MAIN Beaches International

Although a year-round destination for beach lovers, a Brazil summer lasts from December to February making it a tropical paradise for visitors from the Northern Hemisphere looking for a winter getaway.

Beware the height of the season, however - especially around Carnaval - when crowds can become overwhelming and hotel rooms scarce. For a more relaxing romp, seasoned travelers will hit Brazil's beaches anytime before summer (November) or anytime after (March) when the sands are just as white, the people as friendly, and the temperature not as hot!

Among Brazil's must-sees, of course, are Rio de Janeiro featuring the world famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) and Corcovado with the mammoth statue of Christ and the view to Baía da Guanabara.

North of Rio de Janeiro

But Brazil's beaches don't stop at Rio. There are 4600 miles of coastline to expore in Brazil, beginning up north at the island beaches of Sao Luis, including seaside resorts and historic lighthouses dotting the coast.

The most famous are located around the state capitals Fortaleza, Natal, Joao Pessoa, and Recife - often called the "Brazilian Venice" for the convergence of two rivers on which it was built. Further south, a strong African flavor can be found at Salvador with long stretches of beachfront, and nearby islands to explore...

South of Rio de Janeiro

Further down the coast lies the beautiful beaches and scuba diving havens on the island of Ilhabela (bring the mosquito repellant), along with the many seaside resorts around Guaruja, and the breathtaking waterfalls and natural beauty of Paraná and northern Santa Catarina.

With too many other stretches of beachfront to mention, on the Web virtual tourists can explore the country's most beautiful, at sites offering insider tips and guides to the best of Brazil's seaside wonders...

Brazilian Tourism - Sun & beach - The big guide to Brazil provided by the Ministry of Tourism, with extensive information on every major beach area along the coast including virtual tours, pictures, hotels, major attractions.

Brazil Beaches - The Best - The grand overview with suggestions for top Brazil beaches from Rio to Jericoacoara, when to go, what to expect, with facts & information on the local flora & fauna.

www.ipanema.com - Insiders Guide to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Like it says, with expert guides to restaurants & hotels, nightlife, gay Rio, Carnival highlights, virtual tours and more...

Natal Travel Guide - The big, bright online brochure offering a hotel & restaurant guide, major attractions, historical places, pictures, how to's on getting around, maps and directions.

Northern Brazil Lighthouses - For lighthouse aficionados, one-stop browsing for a complete tour of what you'll find along Brazil's coast from the mouth of the Amazon around the Cabo de São Roque,and south through the state of Bahia with pictures and related links.

also see in Travel -> South America Tourism