Arraial Do Cabo Sights

  1. Amerigo Vespucci Plaque

    Praia dos Anjos has beautiful turquoise water but a little too much boat traffic for comfortable swimming. Just above the beach, look for the plaque commemorating Amerigo Vespucci's landing here in 1503. Vespucci left 24 men behind to start a settlement, making Arraial one of the first European toeholds in the Americas.

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  2. Beaches

    Arraial's prime attractions lie along the shoreline. Praia dos Anjos has beautiful turquoise water but a little too much boat traffic for comfortable swimming. Favorite beaches within short walking distance of town are: Prainha to the north of town; Praia do Forno (accessed by a 1km walking trail from Praia dos Anjos) to the northeast; and the vast Praia Grande to the west, where wilder surf races in off the open Atlantic.

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  3. Ilha de Cabo Frio

    Ilha de Cabo Frio is accessed by boat from Praia dos Anjos. Praia do Farol on the protected side of the island is a gorgeous beach with fine white sand. From here there is a 2½-hour walk to the lighthouse. The Gruta Azul (Blue Cavern), on the southwestern side of the island, is another beautiful spot. Be alert, though: the entrance to the underwater cavern is submerged at high tide.

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