Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Brazil

The beauty of Praia do Sancho goes unmatched -- with bright, turquoise waters, lush rainforest, and jaw-dropping views, this beach should be on everyone's bucket list. Access to this beach is not for the faint of heart. Praia do Sancho is only reachable by boat, which remains far from the shoreline as to not destroy the corals underwater, or by taking on a daunting, 187-step descent to paradise; sandwiched between two rocks, the ladder down to the sand cuts through a narrow, cliff-side path. While adventurers would kill for this rush of adrenaline, others may not be able to stomach the drop.

Another surge of excitement comes from diving among colorful fish, stingrays, and even dolphins! Praia do Sancho is considered to be one of the best diving spots in Brazil, with breathtaking experiences alongside aquatic friends, majestic waterfalls, and stunning, blue waters. The surrounding area of Fernando de Noronha is one of the most beautiful destinations across the globe, and Praia do Sancho is no exception. The beach is home to dramatic volcanic formations such as Morro de Pico, a magnificent, 1,059-foot dormant volcano that sits along the northern end of the island, as well as Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers), the twin volcanic rock formations that lie on the northwestern shore.

Due to its extreme isolation, you won’t find any local stalls or restaurants so make sure to pack your own snacks and drinks. If you're thinking of staying the night, the closest hotel we recommend is the Flat do Lula. A day trip to this spectacular beach is the perfect activity while in the area; the half moon bay is home to smooth, golden sand and an impressive backdrop of lush rainforest. The seclusion of the bay is enough to draw in beachgoers everywhere, but the scenery is what makes them visit again and again.

If you went to Rio De Janeiro and didn’t go to Copacabana Beach, did you go to Rio at all? There’s a reason this beach is so world-renowned and the inspiration for Barry Manilow’s 1978 hit song, “Copacabana.” This magnificent beach spans four kilometers and is divided by “postos,” markers that help divide the beach by activities and groups that frequent there. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even befriend many of the fun-loving Cariocas and get a deeper experience with the vibrant Brazilian culture.

During the day, there’s a plethora of activities to do at Copacabana like sailing, water skiing, surfing, hiking, biking, and spiking volleyballs. Beach chairs and umbrellas welcome all beachgoers to lounge and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Copacabana is split by 6 postos. North of Copacabana, posto 1 establishes a quieter section known as Leme Beach where older locals and kids from the nearby favelas like to hang out. Posto 2 marks the end of Leme Beach, and activity starts picking up on the beach. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities to join the locals in games of volleyball, football (soccer), and frescoball. Posto 4 has a section of palm trees where you can enjoy the shade and watch slackliners try their hand at gravity-defying acrobatics just feet off the ground. The southern end of Copacabana, between postos 5 and 6, is the best area to surf, paddle board, and swim. The Copacabana Fort acts as a windbreaker that prevents waves from getting too choppy inviting surfers of all experience levels.

If you’re looking to slow down the pace over a meal, sit down at Churrascaria Palace, one of the best churrascarias (traditional Brazilian barbecue restaurant) in town, where waiters bring out some of the juiciest and well-prepared meats you will ever have. If you want something a little quicker or more casual, drop by Joaquina, a restaurant just south of posto 1 at the north end of Copacabana. With an ocean-facing location, outdoor seating, and traditional Brazilian cuisine, you won’t be disappointed by the experience.

As the day comes to a close and the nightcrawlers start to come out from their mid-day siestas, Copacabana transforms into a night owl’s haven. If you’re looking for live music at a hole-in-the-wall dive bar, drop by Bip Bip, a Copacabana staple just west of posto 5 famous for bringing local musicians to play some of the best choro and samba music around. If you want something a little roomier, check out Mariuzinn Disco Club. With two bars, two dance floors, and an upstairs balcony to top it off, you’ll be sure to have an authentic Brazilian night out.