Arraial do Cabo is a coastal town in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, known for its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. Located on a peninsula, it has a strong connection to the sea, with fishing and tourism being central to its economy. The town is famous for its excellent diving and snorkeling conditions, thanks to the cold currents that bring a rich variety of marine species. Despite its growing popularity, Arraial do Cabo maintains a relaxed, small-town atmosphere, offering a quieter alternative to the busier beach destinations nearby like Búzios and Cabo Frio. If you’re drawn to nature, water activities, and breathtaking coastal scenery, this coastal haven is definitely worth exploring.
We stayed in Arraial do Cabo for a month during our 2025 overwintering in Brazil. From relaxing on its gorgeous beaches to strolling through its picturesque streets, savoring its diverse cuisine, and exploring nearby destinations, we had an absolutely fantastic time. In this post, I share the highlights of this sojourn and my top recommendations to help you discover the charms of this stunning area.
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How to Get to Arraial do Cabo
From Rio das Ostras, we traveled to Arraial do Cabo using Blablacar. There are plenty of rides available, along with frequent local buses connecting Arraial do Cabo to nearby towns. If you’re coming from Rio de Janeiro, you can still find a Blablacar or take a 1001 bus from the city’s main terminal. You can book your tickets here without needing a CPF.
If you’re planning a day trip to Arraial from Rio, your best option is to join a tour, such as this best-rated one with hotel pickup available.
Where to Stay in Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo is packed with hotels, guesthouses, apartments, hostels, and all kinds of accommodations from end to end. We chose to stay near Praia dos Anjos, which, in my opinion, is the best area—close to the most sheltered beach, a lively promenade, plenty of dining options, and a relaxed vibe.
Unfortunately, our specific accommodation is no longer available, but I’ve put together some recommendations for other great lodges in the neighborhood.
- Budget Stay: Pousada Recanto Verdes Mares is a great choice. This apartment-style lodging offers simple, clean rooms with access to a swimming pool and shared facilities. It’s a solid option for travelers who want a budget-friendly place with some extra amenities, located close to Praia dos Anjos.
- Mid-Range: A charming and cozy option, Arraial Concept Hotel provides a welcoming atmosphere with comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast. It’s a good balance between price and comfort, offering a quiet stay while still being within easy reach of the town’s beaches and attractions
- High-End: For a more upscale experience, Praia dos Anjos Residence Club offers modern, well-designed rooms with beautiful views of the coastline. The hotel features high-end amenities, making it a great option for those who want a more refined stay with added comfort and service.
- Hostel: Backpackers and solo travelers looking for a social and affordable stay will appreciate Chamos Hostel. It offers dormitory-style accommodation with shared spaces, making it a great place to meet fellow travelers. The friendly atmosphere and convenient location make it a solid choice for those on a budget.
👉 Explore more accommodation options in Arraial do Cabo and beyond on the convenient map below.
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What to Do in Arraial do Cabo
Discover the Beaches
More than anything else, Arraial do Cabo is famous for its beaches—stunning stretches of soft sand and crystal-clear waters that attract visitors from all over. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, perfect waves for a refreshing swim, or breathtaking coastal views, the town’s shores offer something for everyone. The striking contrast between the turquoise sea and the surrounding cliffs creates a picture-perfect setting, making it a true paradise for beach lovers and photographers alike. The following are the six main ones.
Most beaches in Arraial do Cabo are well-equipped with parasol rental stands, food joints, and wandering vendors selling everything from grilled skewers and sandwiches to corn and refreshing açaí bowls. However, natural shade is scarce, so if you plan to stay for a longer period, consider bringing your own parasol—rentals can be pricey, and having your own will save you money over multiple beach days.
Praia dos Anjos
Located in a sheltered bay, Praia dos Anjos is dotted with a picturesque fleet of tour and fishing boats, creating a lively maritime scene. While it serves as the main departure point for boat tours, the south end of the beach offers parasols for rent, making it a convenient spot to relax and enjoy the waterfront.
Prainha
Situated just outside the town center, Prainha is one of the most popular beaches in Arraial do Cabo. It features parasol rentals and food stalls along its entire stretch, ensuring visitors have everything they need for a comfortable beach day. Its gentle waves and inviting atmosphere make it a favorite among families and beachgoers.
Praia Grande
Part of a vast, 50 km-long beach stretching along the Araruama Lagoon, Praia Grande is the most exposed beach in the area, with the coldest waters and powerful waves that attract surfers and bodyboarders. Running east to west, it’s also a fantastic spot to catch stunning sunsets.
Praia do Forno
Praia do Forno is a breathtaking, protected beach, accessible only by boat or a short hike through lush vegetation. Its calm, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life make it an excellent spot for snorkeling. There, I swam right beside a turtle just a few meters from the shore. The secluded setting and scenic views make it one of the most picturesque beaches in the region.
Praia do Atalaia
Accessible either by boat or via a characteristic long stairway, Praia do Atalaia offers visitors a unique approach to the shoreline. The descent provides stunning panoramic views, adding to the experience of reaching this beautiful and relatively secluded beach.
