15 Best Beaches in Búzios: The St. Tropez of Brazil

Perched on a peninsula just 2 hours north of Rio de Janeiro, Armação dos Búzios (or simply, ‘Búzios’) has often been touted as the St. Tropez of Brazil. After a recent visit to this exotic coastal paradise, I’ve compiled a list of the best beaches in Búzios for anyone doing the same. 

While it might not have quite the effortless class and sophistication of the French Riviera, Búzios more than makes up for it in cobblestone charm, bustling boutiques, and some truly stunning stretches of sand.

This guide gives you all the insider info on each of the 15 incredible Búzios beaches, including what facilities you can find there and what type of traveller they might suit best.

I’ll also include some top tips and recommendations for your trip to Brazil, including where to stay, how to get around Búzios and some of the best spots to eat and drink. 

15 of the Best Beaches in Búzios 

In no particular order, here are 15 of the best beaches in Búzios for every type of traveller, whether you want to ride the waves, sip caipirinhas on the sand, or go snorkelling for exotic sea life. 

Praia dos Ossos // Beach of Bones

Best for: Sunset seekers 

Ignore the ominous name, Praia dos Ossos or ‘Bone Beach’ is a beautiful, sheltered spot within walking distance of Búzios centre. 

You’ll often see fishing and sailboats bobbing in the crescent-shaped cove, which makes this one of the best beaches in Búzios for postcard-worthy views, especially at sunset.

Because there’s a little more marine traffic, it’s not the best spot for swimming, but you’ll find it a quiet place to soak up the sun if you prefer to stay firmly on dry land. 

You can also usually catch a water taxi from here to other beaches or famous locations on the peninsula, making it a great beach to base yourself on during your stay in Búzios. We loved strolling past this beach at sunset because of the beautiful views and calm, quiet vibe. 

There’s also a small church catholic church located here and some quirky antique stores behind the beach. You’ll find traditional Brazilian beachside snack bars to satisfy your food and drink cravings. 

Praia da Armação // Armação Beach

Best for: Beachside promenades 

Just north of Búzios Centre, Praia da Armação is a long, quiet beach with a pretty paved walkway running alongside.

Continue along this walkway towards Búzios Centro, and you’ll find the famous statue of Brigitte Bardot, who made the once-small fishing village popular after visiting in the 60s. 

The beach itself is popular with swimmers, windsurfers and divers. It also makes for a more tranquil spot to lay out your towel and soak up some Brazilian rays. There’s a highly-rated diving school here too, for those looking to earn their underwater stripes.

We loved strolling up and down the walkway (Orla Bardot) before or after a meal, and enjoying the beautiful views across the bay. There are several upmarket restaurants and bars dotted along the way in case you get hungry or thirsty. 

Praia do Canto // Corner Beach

Best for: Shopping by the sand 

Praia do Canto is the golden sands you’ll find lining Búzios Centre. Right in the beating heart of the town, this beach runs parallel to the famous cobblestone street filled with designer boutiques, upscale bars, and cosy local eateries. 

Since there are so many bars and restaurants overlooking the bay, we never actually sat on this beach. However, we did spend a lot of time admiring it with a caipirinha in hand! 

If you want to get your sea-fix with the best selection of bars, restaurants and shops to keep you entertained all day, this is the beach for you. 

Praia de Azeda // Azeda Beach 

Best for: Adventurous types 

Encased by nature and only accessible via a rickety wooden staircase from the side of Praia de Ossos, Azeda Beach has been described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Búzios.

It boasts cool, calm and clear water gently lapping at the golden sand, surrounded by lush, green vegetation. 

There are a few local vendors selling snacks, drinks and deckchairs to rent, and the place can get very busy on the weekends, so prepare to arrive early! 

There isn’t any accessible parking for this beach, but you can walk there in about 20 minutes from the main Búzios town. You can also catch a water taxi from other major beaches for a small fee. 

