With almost 7,500 kilometers of coastline, deciding which beaches to visit in Brazil can be overwhelming. From untouched paradise islands to tourist hotspots with day parties and international DJs, Brazil offers a diverse range of beach experiences. Here, we review three of our favorite Brazilian beach vacations for 2024, based on beauty, activities, and accommodation. With this guide, you can book your Brazil vacation package knowing you’ve chosen some of the best destinations for your beach getaway.
Ilha Grande: The True Paradise Island
Ilha Grande is a tropical island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, part of the coastal area of Angra dos Reis. Accessible by a 30-minute to one hour ferry ride from Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande is a place where nature reigns supreme. As you approach the island, you are greeted with a breathtaking panorama of jungle-clad hills descending into the sea, reminding you that some places on Earth are best left and preserved in their natural state. Eco-tourism on Ilha Grande allows visitors to enjoy this paradise sustainably, providing income for the 5000 or so inhabitants. The island’s history is as rich as its natural beauty.
Discovered by Europeans on January 6, 1502, by Portuguese explorer Gonçalo Coelho, the island was originally inhabited by the Tupinamba people, who called it “Ipau Guass,” meaning “big island.” The Portuguese name “Ilha Grande” translates to the same. Following its discovery, Ilha Grande became a refuge for pirates and treasure hunters. In the 1800s, colonizers brought the slave trade to the island, and it later became home to fishermen. Interestingly, Ilha Grande remained well-preserved partly due to a prison that operated there until 1994, deterring large-scale settlement. A fantastic and strict rule on Ilha Grande is that no vehicles are allowed, enhancing its pristine environment. The average annual maximum temperature is 21.5°C (70.7°F), and the minimum is 17.0°C (62.6°F).
What to Do on Ilha Grande
The hub of the island is the village of Vila do Abraão, where most inhabitants live and where tourists first arrive. Abraão offers a concentration of tourist infrastructure, including small restaurants, accommodation, and tourist services. From Abraão, you can explore the island’s hundreds of beaches. Hiring bikes is a great way to get around and enjoy the island’s natural landscapes. Ilha Grande is popular for scuba diving, surfing, and other water sports. A daytime visit to the Igreja de Santana, a church built in 1796 on a small peninsula, is recommended. Although it’s difficult to get inside, the view from outside is worth the trip, best reached by a taxi-boat from Abraão.
Praia de Lopes Mendes is one of Ilha Grande’s most famous beaches and a dream destination for surfers. Another must-do is a boat trip to the other side of the island to visit Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, two incredible snorkeling spots.
Parnaioca Beach is excellent for those interested in the island’s history, featuring ruins of old buildings. However, swimming here can be risky due to currents, so it’s better to stick to the beaches near Abraão cove for swimming.
Cost of a Beach Vacation on Ilha Grande in 2024
Ilha Grande is exclusive, and this is reflected in the price. For a few nights, expect to pay upwards of $500 per person for accommodation and transport from Rio de Janeiro.
Jericoacoara: The Jewel of the “Nordeste”
Jericoacoara, or “Jeri,” is the crown jewel of Brazil’s northeast coast. Once a quiet fishing village with no electricity, it has transformed into one of the most popular beach destinations in Brazil while maintaining its quaint, rustic charm. Jericoacoara combines excellent dining options, including both Brazilian and international cuisine, with a vibrant nightlife. Here, you can enjoy a romantic, quiet dinner by the ocean or lively parties that attract both locals and tourists. Jericoacoara gained fame from an article in the Washington Post titled “Beauty and the Beach” by Cal Fussman, who described it as “the most beautiful sand dunes of the Sahara set next to the crystal waters of the Caribbean.” Similar to other Brazilian beach destinations, cars are not allowed in Jericoacoara. Visitors must travel to Jijoca de Jericoacoara, usually from Fortaleza, pay a small tourist tax, and take a jeep into the town.
