Fun in the Lake District

Búzios is one of the most charming resorts of the country. A place of paradisiacal beaches, rustic-style decor hostels and exquisite service, much like the South zone of Rio de Janeiro, and with a wide variety of menus and first-rate restaurants, that enchant residents and tourists since Brigitte Bardot presented Búzios to the world in the 1960’s. The infrastructure of the city combines harmoniously with the simplicity of its beaches.

Búzios resembles an island full of beaches, on all its sides. One of the most famous beaches is Geribá, a place of many activities, excitement, surf and flirting. If you like a more familiar environment, go to Ferradura Beach, a place of crystal clear and very calm waters, with few and weak waves that makes it a safe place to swim. You can even practice stand-up paddle (SUP) and sailing.

There are several other beaches that are also worth a visit, such as the Azeda, Azedinha's, João Fernandes and João Fernandinho beaches. Facing the Praia da Armação, take time to enjoy the Boardwalk of the Orla Bardot, the most symbolic street of Búzios. On one side, the ocean, on the other, bars and restaurants. The large colonial-style mansions, historical buildings, the colourful fishing boats and bronze sculptures of Brigitte Bardot, Juscelino Kubitschek (important former President of Brasil) and three fishermen will take up a lot of space in your camera’s memory card.

If you like to golf, visit the Búzios Golf Club, with 18 first level holes. It is considered one of the best in Latin America, with the advantage that Búzios has one of the lowest rainfalls in Brasil, which is great for the sport.

When night falls, your address is Rua das Pedras. The light in the establishments completely changes the scenario and invites tourists to hop between the fine restaurants, bars, galleries and other entertainment options until dawn. A great address to date and make new friends.

From Búzios, go to Arraial do Cabo, less than a one hour drive. Arraial has one of the most beautiful features of the Brazilian coast: surrounded by hills and fishing villages (even during high season), it has white sand dunes, reefs, lagoons, beautiful clean beaches and cliffs to watch the sunset.

Arraial is also famous for its quality diving, with a rich and exuberant marine fauna brought by the cold waters of the ocean. No wonder that the city is also known as the capital of diving. Seriously! This is your chance to swim with turtles, squids, lobsters, rays and even dolphins. If you have time for only one attraction in Arraial, dive!

If you don't like to dive, boat tours are another excellent program, a pleasant way to get to know the entire coast of Arraial. Look for the dock at Praia dos Anjos, were boats leave towards the Prainhas of Pontal do Atalaia (green sea, perfect for swimming and diving), with stops at the Ilha de Cabo Frio, Praia do Farol (one of the most beautiful beaches of Brasil) and the Gruta Azul. If you're lucky, you can see dolphins during the tour.

If you want to just sit at the beach, a good choice is the Praia do Forno. Of all the beaches of Arraial, this is the one with the most pleasant water temperature, since the other beaches have cooler waters. The preserved nature is the main attraction of the beach, particularly visited by families and couples. There you can choose a kiosk to spend the day in while practicing the activities that are available, such as renting a kayak, SUP boards and snorkel - diving is also a strong attraction at this beach.

Since the waters of this region have a large variety of fish, fishing is another very traditional activity in the city. If you like, inform yourself about areas that allow this activity. The fishing outings are made at the Porto do Forno, at the Praia dos Anjos, in boats known as baleeiras.

In Arraial, there are few luxurious establishments, but you'll have enough comfort and many sea food dishes that are always fresh. Great way to finish the day. Good appetite!