Praia de Azedinha // Azedinha Beach 

Best for: Rustic scenery 

Azeda’s smaller cousin, Praia de Azedinha is accessed via a short path by the rocks and features a very small strip of sand where you can soak up the tropical atmosphere. 

There is no snack shack or bar here, so you’ll have to visit neighbouring Azeda to get your caipirinha fix, and the small space can become crowded on weekends. 

Praia João Fernandes // João Fernandes Beach

Best for: Bustling bars and restaurants 

One of the most popular beaches in Búzios, Praia João Fernandes is a buzzy spot backed by bars and restaurants, with plenty of deckchairs available to rent. 

The traditional Brazilian snack bars serve up sumptuous seafood, and there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained, from trampolining to the calm, current-free water for paddling. 

If you’re interested in getting your diving qualifications while in Brazil, João Fernandes Beach also boasts a diving school, with lessons and courses available for all levels. 

Behind the beach, there is a charming little area known as Ville la Plage, where you’ll find the biggest concentration of guesthouses and restaurants outside Búzios Centre. A great place to base yourself in if you want to be near beautiful beaches but not too far from the heart of the action!

The only issue is parking. Since there is only road parking behind the beach, this can fill up very early in peak season. 

Praia Joao Fernandinho // Joao Fernandinho Beach 

Best for: Breathtaking views 

Located next to Praia João Fernandes, Praia Joao Fernandinho is beloved by tourists and locals alike.

This small cove is accessed from the right of João Fernandes beach or down some stairs from the lookout point, with the rocks forming a sheltered cove that’s perfect for snorkelling. 

Shaded by fragrant almond trees, this beautiful beach is home to a few rustic kiosks serving drinks and snacks, where you can also rent deckchairs and umbrellas.

Located right on the northern tip of the peninsula, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the azure Atlantic, with stand-up paddleboards to help you while away an afternoon in the sun. 

Overall, a fantastic spot for being as relaxed or active as you like! 

Praia da Tartaruga // Turtle Beach

Best for: Lively atmosphere 

When researching for my trip, many of the guides to the beaches in Búzios cited Turtle Beach as a fantastic spot to go snorkelling for sea turtles. Unfortunately, out of all the beaches in Búzios, this was the most disappointing! 

The narrow stretch of sand was packed with people during our visit, with barely space for us to secure a deckchair. 

While I’m sure this would make for a fun atmosphere if you were with a group of friends, we were hoping for more of an unspoiled snorkelling adventure! 

After renting some masks and fins, we discovered that the spot we had been advised to snorkel in (right of the rocks), was also covered with sea urchins. This made it difficult to find a safe spot to get into the water. For this reason, I would not recommend this beach for snorkelling. 

I would recommend snorkelling at Ferradurra Beach instead, which has calm, clear waters. We saw far more sea turtles here than at the famous ‘Turtle Beach!’

In terms of facilities, there were plenty of beach shacks and one proper restaurant serving food, vendors with watersports equipment to rent, and a fairly large car park. 

Praia da Ferradura // Horseshoe Beach 

Best for: The ultimate beach experience 

Ferradura Beach was by far our favourite of all the beaches in Búzios.

We felt it had a bit of everything, from the stylish beach club at Insolito Hotel (where we stayed) to the local shacks serving up juicy octopus and super strong caipirinhas. I can firmly recommend A.Mar for your beachside eats!

Ferradura is a wide, crescent-moon stretch of sand, with loads of watersports options including pedalos, snorkelling and kayaks. The sheltered cove offers clear, calm waters that are very popular with those with families. 

Despite this, the expansive area means the beach never feels crowded, even on weekends when locals flock there to catch some rays.

There is on-road blue zone parking behind the beach (payable by the hour or day). 

Praia Brava // Wild Beach 

Best for: Beach club bliss 

We had one of the best meals in Búzios at Rocka Restaurant and Lounge, which is perched on the small cliff overlooking Praia Brava, or ‘Wild Beach.’ 