What to Do in Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara’s sandy streets are perfect for wandering and discovering various gift shops, boutique clothing stores, and excellent restaurants. The town’s timeless atmosphere, where days are planned around the sunrise and sunset, makes it one of the most sought-after Brazilian beach destinations. A popular excursion from Jericoacoara is a beach buggy trip to a freshwater lagoon hidden in the dunes, passing through the small settlement of Tatajuba and the impressive Funil sand dune. At the lagoon, you can relax with a fresh lobster lunch and lounge in hammocks suspended above the water. The “duna do por do sol” (sunset dune) near the main beach is a favorite spot to watch the sunset. Other recommended trips include visits to the Azul lagoon and Paraíso lagoon, both offering stunning scenery. Prea and Malhada beaches are excellent for water sports, particularly kite surfing. Snorkeling and diving schools are also available, and surfers might catch the occasional wave at Malhada. A classic walk to “Pedra Furada” (a pierced rock formation) around 4:30 p.m. offers the perfect sunset view through the rock. For sports fans, after sunset, the main beach often hosts Capoeira “rodas,” where martial artists perform accompanied by traditional music. This cultural display is definitely a highlight of any visit to Jericoacoara, so we would advise to try and make it at least once.
Cost of a Beach Vacation in Jericoacoara in 2024
Jericoacoara is slightly more expensive than other beach destinations, with a few nights costing upwards of $600 per person, including transport from Fortaleza. Dining at the best restaurants can be pricey, but there are cheaper accommodation and dining options available. Jericoacoara is no longer a budget travel destination, but it offers unparalleled experiences.
Morro de São Paulo: Five Heavenly Beaches and Unmatched Nightlife
Our final selection for top Brazilian beach vacations in 2024 is Morro de São Paulo, another paradise island off the coast of Bahia. Located on the northern tip of Tinharé Island, it features five beaches, each attracting different crowds. Beach 1 is the most popular, while Beach 5 is often deserted. This variation allows visitors to choose between lively or tranquil beach experiences. The island’s lack of private cars enhances its secluded paradise feel, with horse and cart being a charming transport method. The geography of Morro de São Paulo, with its coconut trees, white sand beaches, and mangroves, is part of its allure. Historically, it was one of the first Portuguese settlements in South America and has seen battles between French, Dutch, and Portuguese forces. During World War II, it was a target for German submarines.
What to Do in Morro de São Paulo
Morro de São Paulo offers historical sites worth visiting, such as the baroque-style Fonte Grande de Morro de São Paulo, a large fountain built in 1746, and Fortaleza de Morro de São Paulo, a lighthouse guiding ships to Baía de Todos os Santos. The lighthouse is challenging to access, but the nearby viewpoint at Tiroleza offers stunning views. Daytime activities include water sports like snorkeling, diving, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Nature walks through coconut plantations and the Atlantic forest lead to majestic waterfalls and natural springs. Boat trips to Boipeba Island, with its peaceful natural pools, are highly recommended. Tapirandu Fort is an ideal spot for sunset views. The town itself is perfect for evening dining, offering fine meals on balconies with coastal breezes. As night falls, the sounds of local music fill the air, with lively parties attracting both locals and tourists.
Cost of a Beach Vacation in Morro de São Paulo in 2024
Morro de São Paulo is slightly cheaper than Ilha Grande and Jericoacoara, with a few nights costing upwards of $350 per person. Transportation options include airplane, ferry, or plane, with the ferry being the most scenic route. Flights from Salvador de Bahia airport take about 20 minutes.
Brazil offers a plethora of beach vacation options, each with its unique charm and appeal. Ilha Grande, with its untouched beauty and historical significance, Jericoacoara, with its perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, and Morro de São Paulo, with its heavenly beaches and vibrant nightlife, are three top destinations for 2024. Whether you seek tranquility, adventure, or a mix of both, these Brazilian beach vacations promise unforgettable experiences.
