We spent only 2 days in Búzios, which was way too short.
Buzios – a small seaside town three hours from Rio de Janeiro, famous for being a vacation spot for Brigitte Bardot back in the ‘60s. Charming! And it is truly a hidden gem.
From many hidden beaches that feel like little paradises to cobblestone streets that buzz with life late into the night, this little town was full of surprises. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, have fun, and feel completely safe while soaking up the best of Brazil, this is it.
Here’s what made us fall in love with Búzios – and why you should add it to your travel bucket list.
*And what made Brigitte Bardot, Mick Jagger and Madonna fell in love with Buzios…
EXPLORING BEACHES
We could only spend 2 days in Búzios and if we weren’t dependant of our flight a few days later, we would definetely stayed longer. On our first day we explored two famous and beloved beaches, which are: Praia do Forno and Praia João Fernandinho.
Praia do Forno – a lush green path leads you suddenly arriving at a secluded natural beach where the sand is a reddish almost pink. The water was freezing cold but somehow refreshing. It’s small, quiet, and surrounded by rocky cliffs. And surprise – We could see capoeira for the first time!
Almost all ways in Buzios are affortable (very cheap) via Uber, due to the small size of Buzios.
SWIMMING WITH TURTLES
After hours we decided we visit another famous beach which is Praia João Fernandinho. This tiny beach is like a slice of tropical heaven. Think soft golden sand, turquoise water so clear you can see the fish swimming around your feet, and just enough activity to make it lively but not overwhelming. If you’re into snorkeling but also into Caiphirinas, João Fernandinho is the place. We swam the whole time with little fishes and big turtles, who are not afraid of humans around them. Normally you would have to pay a lot of money to get such a experience but here it is normal.
Lively streets & Gastronomy
While Búzios’ beaches are spectacular, the town itself is where the magic really comes alive. After a long day soaking up the sun, we’d head back to freshen up and then dive straight into the heart of the action: Rua das Pedras (literally, “Stone Street”).
Imagine cobblestone streets lined with charming boutiques, bars spilling over with laughter and live music, and open-air restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. The vibe is electric, but also surprisingly laid-back – it’s a place where you can dress up for a romantic dinner or wander around barefoot with a gelato in hand.
*You need to try the moqueca, a traditional Brazilian fish stew.
But the best part? We didn’t have to watch the clock or worry about safety. Búzios feels incredibly safe – something that, as travelers, gave us so much peace of mind, especially while in Brazil. We stayed out wandering the streets until 2 AM.
CATAMARAN CRUISE
Next day, we had tickets for a Catamaran Cruise. We boarded the catamaran mid-morning, a 3-hour adventure with 3 stops to swim, that was the perfect mix of chill and celebration. On board they have drinks, music and Anticuchos, a delicious grilled skewer.
Be prepared for Latino Beats and a Boat full of happy people who love to dance. We danced almost the whole time, only at the stops we used the time to jump into the ocean.
Beautiful scenery, amazing people, great music, and an energy that just made you want to live in the moment and it is Family friendly at the same time.
Everyone we met, from shop owners to other travelers, was warm and welcoming. The pace of life is slower, in the best way possible. And unlike larger cities in Brazil, Búzios feels like a safe haven. You can wander without a care, stay out late, and just enjoy being in the moment.
We visited Buzios in a rainy season, so you can expect calipso crystal clear waters when you choose the right time to travel! So, for us 2 days in Búzios were way too short and if you really want to relax, 5 days or one week shoud be perfect!
Why have we been there? We were volunteering in Brazil and Búzios was on our travel route. Check out about our first volunteering experience in this Blogpost.
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