beach offers plenty of space for volleyball, soccer, and relaxation by the ocean.
Expats love Copacabana for its energy and classic Brazilian beach vibe. The welcoming community, bustling street markets, and endless dining and nightlife options make it a social hub. With beachfront hotels offering stunning ocean views and direct access to the sand, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Rio’s coastal charm.
Fortaleza: Vibrant beaches, year-round sun, and modern growth. A hub for tourism, business, and real estate, blending culture, cuisine, and stunning ocean views
Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará, is one of the most dynamic and promising destinations in the Brazilian Northeast. With its stunning beaches, year-round sunny weather and modern infrastructure, the city attracts both tourists and investors. Praia do Futuro, known for its well-structured beach huts and local cuisine, and Avenida Beira-Mar, with its vibrant and busy waterfront, are some of the city's main attractions. In addition to tourism, Fortaleza stands out as a growing economic hub driven by commerce and services and one of the largest airports in the region.
The local real estate market has been rapidly increasing in value, especially in developments that combine exclusivity, comfort and privileged views of the sea. With constant development and strong growth potential, the city attracts tourists, expats, and investors.
Jericoacoara, a charming fishing village in Ceará, Brazil, is one of the best places to catch a spectacular sunset. Its golden dunes and green waters are an invitation to all. When you visit, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular spot for locals and travellers. The warm climate, unspoiled beauty, and relaxed vibe make it a perfect getaway from the daily grind.
Jericoacoara is also home to some of Brazil’s most stunning beaches, like Praia da Malhada and Praia Principal de Jeri, where you can relax on the sand or take a refreshing swim. Don’t miss the Duna do Pôr do Sol, the ultimate sunset spot. If you’re into kitesurfing, you’ll love the steady waves, and the village comes alive at night with its lively bars and restaurants.
Porto de Galinhas, in Pernambuco, boasts crystal-clear natural pools, white sandy beaches, and a laid-back vibe. With great tourism infrastructure, lively nightlife, and family-friendly waters, it’s a top spot for expats and visitors alike
Porto de Galinhas, a small village in Pernambuco, is known for its stunning natural pools formed by coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. With its white sandy beaches and laid-back vibe, it’s no wonder why so many visitors flock to this seaside town. This area offers various activities for all ages, from surfing and beach volleyball to a lively nightlife scene with many restaurants and bars.
Expats love Porto de Galinhas’ welcoming community and well-developed tourism infrastructure. The village offers a wide range of accommodations and activities, such as snorkelling, boat tours, or simply lounging on pristine sands. Moreover, the lagoon-like waters make it family-friendly and allow kids to swim safely.
Maragogi, commonly known as the “Caribbean of Brazil,” is a town in Alagoas famous for its turquoise waters, white sands, and coral reefs. Its laid-back vibe and stunning beaches offer an excellent escape. The ‘galés,’ natural pools accessible by boat during low tide, further enhance the experience with their colourful marine life.
This town offers many activities, from snorkelling and boat tours to relaxing on its beautiful beaches. Nearby, smaller towns like São Bento and Japaratinga offer more unspoiled beaches to explore. Expats love Maragogi and its surrounding region for its laid-back lifestyle, unmatched natural beauty, and accessibility from larger cities.
Fernando de Noronha is a bonus on this list because it is not a beach, as many think, but rather a breathtaking archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, about 545 km off the northeastern coast of Brazil, belonging to the state of Pernambuco. Comprising 21 islands and islets, the archipelago is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning beaches, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for tourists and nature lovers.
The archipelago has 16 main beaches, divided between the Mar de Dentro (facing Brazil) and the Mar de Fora (facing the open ocean). Some of the most famous beaches in Fernando de Noronha include:
Baía do Sancho: Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, featuring turquoise waters, white sand, and access via a staircase built into a rock crevice;
Baía dos Porcos: A small yet stunning beach with natural pools and a spectacular view of the iconic Morro Dois Irmãos;
Praia do Leão: One of the island’s largest beaches and an important nesting site for sea turtles;
Praia do Cachorro: Located near the island’s centre, famous for the Buraco do Galego, a natural pool carved into the rocks;
Conceição: A wide sandy beach popular among surfers and one of the best spots to watch the sunset.
Fernando de Noronha is also a protected Marine National Park, ensuring the preservation of its biodiversity and limiting the number of visitors. It is a true paradise for divers and adventurers seeking direct contact with nature.
The beaches of Fernando de Noronha can be visited year-round, but sea conditions and weather vary by season. From September to March, during the dry season, waves become stronger, attracting surfers to beaches like Cacimba do Padre and Conceição. From April to August, during the rainy season, showers are usually brief, and the sea is calmer, making this period ideal for diving and snorkelling, especially at Baía do Sancho and Baía dos Porcos, where water visibility can exceed 30 metres. Any time of the year is great for relaxation and swimming, but travellers interested in specific water sports should consider these seasonal variations when planning their trip.
Brazil’s coastline offers diverse beaches, from lively Copacabana to remote Jericoacoara. Whether for adventure, investment, or an expat haven, its natural beauty and opportunities make it a top Plan-B destination
Brazil's coastline offers many different beach destinations, from the lively atmosphere of Copacabana and Balneário Camboriú to the natural pools of Porto de Galinhas and Maragogi. Each seaside town explored in this article caters to unique preferences and lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking adventure in Fernando de Noronha, investment opportunities in Fortaleza, or the untouched beauty of Jericoacoara, Brazil’s beaches offer unforgettable experiences.
I encourage you to explore these beaches; you might even discover your ideal expat haven! Whether you want a more off-grid or urban experience, explore the seaside towns listed in this article to fully enjoy what Brazil offers. This vast country is also one of the best Plan-B destinations thanks to its fertile land, extensive natural resources, and energy independence. To take action and build a custom-made offshore Plan-B, check out our free special report, ‘Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships.’