Best LGBTQ Beaches in Brazil

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.

Porto da Barra is an incredibly popular beach on Salvador's southernmost tip. Hundreds of beachgoers pack onto this small beach for its bright blue waters and soft, golden sand. Porto da Barra is backed by historic forts, such as São Diogo, Santa Maria, and Santo Antônio da Barra, which are highly sought-after tourist attractions in Brazil. The cherry on top is the view of the Bay of All Saints, a sweeping landscape that gently slopes into the depths of the ocean.

The beach is home to some of Salvador's hottest beach parties and most exciting sports tournaments. Espicha Verão is a huge beach party that extends over the course of three weekends, complete with live shows, eclectic music, and fiery dance performances. Music and beach go hand-in-hand in Porto da Barra; the beach has inspired songs, such as "Farol da Barra" by Galvão, and has even inspired an entire album called "Porto da Barra" by Doug Adair & Os Estrangeiros, which showcases the culture and musical style of Salvador and its beaches.

On Fridays and Saturdays, be sure to visit the Delícias do Porto da Barra, or Porto da Barra Delights, a crafts and food festival that both locals and travelers love. Go for a boat ride, join in on a beach soccer tournament, or relax under a rental umbrella, soaking up the warm sun as you do all three. Walk along the boardwalk and grab a refresher from one of the many food stands, or head to the opposite side of the promenade for nicer restaurants and bars. There are many hotel accommodations right on the sand, including Hotel Love Story, Hostel Torre, and A Casa das Portas Velhas. End your day with a soft orange sunset over calm, glistening waters, and revel in the beach's relaxing aura. With all this and more, Porto da Barra is definitely one of Brazil's sweet spots.