Book and Go
Buzios is a sophisticated beach resort with good surfing and snorkelling
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Buzios beaches
Hip Buzios was a quiet fishing village and one of Brazil's hidden gems until the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Mick Jagger turned up in the 60s. The resort still has celebrity appeal but Buzios is no longer the backwater it was 40 years ago. It has grown into a sophisticated resort with many smart restaurants, bars and boutiques, yet it is the natural attractions of undulating wooded hills, golden sand beaches and clear, turquoise sea that keep people coming.
The 20 or so beaches of Buzios are among the most celebrated in Brazil. The beaches on the south and west side of the peninsular tend to attract swell and are popular with surfers, while those on the north offer calm, clear water perfect for snorkelling and swimming. Ossos Beach is the most popular hangout, but the undeveloped Azeda Cove is considered the most beautiful and pristine.
Life in Buzios revolves around the beach but there are alternatives to lazing in the sun. Those with a sense of adventure will want to seek out kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, mountain biking diving and the activities on offer. Buzios Golf Club (www.buziosgolf.com.br) boasts an acclaimed 18-hole course. Visitors can get back to nature in the nearby Emerências Reserve; a protected area of Atlantic forest with exotic flora, birds and monkeys. Buzios' main drag Rua Das Pedras is a great place to people watch or visit the numerous art galleries.
With its safe, sandy bays, Buzios is ideal for beach family holidays. Family attractions are thin on the ground but children will enjoy many of the activities, excursions and wildlife in the ecological reserves. There is a mini-golf (crazy golf) course (Orla Bardot), plus an indoor Laser Shots, Shopping Number 1, Centro, for those rare rainy days.
Arraial do Cabo is a fantastic dive and snorkelling destination just 30 minutes away from Buzios. The clear, turquoise waters are similar to the Caribbean and ideal for viewing fish, coral and the occasional wreck. Further eco-tourism options are available in Casemiro de Abreu, where visitors can enjoy the forest, rivers, waterfalls and wildlife or go rafting, abseiling (rappelling) or horse riding. For an urban excursion, holidaymakers should head to Nitoroi with its Oscar Niemeyer designed Contemporary Art Museum (www.culturaniteroi.com.br/macniteroi) and views of the Rio skyline.
Visitors looking for a special treat should check themselves in to the Casas Brancas Spa, Alto do Humaitá 10, Centro. This tranquil retreat provides massage and other treatments, yoga and meditation, plus pools and Jacuzzis overlooking the ocean. Similarly relaxing treatments can also be had at the spa resort of Pedra da Laguna at Ferradura Beach. It's also worth taking an evening boat trip, where you can take in the beauty of the beaches and islands while sipping a caiprinha.
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