Guide To: the most beautiful places in Brazil

By: M. Weber

1: LENÇOIS MARENHENSES- MARANHÃO
In the county of Barreirinhas, Maranhão, an extensive desert the size of São Paulo awaits you! Dunes of sand (so huge they can be up to 40 meters tall!) diffuse in numerous colourful lagoons, heaven for those who thrive for adventure and love a refreshing swim! Tourists have the chance to walk along these dunes and experience the exceptional sunset that highlights the beauty of the Oasis. 


WHEN TO GO:  Between the months of May and October (otherwise the lagoons may be dried out due to the lack of rain).


WHAT TO DO:  Dunas, Buggy rides along Pacific Ocean, Praia de Caburé, Lagoa Azul, kayaking in Rio Preguiça.

2: PARATY- RIO DE JANEIRO
Located close to the border between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is a city both full of history and life. With a water so green and a sun so bright, you won’t need anything else! And, when the sun goes down, you can walk along the stone streets on the city centre beneath the star-lit sky. Immerse yourself in the city filled with Brazilian culture and make sure to try out “feijoada”!


WHEN TO GO: Between the months of December and February.


WHAT TO DO:  Centro histórico de Paraty, Baía de Paraty, Praia da Lula, Praia do Cachadaço, Praia Vermelha, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito.


3. FERNANDO DE NORONHA- PERNAMBUCO​

A little off the coast of the north east of Brazil, a surreal archipelago called Fernando de Noronha is something you don’t ever want to miss. Whether you are taking a boat trip along the divine blue sea, buggy-riding around the incredulous island, or snorkelling with millions of colourful fish, turtles and dolphins, fun is 100% guaranteed. When the day ends, the perfect sunset awaits you! The abundance of orange and pink hues will definitely leave you speechless and craving for more. 
WHEN TO GO:  Anytime, but especially from December through to February (but remember to book in advance as only a number of visitors are allowed on the island at a time to maintain its nature).


WHAT TO DO:  Baía do Sancho, Bar do Cachorro, Atalaia, Praia do Leão, Praia do Sueste, Baía dos Porcos, Mirante do Boldró, restaurant Mergulhão.


4. FOZ DO IGUAÇU- PARANÁ

Arriving in the Iguaçu Falls is part of the whole experience: seeing the colossal waterfalls from above will be sure to charm you right away. It is no surprise that it is one of the seven wonders of the world: whether you are taking a boat to have a closer look at the wonderful cascade, actually going underneath it, or walking along the paths above to see the bigger picture. The number of rainbows you will see is out of this world! 


WHEN TO GO: Around November.


WHAT TO DO: Cataratas do Iguaçu, Parque das Aves, Ecomuseu de Itaipu, Templo Budista, Mesquita Omar Ibn Al-Khatab.


5. FLORIANÓPOLIS- SANTA CATARINA

If you have been looking for an enchanting place with a variety of beaches and loads of things to do, you have it: Florianópolis! The city pleases everyone: those who like adventure or relaxing, people who like calm or wild water, unexplored beaches or popular ones, but the main attraction always is and always will be the crystal blue sea that lines the coastline of the city. Remember to eat some oysters, they are famous for them! 


WHEN TO GO:  Any time between the months of December and March.


WHAT TO DO: Ilha da Magia, Jurerê, Ilha do Campeche, Praia Brava, Lagoinha do leste, Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa.


6. JERICOACOARA- CEARÁ
With a year-round sun and divine beaches, dunes, lagoons and mangroves, Jericoacoara will surely enchant you! The only thing you need is a swimsuit and a pair of flip-flops. At the end of the day, appreciate the spectacle that is the sun diffusing into the sea, and after that, the trendy restaurants and parties that line the city’s streets. 


WHEN TO GO: year-round (January-June: rainy season, which creates incredible lagoons; August: more wind, ideal for kitesurf or windsurf).


WHAT TO DO: Duna do Pôr do Sol, Lagoa do Paraíso, Praia de Jericoacoara, Pedra Furada, Praia Mangue Seco, Praia Malhada.


7. MARAGOGI- ALAGOAS

The small city of Maragogi can be synonymous to paradise: it is lined with millions of palm trees, immersed in serenity, with natural pools filled with crystalline waters and an extensive variety of marine life. The amount of colourful fish and corals that can be found underwater give life to the city and are ideal to those who love a sea worthy of Caribbean waters. 


WHEN TO GO: From October, up to April


WHAT TO DO: Praia de Antunes, Galés de Maragogi, Praia Ponta de Mangue, Praia Maragogi, Praia Barra Grande, Piscinas Naturais de Taocas.


8. PRAIA DA PIPA, NATAL- RIO GRANDE DO NORTE

Praia da Pipa is the perfect place to escape from the real world, both in terms of tranquillity and parties. Everything about the location will charm you, from the irresistible restaurants to the heavenly beaches. Tourists are especially left speechless after a trip to the astonishing Baía do Golfinhos, where one can easily and excitedly point out many dolphins swimming around the transparent blue water. 


WHEN TO GO:  From November to March.


WHAT TO DO:  Baía dos Golfinhos, Praia do Amor, Santuário Ecológico, Praia do Madeiro, Praia da Pipa, Lagoa da Coca-Cola, Mirante do Chapadão, Buggy-riding in Praia Tibaú do Sul.


9. TRANCOSO- BAHIA

If heaven for you is relaxing beneath the palm trees, drinking coconut water straight out of the fruit and horse-riding on the beach, a trip to Trancoso is what you need! The popular destination ticks all of the boxes: the food is amazing (especially the traditional “moqueca”), the beaches spectacular and the city centre divine. Make sure not to miss out on a moon-lit dinner in the Quadrado, and don’t forget your sunscreen!


WHEN TO GO: November to March. 


WHAT TO DO: Quadrado, Praia do Espelho, Praia do Rio da Barra, Igreja de São João Batista, Praia dos Nativos, Ponta de Itaquena, Terravista Golf.


10. BONITO- MATO GROSSO DO SUL

As the name itself says, Bonito is extremely “bonito”, beautiful in Portuguese. An oasis of life in all of its forms: from all of the species of fish imaginable, to caves surrounded by the bluest of waters, to the starriest night skies you’ll ever see! Surround yourself with all species of animals when snorkelling, scuba diving or visiting the local zoo. The name says it all!


WHEN TO GO:  December and January, but also June and August (the winter—which is not at all that cold—increases the visibility of the water). 


WHAT TO DO:  Rio da Prata, Gruta do Lago Azul, Abismo Anhumas, Lagoa Misteriosa, Rio do Peixe, Aquário Natural, Parque Ecológico Rio Formoso.