Brazil’s top beaches

A sacred destination for visitors and a religion for locals, Brazil’s beaches are incredible treasures. Now that Iberia is about to launch flights to Fortaleza and Recife, adding to its historical links with Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, we’ll take a look at their top beaches: from urban beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema, to picture-perfect with turquoise waters, such as Praia dos Carneiros, in Recife, and Titanzinho, a destination for water sports fans. We’ll show you options for every taste along the four destinations’ altogether nearly 200 kilometres of beaches.

1 Copacabana (Rio de Janeiro)

The world’s most famous urban beach, with its iconic black-and-white mosaic promenade, is a permanent hotbed of football, samba and kiosks that inspire tourists and locals alike. Throughout the year, average temperatures range between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius, and umbrellas and volleyballs never disappear from the shore. They’re also home to the most iconic celebrations, especially on New Year’s Eve and – in February – Rio’s Carnival, which already has 2026 tickets for sale.
2 Ipanema (Rio de Janeiro)

Just steps from Copacabana, Ipanema offers a more relaxed and sophisticated version of the urban Caribbean, where you can enjoy long days on the beach. The barrel waves attract surf lovers, who can enjoy them especially during Brazil’s spring between September and November. In addition, Ipanema is a point of reference for the LGBTQIA+ community with the rainbow flag flying in many kiosks. At one end, Pedra do Arpoador is known for Rio’s best sunsets.
3 Gonzaga Beach (São Paulo)

Probably the best known beach on the São Paulo coast, located in the city of Santos (just over an hour from the centre of São Paulo). This beach offers calm waters and a multitude of spaces to rent umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as beach bars where you can eat and drink. It’s also a quite accessible beach, perfect for people travelling with children. Its promenade offers shopping options and a spectacular sunset. Next door, the Praça da Bandeira square displays the flags of every state in Brazil.
4 Guarujá Island (São Paulo)

Located some 90 kilometres from São Paulo, it is the third largest island along the state’s coastline and a very popular one-day excursion for visitors to the city of São Paulo. It has several beaches, such as das Pitangueiras, in the centre of Guarujá, with multitude of shops and restaurants. Another one is Praia da Enseada; extending more than five kilometres, it’s the largest beach (and also perfect for children). Recognised for its calm waters and fine, golden sand, it’s also full of beach bars.
5 Praia dos Carneiros and Porto de Galinhas (Recife)

About 90 kilometres south of Recife, this naturally stunning setting takes your breath away with its seafront Sao Benedito Chapel and beautiful turquoise waters. Maybe that’s why it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. You can combine your visit with excursions that depart by catamaran and offer rides through mangroves and therapeutic mud baths at the mouth of the river. Some of them also include a visit to Porto de Galinhas, another dreamy destination with natural beaches formed by coral reefs. Both spots are perfect to enjoy the local gastronomy based on fresh and tasty seafood.
6 Boa Viagem (Recife)

This is Recife’s urban beach par excellence, lined with skyscrapers and boasting fantastic infrastructure. Opposite is the “Feirinha de Boa Viagem”, a market that opens every day and sells handicrafts, clothing, jewellery and artworks. Its New Year’s Eve party, taking place very soon after Iberia launches its direct route between Madrid and Recife, is a can’t-miss for anyone visiting Brazil.
7 Praia do Futuro (Fortaleza)

This long (eight kilometres) beach east of Fortaleza – Iberia’s new direct destination from 19 January 2026 – boasts wide sandy beaches and “barracas”. These beach restaurants offer seafood and caraguejos, one of Fortaleza’s delicacies, especially on Thursdays, when the beach bars stay open late. Praia do Futuro’s shoreline is one of the points from which you can best enjoy Cearfá’s sun, and a perfect destination for enjoying long days on the beach.
8 Iracema and Titanzinho (Fortaleza)

Fortaleza’s other two big beaches are Iracema and Titanzinho. Iracema inherited its name from the novel of the same name by José de Alencar. It is a relaxing, touristy beach, famous for its sculptures and bars. Some of these offer live music, including Pirata Bar, where you can discover a local music and dance genre called “forró”. Titanzinho is a reference for surfing, with a very established local community and offers the perfect conditions for this sport all year round.