Rio is well known for having some of the most iconic beached on the planet, and these gorgeous sandy strips have a great reputation for a very good reason.

Rio’s beaches are gorgeous.

The sand is clean, the water is beautiful and the backdrop of mountains and high-rise hotels  is spectacular… The attractive locals (who are always exercising or showing of their ripped bods) seem to just be a bonus…

When my Mum and I decided to visit Brazil’s iconic Rio de Janeiro we knew straight away that we wanted to stay in one of these notorious beach suburbs and I can now honestly admit that it was a really great decision.

Whether you’re after a round of beach volleyball or football, samba dancing in the sand, or finding the grooviest beach bars in Brazil, make your way to the beach. In particular make your way to Ipanema and Copacabana.

Ipanema

You don’t have to be tall and tan and young and lovely to enjoy walking along Ipanema. The upmarket Ipanema has become the retreat for the fashionably alternative carioca youth. The iconic lifeguard towers scatter the pristine coastline and for an urban beach Ipanema really does look pristine. Overlooked by the Two Brothers Mountain the sunsets on Ipanema are out of this world.

Address: Avenida Vieira Souto between Avenida Rainha Elizabeth and Avenida Epitácio Pessoa, Ipanema
Getting there: Metrô General Osório

Copacabana

I know just reading the beach name has Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” going through your head. Copacabana is Rio’s first in a string of Atlantic Ocean-facing beaches. Copacabana beach is probably the most famous on the planet. With the iconic, waved boardwalk design, tiny bikinis and striking landscape it makse for the classic Rio beach experience. There are no shortage of snack (and drink) bars, the waters make the perfect spot to paddle board and swim and the view is definitely impressive.

Address: Avenida Atlântica between Avenida Princesa Isabel and Rua Francisco Otaviano, Copacabana
Getting there: Metrô Cantagalo

No visit to Rio is complete without visiting these two gorgeous sandy strips and I would definitely recommend staying within walking distance (we had a great stay at Margaritas Pousada). Evening strolls along Rio’s beaches are not overrated.