Cabo Frio and Buzios - Costa do Sol. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Holiday locations

Cabo Frio and Buzios - Sea, Sun and Blue Skys on the Brazilian Costa do Sol

There are a multitude of beaches and lagoons in this lovely area, located a few hours drive from the city of Rio De Janeiro. If you are familiar with Cornwall in England then you will feel an affinity with Buzios and its enchanting coves and hidden beaches. Of course there are major differences, in Buzios there is a lot more sun and blue sky! There is on average 300 sunny days a year. In both Cabo Frio and Buzios you will find great beaches, great food, water sport activities and night time entertainment.

Buzios has its origin in a small fishing village, in the past it was populated by French pirates who also trafficed in slaves. With more than 20 beaches of a wide variety and beauty, this peninsula that seems more like an island, is today one of the most popular and sophisticated resorts in the Rio de Janeiro region. The transformation of Búzios into a popular resort started when it was "discovered" by Brigitte Bardot in the sixties. It seems she has never been forgtten as there is a bronze statue of her sitting looking out to sea at Ossos Beach, Buzios.

Buzios

Armacao dos Buzios. Beautiful beaches and coves, great restaurants, plenty of sun. Boat trips along the coast and islands, jeep trips along the coast, trekking, water sports of all types and more. Plenty to keep you entertained in this paradise only a few hours from Rio de Janeiro. More upmarket than Cabo Frio, Buzios is popular with Brazilian artists, politicians (unfortunately!) and the middle classes. It was popularized in the 1960's by the French Actress Bridget Bardot and although you are not likely to see international stars nowadays, you will doubtless pass many Brazilian "soap stars" who you won't recognize.

Diving is plentiful and beginners courses are available with 5 day courses costing around 850 reais. Diving spots can be found on the close by islands of Gravata and Ancora or Buzios beaches such as Praia do Forno, Praia Joao Fernandinho and Praia da Tartaruga.

There are 3 nature reserves in the area worth mentioning. The Pau Brasil protected area which runs from Tucans beach down to Cabo Frio. This is a Brazil Hardwood reserve. Then there is the Emerencias Reserve

which has hiking trails amongst this lovely semi-tropical Atlantic forest. Although rare the Golden Tamarin monkey lives here. Finally there is the Taua Reserve, known for bird watching and butterfly watching ( no you shouldn't colect them).
At night stroll along the "Rua das Pedras" an old cobbled street which is the centre of attraction at night as it contains many restaurants and bars. Beautiful on a warm summer night with a gentle sea breeze.

A larger map of >>Buzios<<
More photos of Buzios >>link<<
(Both links open in separate windows>)
(Map on the left courtesy of www. buziosonline.com)

Cabo Frio

Cabo Frio is larger than Buzios ( Cabo Frio population is approximately 155,000) with bigger beaches. Plenty of water sports and other activities plus more night life than Buzios. Quaint small towns nearby such as Arraial de Cabo with isolated tropical beaches. Most of the tourist visiting Cabo Frio are Brazilians, obviously a great deal from Rio de Janeiro but also popular with people from the cities of Minas Gerais and Brasilia. It is starting to become a little more known to foreign tourisits and some cruise ships now make a stop here.

There are a few tourist attractions in the city. These included the Feliciano Sodré bridge, the Nossa Senhora da Guia chapel, the church of São Benedito, the Nossa Senhora da Assunção church and the Municipal Theatre.

More photos of Cabo Frio can be found at this >>link<< (opens in separate window).

There are 9 beaches in Cabo Frio (see list below), the most recommended are - Praia do Pedra ( many sand dunes here, watch out for beach buggies), Praia das Conchas, Praia Brava, Praia do Forte( close to town centre, very full, lot of activity) and Praia dos Dunas ( this is an isolated and environmental protected area).

