The Trendy Buzios of Rio de Janeiro

Back in the 1960s, it used to be a small fishing village. That was when French actress Brigitte Bardot, one of the 60's divas, visited and loved Búzios’ pristine beaches and stunning forest. From then on, this peaceful village became famous and today it is an upscale resort. Now, you can run into celebrities like Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell and Bill Gates anytime.

During the Brazilian high season (December to March) Búzios can be expensive and crowded, very crowded. We always go to Brazil off season and take advantage of the good prices, uncongested beaches and uncrowded restaurants and bars. We can chat with the local business owners and residents and get to know the best places to visit without being hasty.

The Beaches

Búzios is small but blessed, as it can offer beaches with hot and cold water, with waves and without them, long or short. So it won’t be difficult to find something you like. To get to know the beaches better, take a boat tour and you will have a good idea where to start enjoying. The tour takes around 2½ hours and costs about $30 reais per person, with drinks and fruits included.

There is Praia Rasa, a long beach that the windsurfers elected as their place. Praia de Geribá also long with strong waves and the beautiful Ferradurinha with calm crystal waters, forming a natural swimming pool between the rocks.  

Búzios is excellent just to hang out on the beach, sipping a Caipirinha or a fruit juice. However, it is also a great destination if you like water sports since its clear and calm waters offer perfect conditions for surf, wind-surf, diving and jet-ski.

Good places for diving are the beaches of João Fernandes, Azeda, Azedinha, Lagoinha and Forno. If you are an experienced diver, you can rent or buy diving gear in one of the local stores. If you are a beginner, relax! There are classes for beginners so that you can enjoy the beauties of these crystal clear waters.

These are just some of the several beaches you should consider visiting when in Búzios. So plan to stay some time and take in what this gorgeous part of Brazil has to offer.

Búzios by Night

Party animals, this is the place for you. Bars, restaurants, live music, stores… you name it! Start your tour at Rua das Pedras (Stone Street), the heart of the action. Walk around and choose between varieties of food from all over the world. At the Estancia Don Juan you can have a taste of the excellent Argentinean beef. We also tried and enjoyed Restaurante do David.

By the way, the guy in the picture is my husband and co-editor of this website “David”. This was his first time in Brazil. Does it show?

When it comes to shopping, this is paradise. Sophisticated boutiques display Brazilian and international designer label clothes and the posh art galleries exhibit exquisite pieces.  Just take your time visiting and be prepared to start partying really late. Night in Búzios has its peak around 2am.

How to Get to Búzios

Búzios is 170 km from Rio de Janeiro. You can either take a bus from Rio de Janeiro bus station or rent a car and drive there. Shuttle buses, helicopters and air taxis are also available from Rio. Get information at your hotel.

By Car

From Rio de Janeiro. After Rio-Niterói Bridge (toll R$ 2.00), turn left to RioBonito/Vitória/Região dos Lagos. After passing the Rio Bonito Highway Police Station turn right to Araruama/Cabo Frio/Região dos Lagos/Búzios. This is Via dos Lagos Highway (toll R$ 3.70 or R$ 5.40 – Friday through Monday). At the end of Via dos Lagos, turn left. Follow the road for 4 km up to Ipiranga gas station. Turn left to Macaé/Búzios for 14 km up to Ate que Enfim gas station, turn right up to Búzios Arch.

By Bus

Rodoviária Novo Rio. There are several time options. R$ 18.50.         Phone: (21) 516-1001.

By Air

You can choose to go either by airplane or helicopter. They take off regularly from Rio de Janeiro. Check at your hotel in Rio.

Distances

Rio de Janeiro 176 km, São Paulo 596 km, Belo Horizonte 613 km, Vitória 543 km.