Hidden Beaches in Brazil That Only Locals Know: A Complete Guide

Many people talk about Copacabana, Ipanema and Jericoacoara when talking of the beaches present in Brazil. Yes they are famous because they are attractive, lively and really easy to get to.

Yet, if you have ever dreamed of a quieter, natural experience, I assure you that Brazil’s coastline has many hidden secrets that locals love.

While hiking up and down the coast, after a smooth meet and greet at Gatwick kicked off my journey I found a few of these places and they made me love the country even more.

Praia do Sono, in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro

A surfer I met in Party first told me about Praia do Sono and said, “It’s the place we go to get away from the crowds.” Of course, I was curious.

I had to walk through the Atlantic Forest for about an hour (from Laranjeiras) before reaching it, but it was well worth it. A sandy crescent set against hills covered in trees, with almost no visitors there.

There are a few local guesthouses and small snack stands that make the place feel like a community and away from the crowd.

Florianópolis, Santa Catarina is home to Lagoinha do Leste.

Lagoinha do Leste is a less well-known beach located in Florianopolis but it’s worth discovering. You can’t drive to the falls; you have to walk or take a boat from Pantano do Sul.

I made a quick decision to go, wore flip-flops and spent two hours trekking through thick forests and up steep hills. After I arrived on the beach… it felt almost unreal. Wild, open and set against lush hills and a freshwater lagoon. People were surfing and roasting fish and I thought it was a special moment I got to share.

Beyond the Main Beach, there is Praia da Pipa (Beyond the Main Beach) – Rio Grande do Norte

Pipa was once hidden, but now it’s become a popular beach town near Natal. But not many tourists realize that if you keep walking along the cliffs or paddle around the headlands, you’ll reach some very quiet beaches.

A local directed me to Praia do Amor and Praia das Minas which are in central Pipa and very calm. Praia das Minas seemed to have no limits or development. Sometimes sea turtles make nests here and the sunset is truly beautiful. Unreal. Remember: Book Gatwick Cheap Airport Parking when travelling on a budget.

Castelhanos Beach in Ilhabela, Sao Paulo

Castelhanos Beach is considered the jeweled secret of Ilhabela, an island off São Paulo’s coast. You can only get there by driving a 4x4 jeep through the Atlantic rainforest or by boat.

I went with some local people and rode down a rough route, passing through mud and stopping at waterfalls. Castelhanos is a wide bay that’s great for anyone who enjoys swimming or snorkeling.

The best part is that you can do all of this in one place. You won’t find any crowded resorts in these places. A few stalls with only cold coconuts and grilled fish.

Taipus de Fora, located on Maraú Peninsula, Bahia

I didn’t even have this spot on my list — it was my Brazilian friend who suggested it and I’m always grateful. The Maraú Peninsula seems like a lost paradise, featuring sandy paths instead of paved roads and a way of life you won’t want to leave.

One reason Taipus de Fora is special is its natural pools. When the tide is low, the water above the coral reefs calms and becomes very clear for snorkeling. I spent a lot of time floating, enjoying large schools of bright fish swimming by me as if I were in an aquarium.