Brazil is a country of contrasts, rich culture, and vibrant landscapes—but few things are as breathtaking as its beaches. While I’m not naturally a “beach person” (especially after having kids, when a beach day becomes a logistical challenge), I deeply admire the view and love cooling off with a swim on Brazil’s famously hot days.

However, one thing many people might not realize is that not all beaches in Brazil are easy to access for everyone. Traveling to the popular beaches in the northeast, for instance, can be costly if you live in the southeastern region, as I did. Airfare, accommodations, and meals—especially in tourist-heavy cities—can add up quickly. That said, Brazil’s beaches offer unmatched beauty, and I dream of exploring even more destinations in the future.

Brazilian Beaches: A Vast Coastal Treasure

The Atlantic Ocean borders Brazil, with coastlines stretching across several states, each offering a unique experience. States with beaches include Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Sergipe, Alagoas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul.

Although I’ve only visited the beaches in five of these states, I grew up in São Paulo, spending many weekends along its northern coastline. Still, I must admit: the beaches in Brazil’s northeast hold a special charm. Of the northeastern states, I’ve only been to Bahia and Ceará, but they left me wanting more. Destinations like Lençóis Maranhenses, Porto de Galinhas, and Fernando de Noronha are high on my travel wish list.

Salvador, Bahia: Culture Meets Coastal Beauty

In 2021, I traveled to Salvador, opting for an all-inclusive resort for a stress-free family vacation. We stayed at Costa do Sauípe, a vast resort complex offering hotels of various star ratings, private beaches, and plenty of amenities.

Sauípe Sign – Costa do Sauípe

The resort had over five pools, beachfront service, and activities ranging from relaxing massages to kid-friendly events. There was even a charming village square within the resort, featuring shops, live music, and a Ferris wheel operating on weekends.

The food truly stood out. All meals came included, offering a wide variety of options. I especially loved the freshly prepared tapioca at breakfast—a local specialty I adore. While the main restaurants were part of the package, the resort also offered premium dining experiences with seafood and regional dishes for an extra charge.

During our stay, we ventured into Salvador to explore its rich cultural heritage. We hired a driver who showed us the city’s highlights, including the Pelourinho—a vibrant, historic neighborhood where Michael Jackson famously filmed his music video They Don’t Care About Us.

Other highlights included the Farol da Barra lighthouse, offering stunning ocean views, and the iconic Elevador Lacerda, a historic lift with panoramic sights of the city. Although our trip was short—only four days—it left us eager to return.

Farol da Barra – Bahia

Fortaleza, Ceará: Adventure Among the Beaches in Brazil

Our trip to Fortaleza was centered around visiting the famous Beach Park, Brazil’s premier water park. To make the experience more seamless, we stayed at the Wellness Beach Park Resort, part of the park’s property.

Beach Park – Fortaleza/CE

This place wasn’t just a hotel—it truly felt like my home away from home. Our apartment-style accommodations included a full kitchen, living room, and balcony, giving us space to relax between adventures. The resort also offered kid-friendly activities, three pools, a gym, and included meals.

The breakfast stood out—better even than in Bahia. I tried cuscuz, a traditional dish, for the first time and was amazed by its flavor and texture.

Breakfast on Wellness Beach Park Resort

A highlight of our trip was a dune buggy ride across the stunning beaches and sand dunes nearby. This thrilling adventure offered incredible views of nearly deserted beaches and majestic dunes. Our guide stopped at scenic spots for photos and even took us to a small village for souvenirs.

Dune Buggy tour – Fortaleza/CE

This region’s beauty is unbeatable, and with its year-round warm weather, there’s never a bad time to visit the beaches in Brazil’s northeast.

4. Beyond the Northeast: Exploring Brazil’s Other Coastal Regions

While the northeast is famous for its idyllic beaches, Brazil’s southeastern and southern states have their own gems.

• Rio de Janeiro: Known for Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio’s beaches are iconic. However, the city’s bustling crowds and concerns about safety can sometimes overshadow its natural beauty.
• Florianópolis, Santa Catarina: In the south, Florianópolis offers pristine beaches, particularly in summer when the weather is warm. With its cooler seasons, this region feels like a completely different Brazil.

Conclusion: The Brazilian Beach Experience You Can’t Miss

Even though I’m not a die-hard beach lover, I believe everyone should experience Brazil’s coastal lifestyle at least once. There’s nothing quite like digging your toes into the sand, savoring fresh shrimp, and sipping an ice-cold beer with samba or pagode playing in the background.

When you visit, be sure to embrace this quintessentially Brazilian moment—call the waiter over with a friendly “Campeão” and order another “gelada” (cold beer). No matter which of the many beaches in Brazil you visit, this experience will stay with you forever.