Just Outside Rio, This Beach Town Is Brazil’s Best-Kept Secret

For those of us who live in Rio de Janeiro, Buzios is our easy, familiar escape. It’s the kind of place we return to for birthdays, weddings, and family reunions. It feels a bit like Brazil’s Mediterranean: walkable and effortlessly relaxed, with calm coves and high-energy evenings that start and end in a vibrant town center. I love bringing visitors here because it shows a softer side of Rio’s beach culture. It’s less chaotic and a bit more polished, and while it lacks the dramatic scenery found in Rio, its clear, swimmable waters make spotting sea turtles surprisingly common.

Set on a sun-drenched peninsula in Rio’s Região dos Lagos, Buzios is home to more than 20 beaches, each with a distinct personality, from sheltered bays to windier stretches that draw kite surfers. Despite welcoming travelers from across South America, the town has held onto its small-scale feel. Buildings rarely rise above two stories, and the architecture blends rustic charm with understated luxury. Boutique hotels, refined restaurants, and hip shops coexist with fishing boats and longstanding beach kiosks.

The transformation here began in the 1960s, after Brigitte Bardot spent a summer here and unintentionally introduced the former fishing village to the world. What followed was growth, but not excess. Today, Buzios still carries traces of that era’s glamour while remaining approachable and welcoming to travelers of all budgets. It’s a place that balances the refined and the relaxed and one that’s easy to return to, as many locals do, again and again.

Here is everything you need to know for your first visit.

With more than 20 beaches spread across the peninsula, Búzios lets you choose your beach based on mood, wind, and crowd levels.

Ferradura is a family favorite thanks to its shallow, still waters and easy access. It’s a wide stretch of firm sand that can handle crowds even in high season. You’ll find a few beach kiosks serving drinks and snacks, as well as a more exclusive experience at the Eden beach lounge at the Insólito hotel.

This is Búzios’ most high-energy beach. It has a long, expansive shoreline and consistent waves, making it the town’s surf hub. You’ll find schools dotted along the sand, plus plenty of room for beach sports—like the Brazilian favorite, altinha—and sunbathing. The left corner tends to have gentler waves, and you’ll find sunset parties at the right end of the beach. Porto da Barra is a great option for lunch or drinks nearby.

One of the most popular beaches in town, João Fernandes has a longer stretch of sand, calm water with light waves, and full restaurant service right on the beach. It’s lively without being chaotic and especially popular with Argentinian travelers. The neighboring Praia de João Fernandinho is a smaller, quieter, and more secluded spot, accessible via a staircase from the road above.

This duo of small coves feels worlds away from town, though they’re just minutes from the center. Both beaches have calm, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. Azeda has a narrow strip of sand framed by green hills and an old colonial-style house, while Azedinha is smaller and feels more untouched. Wooden boat-style bars serve drinks and snacks directly on the sand. But go early. These beaches fill up quickly on weekends and during high season.

This is a charming, sheltered beach with consistently calm water and a narrow but pleasant stretch of sand. Praia da Tartaruga features kiosks along the shore and offers one of Búzios’ most underrated sunsets.

At night, everything converges on Rua das Pedras: cocktail bars, live music venues, and restaurants on a lively, walkable strip. Visit Chez Michou for classic Brazilian crêpes, like a sweet-and-savory cheese-and-banana number. The creperia doubles as a bar at night, with lively music creating a fun party atmosphere. Don’t miss Maria Maria Café for pastries and sweet treats, and Restô Canto for contemporary fare with a view.

Perched dramatically on a cliff above Praia Brava, tucked away from the main strip, one of my favorites is Rocka Beach Lounge & Restaurant. Local fishermen sometimes sell fresh oysters on the beach below—last time I was there, the restaurant let us enjoy our freshly bought oysters right at the table.

The waterfront promenade offers beautiful views over the bay and gets especially lively in the early evening, when locals and visitors come out before dinner.

If you have an extra day, this nearby town is known for some of the clearest water in Brazil and makes for an easy add-on to a Búzios stay.

Búzios has a quietly thriving arts scene, with small galleries and open studios showcasing local and international artists.

A fun beach club experience with DJs, cocktails, and an upscale crowd.

Head to classic viewpoints like Orla Bardot and Porto da Barra for a beautiful sunset across the bay.

A centrally located favorite with an ocean-facing pool and deck that’s especially magical at sunset.

Tucked into the quieter corner of Praia da Ferradura, this design-forward hotel offers ocean views from every room, plus pools, a wellness center, and private beach access.

A design-forward boutique luxury property with sweeping views over the bay and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Búzios is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from May to September, when temperatures are mild, and the town is less crowded. December through February brings summer heat and peak-season rush, especially around holidays and Carnival. If you’re looking for a balance between good weather and fewer people, April and October are shoulder-season sweet spots with warm days and a more relaxed pace.

For most travelers, Búzios is easiest to reach via Rio de Janeiro by car.

By car or transfer: The drive takes 3 to 3.5 hours, without traffic. Many visitors book a private transfer or shared shuttle directly from Rio’s airports or hotels, which is the most straightforward option if you don’t want to drive.
By bus: Comfortable buses run regularly from Rio’s main bus terminal to Búzios. The trip takes about 4 hours and is a popular, budget-friendly option.
By Uber: Uber is another popular option; you can check pricing in advance and choose the option that best fits your budget.