Unearthing Brazil’s sleepy beach towns

There’s no shortage of pristine beaches along the Brazilian coastline and the towns that border them deserve just as much attention. Restful and remote, we’ve scoured the coastline in search of the beach towns to visit for those in search of a tranquil escape.

Paraty, Rio de Janeiro

A gorgeously preserved colonial town, Paraty’s charm lies in the contrasts it’s home to. Heritage buildings complete with latticed windows and doorways adorned with colourful trim line the waterfront, backed by steep, emerald canopies of mountainous jungle. Both a dramatic and enduringly beautiful picture, this is never more apparent than when seen from the water. Take one of the available boat tours and marvel at the town’s magnetic views, before sailing off to the quiet coves and secluded beaches of Praia da Lula, Praia Vermelha and the striking sea corridor Saco do Mamanguá for some welcome relaxation and snorkelling. While it’s easy to spend your days out on the water, Paraty is just as charming when you’re simply strolling around its maze of cobblestone streets that weave through the town in rickety glory. Hold onto the views when you stay at Casa Mar Paraty, home to an outdoor pool with ocean vistas.

Trancoso, Bahia

There’s something nostalgic about Trancoso. Perched on Bahia’s UNESCO-protected shores, it’s an arty and bohemian hideaway untouched by the usual sights that traditional beach paradises often fall prey to – partly due to the dense tropical forest that pinned the town in, closing it off to the outside for hundreds of years. That is, until the arrival of a flock of international creatives in the late 1900s. Now it’s flourishing; a 16th-century town home to a smattering of adobe houses and fishermen’s cottages painted in mandarin, mint and cerise, it’s here where you’ll find a mix of fashionable boutiques and upscale eateries. Trancoso beach is equally appealing, where a glinting gold sea of sand stretches on endlessly. It’s easy to lose track of time here and you’re unlikely to mind. Embrace the rhythm, or lack thereof, when you stay at Hotel Boutique Bahia Bonita.

Praia do Rosa, Santa Catarina

High on style and location, the clifftop Praia do Rosa is one of Brazil’s most refined surf towns. An escape from the pulsating tropical metropolis of Florianópolis nearby, Praia do Rosa has all its neighbour’s beachy appeal and culture, without the endless throng of people. Home to cinematic stretches of sand, try your hand at an early morning surf guided by one of the many experienced surf schools that offer lessons for all levels. Those more inclined to watch the surf rather than ride it will find much to enjoy too, whether that’s a hike along beach past ambling fisherman and wandering cows, or simply enjoying the view of the wave-buffeted cliffs and rocky outposts. Clamber up to the town at sundown and find yourself a spot at atmospheric Restaurante Urucum for steaming bowls of seafood and panoramic views. Sleep it all off at Villa Garden Suites where you’ll wake up to a bird’s-eye view of the bay.

Barra Grande, Bahia

One of the more remote beach towns, Barra Grande is worth the journey. Located on a finger-like strip of land along Bahia’s lengthy coastline, arrive at the small fishing town and you’ll immediately be drawn into its quiet, intimate atmosphere. Here you’ll find miles of unspoilt beach in every direction, while dusty streets host a handful of tiny restaurants and sleepy inns. Boats play a pivotal role in the community; find a canoe and paddle out to the glittering lagoons and still desert islands that constellate the town and coastline. Wait until sundown before you sail back to KA BRU Beach Boutique Hotel and watch the water go luminescent courtesy of the resident plankton.

Jericoacoara, Ceará

Otherwise known as ‘Jeri’, there’s a laguid, lazy charm to this paradisiacal escape. Cupped by turquoise waters, the town’s beating heart is the beach, where netted hammocks hang from overwater stilts strung along its unhurried coastline. From these, lie back with a book or watch the flocks of kitesurfers crest the waves in the distance. Beyond the beach, the town’s streets are all sand, meaning there’s little need for a change in attire as you head out for an early evening jaunt. The most spectacular part of the town however, is the nearby sand dunes. Lunar-like ridges of sand undulate along the water, which from a distance have the appearance of a golden tidal wave sketched onto the horizon. It’s a sensational sight any time of the day, but at sunset the sand and sky turn a blushed peach, while the water illuminates in a swirl of deep blue. Admire from the top of the dune, which is conveniently close to Vila Kalango.