Praia do Farol
Located on Ilha do Cabo Frio, Praia do Farol is a protected military area with limited access, controlled by a predefined number of tour boats each day. Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, it boasts pristine white sands and exceptionally clear waters, making it a truly exclusive paradise.
Join a Boat Tour
Taking a boat tour is one of the best ways to experience Arraial do Cabo’s stunning coastline, with its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden beaches. Most tours depart from Praia dos Anjos and typically last around four hours, stopping at iconic spots like the famous Gruta Azul (Blue Grotto) and the remote Ilha do Farol, a protected beach with limited daily visitors. Many tours also include snorkeling stops, where you can spot sea turtles and colorful fish. While larger boats offer a lively group experience with music and drinks, smaller vessels provide a quieter, more personalized trip.
👉 Book this recommended boat tour that we took ourselves, or explore more options.
Walk around Town
Arraial do Cabo has a relaxed, small-town feel, where life moves at a slower pace, and the ocean is never far from view. The town’s streets are simple and unhurried, lined with local markets, seafood restaurants, and colorful houses that reflect its fishing village roots. Walking here means hearing the sounds of seagulls and fishing boats, catching the scent of salt in the air, and passing friendly locals going about their day.
A stroll along Praia dos Anjos Waterfront offers a glimpse into the town’s maritime culture, while the promenade at Praia Grande is perfect for a sunset walk with ocean views. Away from the coast, Avenida Liberdade is a pleasant in-town pedestrian walkway where locals often jog, cycle, and socialize in the evening.
Praça do Cova is a small but lively square in Arraial do Cabo, known as a local gathering spot, especially in the evenings. Located near Praia dos Anjos, it’s surrounded by casual bars, restaurants, and food stalls serving regional snacks like pastéis and grilled seafood. The square has a relaxed, social atmosphere, making it a great place to grab a drink, listen to live music, or simply people-watch.
When it comes to architectural landmarks, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is the town’s oldest church, while Sagrado Coração de Jesus is the largest and most impressive.
Another thing that caught my attention in the town was the remarkably high concentration of unusual, non-mainstream churches, representing all sorts of imaginative denominations—often featuring, in true Brazilian style, dancing and jolly music.
Tip: Despite the calm traffic, beware of sharp curves—some drivers speed around as if the streets were racetracks.
Hike
Arraial do Cabo is not just about pristine beaches—it also offers fantastic hiking opportunities. The town is surrounded by craggy, lush promontories with scenic trails that lead to breathtaking ocean views. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy walk or a more challenging ascent, the trails here provide a mix of adventure and stunning landscapes.
Popular Hiking Trails:
- Trilha da Praia do Forno – A short but rewarding hike leading to Praia do Forno, one of the most picturesque beaches in the area. The trail begins near Praia dos Anjos and takes about 20–30 minutes, offering panoramic views of the turquoise waters below.
- Trilha da Graçainha – A lesser-known but beautiful trail leading to a small, secluded beach where you might spot sea turtles.
- Trilha do Pontal do Atalaia – A more extensive hike that takes you through lush vegetation and rugged terrain, culminating in stunning views over the coastline.
- Morro do Miranda – A great spot for sunrise or sunset, offering a sweeping vista of the beaches and cliffs of Arraial.
Take an ATV or Buggy Car Tour
Exploring Arraial do Cabo on an ATV or buggy tour is an exhilarating way to discover its rugged landscapes, hidden beaches, and breathtaking viewpoints. These off-road adventures take you across sandy trails, rocky paths, and coastal cliffs, offering stunning panoramic ocean views along the way. You can book a tour here or find multiple operators on the spot.
Explore the Surroundings on Day Trips
Beyond Arraial do Cabo’s breathtaking beaches, the surrounding region offers incredible day-trip opportunities. Take a short drive to Búzios, a vibrant coastal town known for its charming streets, upscale dining, and stunning beaches. For a more relaxed experience, visit Cabo Frio, where colonial architecture meets pristine shores, or explore the historic São Mateus Fort for panoramic views.
Nature lovers can venture to Serra de Sapiatiba State Park, a protected area with hiking trails and diverse wildlife, or head to Araruama Lagoon, one of Brazil’s largest saltwater lagoons. Its calm, shallow waters are perfect for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or a change of scenery, these nearby destinations make for perfect day trips.
Where to Eat in Arraial do Cabo
These were some of our favorite food places in town.
- Av. Luís Corrêa – Lined with food vans, especially on weekends, serving everything from skewers to crepes. A drinks kiosk on the square adds to the lively atmosphere. Great spot for a casual bite at small roadside tables amid the bustling energy of the area.
- Praia dos Anjos Waterfront – The place to go for fresh seafood by the coast, offering an authentic local dining experience.
- Restaurante Deck dos Anjos – Best choice for a budget-friendly, all-you-can-eat buffet lunch.
- Padaria Vitória dos Anjos – A great spot for coffee and cake, with outdoor seating that’s ideal for relaxing or getting some work done.
- Hay Lanches – Serves the best burgers in town, with a casual and friendly local vibe.
- Pizza da Mari – The top pick for pizza, featuring an elegant setting perfect for a relaxed meal.
Photos
View (and if you want use) all my photographs from Arraial do Cabo in higher resolution.
