I spent a year living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and had the opportunity to experience many beautiful beaches in and around the city, so I decided to make a list of my favorites.

Here are my Top 5 Best Beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

5.) Flamengo Beach (Praia do Flamengo) – Right next to Botafogo Beach, is one of the Best Beaches in Rio for exercise and fitness.

From Flamengo Beach, you can get a great view across the bay at Niteroi and Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar).

It’s much more of a local spot for sunbathers and fishermen, but it’s great for sports and activities (especially after the sun goes down) like soccer, volleyball and futevolei.

4.) Red Beach (Praia Vermelha)

Tucked into the quiet neighborhood of Urca, below Sugarloaf Mountain, Praia Vermelha is a great place to unwind and escape the crowds at some of the other beaches in Rio.

3.) Copacabana Beach (Praia de Copacabana)

Copacabana beach is one of the most famous stretches of sand in the world and for very good reason. It’s the most popular spot for tourists in Rio and is a great place to enjoy the sun and do some people watching.

2. Joatinga Beach (Praia da Joatinga) – Barra de Tujica

For a much different vibe than Copa, head west to the beautiful beaches of Barra de Tujica, including a secluded local favorite – Joatinga.

1. Ipanema Beach (Praia de Ipanema)

And my absolute favorite place in Rio, the incredible, bustling beauty that is Ipanema Beach.

Ipanema has the size of Copacabana with the most beautiful crowd. It’s big and busy and awesome! With views of Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Mountain), tiny bikinis and refreshing water, Ipanema Beach is the absolute best beach in Rio de Janeiro.

For the best view of sunset in Rio de Janeiro, head down to the end of Ipanema Beach to the rocks of Arpoador.

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