Enjoy ocean views, fine dining, and exclusive amenities by the beach
Yes. Warm waters and sandy beaches where you can swim stretch along much of the Atlantic coast—from surfing spots in the south, where waves crash onto the shore, to calm reef pools in the northeast. Many coastal regions have a long dry season, and prices for food and local transport are lower than in Western Europe. Coastal communities range from small fishing villages to full-fledged resort towns.
In the northeast lie the states of Bahia, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Rio Grande do Norte, and Ceará, home to most of Brazil’s most famous sandy beaches. Sea temperatures here stay warm year-round, and at low tide, coral reefs form natural pools. Rio de Janeiro state has beaches both in the cities and in Búzios, while the southern state of Santa Catarina is ideal for surfers and travellers seeking a cooler climate.
Both, depending on where you stay. The shallow waters off the coasts of Alagoas and Pernambuco, protected by coral reefs, are ideal for families with young children. Larger hotels there often have pools and space to spread out. Couples, on the other hand, tend to prefer Búzios, Trancoso, or the islands off the coast of Bahia. In these regions, the hotels are generally small, and the beaches are quiet. Distances between regions are long, so pick one.
From September through March, most of the coastal area is suitable for travel, though seasons vary by region in this vast country. In the northeast the climate is hot and mainly dry through much of the year, with the rainiest period lasting from approximately April through July. Rio and the south are warmest and liveliest from December through March. This period coincides with Carnival and Brazilian school holidays.
Plan for a stay of 10–14 nights. Since the flight from the UK is very long and usually involves a layover, the round trip can take the best part of 2 days. During this time, you can either enjoy an extended stay in a single region or split your holiday between Rio and the coastal areas in the northeast. A shorter trip works if you fly to a single base.
At most hotels and pousadas in Brazil, breakfast is included in the room rate; it’s usually a buffet featuring tropical fruits, cheese rolls, pastries, and eggs. Coastal hotels typically have a pool, and many sit a short walk from the sand rather than directly on it. All-inclusive packages are primarily found in resort areas in the northeast. Board and cancellation terms vary by rate.