Arraial do Cabo

Travel Guide
Atalaia Viewpoint which includes a coastal town, landscape views and general coastal views
This coastal playground beckons with its shimmering white-sand beaches, spectacular lookouts, headland hiking trails and crystal-clear water waiting to be explore on diving expeditions.

Arraial do Cabo is a beach-lovers paradise, thriving fishing village and wildlife-spotting wonderland all rolled into one. Its natural beauty ranges from a coastline of fine, sugar-like sand and perfect turquoise water, to lagoons, rolling dunes and hills clad in Atlantic forest. Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci established a trading post in Arraial do Cabo in 1503. It is often called the Brazilian Caribbean.

Within a short walk from the city center, which sits on a peninsula, you’ll be able to feel the sand between your toes and plunge into the warm ocean. The closest beaches are Dos Anjos Beach and the sprawling Grande Beach. Witness time-honored fishing traditions at Forno Port and then hike over the headland to Forno Beach. Bathe in the calm waters and kick back at the waterfront bars at Prainha Beach.

Bike, drive or hike to Atalaia Viewpoint, which affords superb views toward the southern tip of the city’s peninsula. Continue from here past Brava Beach to Pontal do Atalaia Beach. Find more coastal pleasures at Cabo Frio Island, just a short boat ride from Forno Port. Spot dolphins and stingrays from the shoreline and go snorkeling and scuba diving at Gruta Azul.

Be sure to dedicate time to discovering the city’s historical attractions. Our Lady of Remedies Church dates back to 1506 and was the site of Brazil’s first indoor mass service. Near here is a memorial to the arrival of Amerigo Vespucci. Another landmark is Arraial do Cabo Municipal City Hall.

Find bars, restaurants, market stalls and nightclubs set on and around Daniel Barreto de Marco Square (Praça do Cova). Browse exhibitions of art and fishing artifacts at Manoel Camargo Cultural Center. Hermes Barcellos Public Park has a children’s playground and an ornamental lake.

Arraial do Cabo is about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Río de Janeiro where buses depart regularly from the Novo Rio Bus Terminal. Expect mild temperatures year round and heavy downpours in summer. Visit in April for the Calamari Festival or from June to September to watch humpback whales swim by.

Where to stay in Arraial do Cabo

Arraial do Cabo which includes a beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Prainha

You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in Prainha. You might want to make time for a stop at Prainha Beach or Hermes Barcellos Public Park.

Prainha
Arraial do Cabo Municipal City Hall which includes signage

Arraial do Cabo Centro

While visiting Arraial do Cabo Centro, you might make a stop by sights like Arraial do Cabo Municipal City Hall and Hermenegildo Barcellos Stadium.

Arraial do Cabo Centro
Arraial do Cabo which includes general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people

Praia Grande

If you're spending some time in Praia Grande, Praia Grande and Fisherman's Deck are top sights worth seeing.

Praia Grande
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Praia dos Anjos

While Praia dos Anjos isn't home to many top sights, Forno Beach and Anjos Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Praia dos Anjos
Our Lady of Remedies Church which includes religious aspects and a statue or sculpture

Taio

If you're spending some time in Taio, Anjos Beach and Our Lady of Remedies Church are top sights worth seeing.

Taio
Pousada Xerxes
Pousada Xerxes
3 out of 5
Rua José Pinto de Macedo, 270 Lt 18 Qd B, Prainha, Arraial do Cabo, RJ
The price is €47 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
€47
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 3-star pousada in Arraial do Cabo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Hermes Barcellos Public Park and Old Park ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (223 reviews)
"It was good , but WiFi did work Breakfast ok I top of a hill Prepare to hit the Gas All in all ok"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Pousada Xerxes
Varandas ao Mar
Varandas ao Mar
3 out of 5
22 Av. Dr. Hermes Barcelos, Arraial do Cabo, RJ
The price is €72 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€72
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Arraial do Cabo. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Flávia Alessandra Statue and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Ótimo
"Foi tudo muito bom, amamos cada minuto."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Varandas ao Mar
Pousada EntreMares
Pousada EntreMares
3 out of 5
77 Av. Getúlio Vargas, Arraial do Cabo, RJ
Stay at this 3-star pousada in Arraial do Cabo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Forte Beach and Arraial do Cabo Municipal ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
"Local perto de tudo atendente super atencioso te ajudar com tudo café da manhã bom"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Pousada EntreMares
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Brisas do Farol - Aluguel Economico
Brisas do Farol - Aluguel Economico
2.5 out of 5
R. Nereu Ramos 11, Arraial do Cabo, RJ
Stay at this vacation home in Arraial do Cabo. Enjoy free WiFi, a refrigerator, and a microwave. Popular attractions Forte Beach and Japanese Island are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
Imovel bom, colocar ar condicionado! Comunicação!
"Minha estadia foi proveitosa, poderia melhorar com relação a colocar ar condicionado, pois ventilador em uma cidade que é muito quente ventilador só não da conforto!"

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2023

Brisas do Farol - Aluguel Economico
Varandas ao Mar
Varandas ao Mar
3 out of 5
22 Av. Dr. Hermes Barcelos, Arraial do Cabo, RJ
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Arraial do Cabo. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Flávia Alessandra Statue and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Ótimo
"Foi tudo muito bom, amamos cada minuto."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Varandas ao Mar
Sophia II Residence Inn
Sophia II Residence Inn
3 out of 5
Av. Dr. Hermes Barcelos, Arraial do Cabo, RJ
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Arraial do Cabo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Flávia Alessandra Statue and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (87 reviews)
"I expected more sheets and linen on the bed. on fitted? uhm okay??? lmao I never quite got the Internet to work. But the view was wonderful and the people very nice."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2023

Sophia II Residence Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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