Arraial do Cabo

This coastal playground beckons with its shimmering white-sand beaches, spectacular lookouts, headland hiking trails and crystal-clear water waiting to be explore on diving expeditions. 

Arraial do Cabo is a beach-lovers paradise, thriving fishing village and wildlife-spotting wonderland all rolled into one. Its natural beauty ranges from a coastline of fine, sugar-like sand and perfect turquoise water, to lagoons, rolling dunes and hills clad in Atlantic forest. Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci established a trading post in Arraial do Cabo in 1503. It is often called the Brazilian Caribbean.

Within a short walk from the city center, which sits on a peninsula, you’ll be able to feel the sand between your toes and plunge into the warm ocean. The closest beaches are Dos Anjos Beach and the sprawling Grande Beach. Witness time-honored fishing traditions at Forno Port and then hike over the headland to Forno Beach. Bathe in the calm waters and kick back at the waterfront bars at Prainha Beach.

Bike, drive or hike to Atalaia Viewpoint, which affords superb views toward the southern tip of the city’s peninsula. Continue from here past Brava Beach to Pontal do Atalaia Beach. Find more coastal pleasures at Cabo Frio Island, just a short boat ride from Forno Port. Spot dolphins and stingrays from the shoreline and go snorkeling and scuba diving at Gruta Azul.

Be sure to dedicate time to discovering the city’s historical attractions. Our Lady of Remedies Church dates back to 1506 and was the site of Brazil’s first indoor mass service. Near here is a memorial to the arrival of Amerigo Vespucci. Another landmark is Arraial do Cabo Municipal City Hall.

Find bars, restaurants, market stalls and nightclubs set on and around Daniel Barreto de Marco Square (Praça do Cova). Browse exhibitions of art and fishing artifacts at Manoel Camargo Cultural Center. Hermes Barcellos Public Park has a children’s playground and an ornamental lake.

Arraial do Cabo is about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Río de Janeiro where buses depart regularly from the Novo Rio Bus Terminal. Expect mild temperatures year round and heavy downpours in summer. Visit in April for the Calamari Festival or from June to September to watch humpback whales swim by.

Explore the best attractions in Arraial do Cabo
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Bathe in glorious waters, hike to secluded coves and enjoy wonderful views from the seafront bars at this central beach. 
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Hike a short trail or catch a taxi boat to discover a beach where the sand is whiter than white and the water is like glass. 
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This 500-year-old church is one of Brazil’s oldest religious landmarks and the location for a lively annual celebration that honors the city’s patron saint. 
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Bars and restaurants surround this tree-lined central square where artisans hawk their wares at market stalls and locals meet friends and family. 
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At the northern end of Dos Anjos Beach is a busy maritime port, fisherman’s marina and passenger ferry terminal that commands a picturesque setting overlooking a pretty city beach 
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Escape the beach crowds and enjoy an early morning or evening stroll around the lake of this municipal park located on the edge of downtown Arraial do Cabo.
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With fluffy white sand and exceptionally clear water, this beach is the epitome of Arraial do Cabo’s nickname of the “Brazilian Caribbean.”