One of the most picturesque beaches near Rio (roughly 22km west of the Jardim Oceânico metro station in Barra da Tijuca), Prainha is a cove of white sand backed by cliffs and thick Atlantic Rainforest. The sea can be rough, but it's a favorite weekend getaway for carioca surfers and beach lovers alike. It feels secluded during the week, but go early on weekends to beat the crowds.
Prainha sits inside a 147-hectare preservation zone, meaning there's no public transport to arrive and limited car capacity. In other words, you'll need to arrive early if you want to come by car, or be ready to walk the 2km up and down hills to get to the beach from the park's entrance. Behind the beach there are bathrooms and showers, parking, surf racks, a playground and a few beach kiosks where you can grab a bite, as well as a well-maintained, 2km trail that takes you to the top of the Mirante do Caeté, where you'll get exceptional views stretching across the coastline.
