Beaches of Barra da Tijuca and Recreio Beach

Female opinion

Imagine 18 km of coast with perfect white sand, clear ocean water, cozy beach kiosks and restaurants surrounded by patches of vegetation. This area between the beginning of Barra neighborhood and Pedra do Pontal consists of four beaches: Praia do Pepe, Praia da Barra da Tijuca, Praia da Reserva and Praia do Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Although it is one continuous coast line, surroundings and ambience change a lot, as you go from one beach to another.

Male opinion

This is my favourite beach area in Rio de Janeiro, with its 18 kilometers of choice where to sit down on the fine sand. Going by bike is the best way to see all these beaches, or if you are as crazy as us, walk. It can be hard in temperatures of 30+ and no clouds at all, but the great thing is that you can jump into the cooling ocean at any time you want. The nicest ambience for me starts with Praia da Reserva, where the bike road runs through beautiful low vegetation area, with Marapendi lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other. It really offers a soothing experience.

Pepe Beach

Praia and Avenida do Pepe were named after Pedro Paulo Guise Carneiro Lopes, known as Pepe, a famous Brazilian sportsman and world champion in hang gliding. Praia do Pepe is very popular among young people, who come here to practice all possible water sports (windsurfing, body boarding, kite surfing, stand up paddle, surfing) or to hang out in vibrant promenade cafes. Beachfront area across the road is full of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. There are almost no high buildings in this neighborhood, which gives a feeling of being in a small resort town.

Barra Beach

As you move forward to Praia da Barra, you still see the same scenery and the same crowd on the beach, but the other side of the road changes. Skyscrapers, huge condominiums, 20-story hotels, pricy restaurants and boutiques. Same kinds of sport are being practiced on the beach, and occasionally it hosts water sports competitions.

Reserva Beach

And suddenly it all ends. No people, no buildings, no public transport, not even beach kiosks! Welcome to Praia da Reserva – a deserted paradise between two busy beaches. An awesome place to enjoy solitude, either taking sun on the empty beach or walking along a picturesque bicycle path hidden between the motorway and the green valley.

Recreio Beach

When you have had enough of peace and isolation, continue your way to reach Praia do Recreio. Young people playing beach games or surfing, promenade bars attracting you with loud music, everyone relaxing and enjoying the endless summer.

Song with many of Rio's beaches

Leleco 22 and Bonde da Stronda "Hell de Janeiro" features many of the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and the Cariocan beach lifestyle.

Quick facts

Type: beach

Touristic: a little bit

Getting there: takes a bit of time

Minimal transport: bus + walk

Length: 18 km

Difficulty: easy

Cost: free

Other names: Praias da Barra da Tijuca, Praia do Recreio, Barra beaches, Barra and Recreio beaches

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How to get there

Address: Ciclovia Recreio dos Bandeirantes

Hood: Barra da Tijuca, Recreio dos Bandeirantes

From Ipanema, General Osorio:

1. Take a bus to Barra da Tijuca (any that has Alvorada as destination).
2. Get off the bus at the first stop after tunnel to Barra, after crossing the long lagoon.
3. Cross the main road (there is a brige for pedestrians).
4. Continue straight down Avenida Olegário Maciel towards the ocean.
5. Turn right and start the 18 km stroll or biking.