Next door to Rocka, the infamous Silk Beach Club offers rows of plush sunbeds on stepped platforms, perfect for a ‘wild’ afternoon in the sun with friends. 

Located in a northeastern cove of the peninsula, this beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Búzios, attracting large crowds during the summer months. 

An overcast day meant Brava Beach was uncharacteristically quiet when we visited. However, the little splash of sand still left a charming impression, with the Atlantic white horses crashing against the rocks. 

From the beach clubs, you can take a small hiking path to the right around the headland to the tiny, desert island-style beach known as Praia Olho de Boi. 

The intrepid may find they have this little slice of paradise all to themselves! However, it is technically a nudist beach, so bear that in mind when visiting…

Praia do Forno // Oven Beach 

Best for: Snorkeling and fishing 

A unique beach with sand made red from mineral deposits, Praia do Forno feels as though it has heat baked right into the ground.

It’s surprisingly quiet, despite being only around a 20-minute walk from downtown Búzios. You can also catch the water taxi or bus there.

There’s a scattering of beach chairs and parasols available to rent, although we were warned not to order food from the beach vendors here. 

The seabed is a little rocky which means you need to take care when getting in and out of the water, although there are some interesting rock pools to paddle in depending on the tide.

It’s a great spot for snorkelling once you navigate a passage into the water, with resident sea turtles bobbing by. 

Praia do Foca // Seal Beach

Best for: Solitude seekers  

A quiet rocky outcrop, seashell-hued sand and crystal clear water is what you’ll find at Praia do Foca.

Be sure to pack a towel to sit on as there are limited facilities at this remote little spot, which can be accessed via a short trail from a tiny car park on Rua Vinte e Um, just north of Ferradura.

You’ll find just one charming shack servicing up barbequed meats and fish alongside a small selection of local drinks – expect mostly rum-based cocktails, beer, and water! 

When the tide drifts away, the rocks form shallow pools which are great for paddling, but the uneven floor can be dangerous for small children. 

Praia de Geriba // Geriba Beach 

Best for: Learning the ways of the waves 

Praia de Geriba is fast becoming known as the cool hangout of the young and bohemian, with multiple surf schools along the wide, windswept bay. We had a very reasonably priced beginner lesson here with Geriba Surf School. You can book surf lessons in advance here.

Even though the waves seemed quite huge and intimidating for us novices, the teachers gave clear and patient instructions to help us feel at ease and get the hang of it safely. 

Aside from surfing, there are plenty of other watersports available, including jet skis and kayaks, with lifeguards watching the water to keep swimmers safe. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, from the traditional shacks and roving vendors to buzzy bars and restaurants. 

We re-fuelled after a tiring few hours on the waves at the Fishbone Bar and Grill, which served huge portions and sufficiently strong caipirinhas!  

You can park on the road behind the beach, and you can pay for a few hours or you can buy a ticket that allows you to park in any blue zone in Búzios for multiple days. 

Be aware that the parking attendants often don’t speak any English, so it may be worth having a translator handy or learning how to request a ticket in Portuguese. 

Praia de Tucans // Toucans Beach 

Best for: Experienced surfers

The next bay along from Geriba, Praia de Tucans is where you’ll find the real pros riding the waves.

It’s less crowded than Geriba and further away from downtown Búzios, which means you’ll find fewer tourists and facilities, aside from a few small bars. 

The current can be strong here and the waves fierce, so it’s not recommended for swimming or those with young children, although they do typically have a lifeguard on duty. It can also get quite windy in the afternoons, so best avoided during the Brazilian winter (May – October). 

A nice, quiet spot to get away from it all or enjoy a long stroll on the beach while admiring the surfing skills of the locals – or even taking to the waves yourself if you have the skills. 

Praia do Forte // Fort Beach

Best for: A day trip in the city 

While not technically located on the peninsula itself, Praia do Forte is one of the best beaches to visit on your way in or out of Búzios, located in the bustling city of Cabo Frio. 