 The 9 beaches of Cabo Frio

1. Forte Beach (praia do Forte) - The main beach of Cabo Frio also known as Barra beach, it is 7.5km long km. The beach is one of the postcards views of the city and one of the focal points for the young and the tourist. At its left extremity is the Fort Are Mateus, which was constructed in the 17th Century.
2. Peró beach (praia do Peró) - 7kms from the center of Cabo Frio it has a length of 7kms and seperated from Shell beach (praia das conchas) by a small canal. This beach is popular for fishing and also has lovely views of the Cabo Frio islands.There are plenty of Kiosks and restaurants and live music.
3. São Bento beach (praia São Bento) - Located near the center, a small beach of just 400 metres extension in a residential area.
4. Siqueira beach (praia do Siqueira) - 5kms from the centre of Cabo Frio with a length of 2kms, situated on the margins of Araruama lake,this beach is popular with shrimp fishermen. Kiosks selling food and drinks.
5. Sudoeste beach (praia do Sudoeste) - close to Cabo Frio airport it is on the shore of Araruama lagoon. The water has high salinity. A nice spot for a picnic
6. Dunas beach (praia das Dunas) - The best beach for surfing, the best waves. The beach is surrounded by large white sand dunes. Take care bathing here due to strong currents.
7. Foguete beach (praia do Foguete) - This is a quiet beach frequented by few people, found 4 kms along the road that connnects Cabo Frio to the small town of Arraial do Cabo
8. Palmeiras beach (praia das Palmeiras) - This is 3km from the centre of Cabo Frio situated on the Lagoon of Araruama. The beach is surrounded by high coconut palms, that have given name to the beach and region.
9. Unamar beach (praia de Unamar)

How to get to Cabo Frio and Buzios from Rio De Janeiro
Driving:- Cross the Rio- Niteroi bridge, follow the road Niteroi- Manilha (BR-101) and go to Rodovia Rio Bonito-Araruama(RJ-124). After that follow Rodovia Amaral Peixoto(RJ-106)) north to São Pedro da Aldeia and then take a right turn to RJ-140 up to Cabo Frio It is approximately 150Kms. Buzios is a further 25Kms

Directly to Buzios:- After crossing the Rio-Niterói bridge take the left fork in the direction of Rio Bonito. Shortly after Rio Bonito take a right onto the Via Lagos road in the direction of Araruama/Cabo Frio (Região dos Lagos). When the Via Lagos comes to an end, continue for 5 km until you reach the Ipiranga gas station, then take the RJ-106 in the direction Macaé/Búzios. After 14 km (soon after the Gas station called "Até que Enfim"), take a right and in 10 minutes you have arrived at Buzios.

By Bus/Coach: Go to the Rodoviario Novo Rio located in Sao Cristovao central Rio ( 15-30 minutes in a tax/bus from Copacabana, depending on traffic). You will find a multitude of bus companies operating from here. One of the most reliable and recommended is 1001( white and blue bus with 1001 in red). There should be at least 6 or 7 a day to and from both Buzios and Cabo Frio. If possible get an "executive" bus as this will have air conditioning and only costs a few dollars more than the normal . Prices are cheap -10 to 20 dollars, to Cabo Frio or Buzios.
Taxi: You can come to a deal with a taxi driver for a fixed price. For Cabo Frio an approximate price would be R$200 - R$250 ( just over $100).

Buzios Restaurants
Sawasdee.
Av. Jose Bento Ribeiro Dantas, 422 (Orla Bardot)
Thai Food (mild) Typical price R$60+ per head
Tel:(55) 22 2623-4644      

Cigalon - Pousada do Sol
Rua Das Pedras 199
French cuisine Typical price R$60+ per head
Tel (55) 22 2623-6284

Bar Do Ze
Avenida Jose Bento Ribeiro Dantas 382
Sea Food Typical price R$40-60 per head
Tel(55) 22 2623-4986

Estancia Don Juan
Rua das Pedras 178
Tango on Tuesdays R$40-60 per head
Tel (55) 22 2623-2169