Beaches

In general, the southern beaches are trickier to get to, but they're prettier and have better surf. The northern beaches are more sheltered and closer to the towns.

Going counterclockwise from south of Manguinhos, the first beaches are Geribá and Ferradurinha (Little Horseshoe). These are beautiful beaches with good surf, but the Búzios Beach Club has built condos here. Next on the coast is Ferradura, which is large enough for windsurfing and Lagoinha, a rocky beach with rough water. Praia da Foca and Praia do Forno have colder water than the other beaches. Praia Olho de Boi (Bull's Eye) is the area's only nude beach. It's reached by a little trail from the long, clean beach of Praia Brava.

Both João Fernandinho and João Fernandes are good for snorkeling, as are Azedinha and Azeda, reached by a short trail from Ossos. Praia dos Ossos, Praia da Armação, Praia do Caboclo and Praia dos Amores are pretty to look at, but a bit public and not so nice for lounging around on. Praia da Tartaruga is quiet and pretty. Praia do Gaucho and Manguinhos are town beaches further along.