With 7 kilometres of shimmering white sand, this beach is a sight to behold, with enough space for everyone to find their own secluded little spot. We dropped in on the drive back to Rio and were able to easily park right by the waterfront. 

There are plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you fuelled – both on the beach itself and behind the busy road. You’ll also spot lots of surfers in the icy-cool waters of the Atlantic – dip your toes in if you dare!

If you do decide to visit Cabo Frio, I highly recommend lunch or dinner at Arcos do Canal, a lovely little spot just around the headland from Praia do Forte. 

Best Beaches in Búzios: FAQs

What are the best beaches in Búzios for families?

Praia João Fernandes, Praia da Ferradura and Praia do Forno are the best beaches in Búzios for families, with calm, clear waters, food and drink facilities, and easy access from nearby roads.

What are the best beaches in Búzios for snorkelling?

Praia da Tartaruga (Turtle Beach) is often recommended as the best beach for snorkelling, but we found it far too busy, and a little unsafe with so many sea urchins on the rocks.

Instead, I recommend Ferradura for sea turtle spotting, Azeda, Azedinha, and João Fernandes Beach. 

Where to stay in Búzios?

We stayed at Insolito Hotel and I can thoroughly recommend this spot! It’s a stunning boutique hotel in Búzios overlooking Ferradura Beach with two pools, a gorgeous restaurant and even a beach club. 

See rates and availability here. 

Some other popular hotels include:

Abracadabra Pousada: A magical five-star stay in the heart of Búzios Centre, with a fine dining restaurant. 
Casa Mirador Boutique Hotel: Stunning rooms with a view overlooking João Fernandes Beach, with a breathtaking infinity pool. 
Le Relais La Borie: A charming boutique with St. Tropez-inspired decor in a happening spot on Geriba Beach. 

How to get around Búzios?

Visiting all the different beaches in Búzios is easiest if you have a car since not all of them are walkable from the centre or your hotel. 

Many of the beaches have designated car parks where you can park all day for a minimal fee, or ‘blue zone parking’ which you can pay for by the hour or by the day. There are usually attendants that you need to pay, but be warned, they don’t usually speak any English. 

If you don’t have a car, taxis are plentiful and incredibly cheap by Western standards. We used Uber many times with ease. You can also try the water taxis which run between most of the major beaches and cost only a few US dollars per person. 

There isn’t much in the way of public transport, except for a bus service that runs up and down the main road of the peninsula. This makes it tricky to get to the more remote beaches and coves by bus unless you’re happy to incorporate some walking into your journey. 

Where to eat and drink in Búzios 

You’ll find every type of bar and restaurant in Búzios from all-you-can-eat pizza joints to elegant fine dining and quirky-themed cocktail bars. 

Some of our favourites included:

Rocka Restaurant and Lounge: A stunning spot overlooking the beauty of Brava Beach with a mouthwatering menu – a shame we didn’t get to try everything but the goat’s cheese salad and patatas bravas were to die for!
A. Mar: I had the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth octopus I’ve ever had in this unassuming beachside eatery (they’ll bring food and drinks to your deckchairs on the beach too!)
aGaleria at Insolito Boutique: We usually avoid eating in our hotel because we prefer to get out and about, but the restaurant at Insolito Boutique was too good to resist. The food was so incredible we came for both dinner and lunch in one day. You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to book a table for dinner, and the views of Ferradurra are lovely!
Fishbone: A cool spot for lunch we went to after a surf lesson on Geriba Beach. The portions are hearty and the drinks strong – this seemed to be a theme in many of the restaurants we visited during our 10 days in Brazil! 

Have any more questions about the beaches in Búzios or planning a trip to South America? I’d love to help you out in the comments! 

**Heading to Buzios as part of a longer trip to Brazil? Check out my ultimate 10-day Brazil itinerary including stops in Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls and Búzios!**