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

Praia do Sono
Praia do Sono | © Henrique Ferreira / Flickr
Sarah Brown

Paraty is an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of Brazil’s larger cities and enjoy some of the country’s finest beaches. Head to the shores of Pontal for a private beach experience or follow the scenic forest trail to Sono Beach for untouched white sand. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg – Paraty has over 65 islands and 200 beaches to explore. Here are some of the best ones to visit.

Trindade Beach

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.

Trindade

Cedro Island

Jabaquara and Pontal

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.

Ocean view over to Paraty

Praia da Lulu

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.

Sono Beach

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.

Praia do Sono

Barra do Corumbe

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

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.

Saco de Mamangua

Praia Vermelha

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.

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