Escape to paradise

Our first destination is about 180 km from Rio de Janeiro, about 2.5 hours. Take a flight to the Wonderful City and rent a car because it is important to enjoy better the itinerary.

Búzios was a small and quiet fishing village until the 1960s, when the actress Brigitte Bardot came by. At the height of her career, she fell in love with the place and announced it to the world. Since then, the tourist flow to the city has not stopped growing.

The Orla Bardot Boardwalk in Armação Beach is witnesses of the influence of the muse in the local life and boasts a bronze statue in her honor. From the boardwalk, it has a beautiful view of the coast line, fishing boats anchored and still operating, showing that the city has embraced tourism without abandoning its vocation of fishing. The place is busy during the day since there are boats visiting beaches and islands as well at night, because of its many bars together, restaurants and nightclubs.

Choosing a beach, we start at the Ferradura Beach. It is one of the quietest beach of the city because of its "U" shape which makes its crystal clear waters very calm. And it is great for relaxing for two, swimming in the sea and having some snacks from the kiosks, which are even better accompanied by cold drinks. If you enjoy sports, you can practice stand up paddle (SUP) and canoeing.

At night, the best option is the famous Rua das Pedras, so named because of its pavement. In addition to restaurants, there are many designer shops, with several gifts options for your beloved one. After a romantic dinner, what about have fun at the nightclub?

The crystal clear water from Arraial do Cabo, about 40 km from Búzios, are an incredible invitation for swimming, diving and boats ride. Marine life is abundant in the city making thejoy of professional and amateur divers.

Forno Beach is one of the top diving spots of the city, thanks to the visibility and the water temperature, warmer than others in the region. The sublime nature around it helps to create an environment of "lost paradise" which becomes even more evident when you see the nature inside the sea while you practicing SUP (stand up paddle), kayaking or windsurfing.

Praia do Farol, the second attraction of the day, does not lack in terms of beauty. Its white sand dunes contrast beautifully with the blue-green of its sea. And water reveal a great diversity of underwater life. The beach is in an ecological reserve and the only way to get there is by boat. But the effort is worth it because the place has archaeological sites and historical ruins.

Later, the best thing to do is hang around at Pontal do Atalaia, a nice small beach with calm and clear waters surrounded by stones. Before the end of the day, climbing its hill to enjoy the prettier sunset of the region. A perfect itinerary for a weekend full of romance and beaches.