Brazil’s extensive coastline boasts many lovely sandy beaches that are perfect for a break in any Brazil itinerary. Rio’s beaches are legendary and the resorts on Brazil’s southern coast are just a few hours’ drive from the capital. To the north east, Búzios is a favourite retreat and despite its popularity, it is still a small, elegant resort. To the south west of Rio, the car-free island of Ilha Grande is one of the country’s most famous beach retreats. The southernmost stretches of Brazil’s coast around the port of Florianopolis and on the island of Santa Catarina offer some spectacular activities such as surfing and whale watching between July and November. On the northern coast, near Salvador there are also some wonderful beach resorts.
