The Best Beaches and Islands to Visit in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro

Located about 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) from Paraty, Trindade Beach is one of the most-visited and famous beaches in the area. Defined by its white sand and turquoise sea, it is also a bit livelier than other beaches, with beachside bars serving fresh seafood, caipirinhas and a constant stream of reggae music. It’s a good place to mix with a younger crowd of both Brazilian and international travellers.

Nothing more than a speck in the ocean, Cedro Island is the definition of a ‘tropical island getaway’, with its turquoise waters, white beaches and rolling hillsides covered in exotic jungle. Its untouched charm makes it a hit among local fishermen who head there to pick up their catches of the day. Hop on board with a willing local and spend an afternoon on the island where you can enjoy snorkelling with brightly coloured fish and a leisurely amble on the shaded hiking trails.

If lazing on a beach isn’t your thing, then head to Jabaquara and Pontal beaches. There, you can rent a kayak and paddle through exotic mangroves and enjoy the oceanic views over to Paraty. The area is teeming with wildlife, so keep an eye out for the shoals of fish just below the water’s surface and the flocks of colourful birds. Pontal is only accessible by boat, which keeps the beach empty, giving it a secluded resort-type feel.

Praia da Lulu, which translates to Beach of the Squid, lies on a tiny island with one privately owned house – the rest is uninhabited. The inland forest sprawls right down to the edge of the white sandy shores, and the surrounding ocean is crystal clear and warm. The owners of the house use this island as their vacation spot, but it remains open to visitors year-round.

Visitors can reach Sono Beach by boat, although many people prefer to take the one-hour picturesque hike there. After a forest trail, the path opens out onto a dazzlingly white beach with turquoise waters and hilly backdrops. It is one of the most scenic beaches in Paraty, and although popular among tourists, it rarely gets crowded, making it a good spot to work on getting that sun-kissed glow.

Barra do Corumbe has a bit more infrastructure than other beaches, such as nearby pousadas (Brazilian bed and breakfast type hotels) and a few basic, simple bars and restaurants. Many beachside kiosks spread out shaded tables and chairs on the beach, making it a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a few drinks and some beach snacks. The beach is family-friendly, and many of the visitors come as a family. For fresh seafood and strong caipirinhas, head to Cheiro De Camarão, one of the region’s most authentic seafood restaurants.

Saco do Mamangua is one of the most remarkable places you can visit in Paraty. It is the equivalent of a fjord yet with tropical scenery and secluded beaches. Take a boat trip through the fjord, which is flanked by forest-covered hills. The water is crystal clear, and you can stop at the beaches along the way to sunbathe or enjoy a drink and a snack at the few beachside kiosks there.

Located on a picturesque island, Praia Vermelha is everything you’d want from a tropical beach – white sand, warm waters and a jungly backdrop. Praia Vermelha registers on nearly all of the boat trip itineraries that leave from Paraty, its beauty and abundance of tropical fish making it a hit among visitors. Go sunbathing on fine-sand shores or snorkel amongst shoals of striking marine life.