Thinking of Rio, the first image that comes to mind is of the sandy beaches, the sun and the ‘Girl from Ipanema’. Beach culture is prevalent in all of Brazil, and nowhere is it bigger or more impressive than in Rio de Janeiro. The beach culture in Brazil is a scene for fashion and trend setting. It’s not just about enjoying the sun, but also a social occasion. It is a chance to meet, socialize and for participating in sports like volley ball, soccer and surfing. Even during the winter and in poor weather, the Cariocas, as the locals are known, frequent the promenade.
Wedged on a strip of land at the foothills of Rio is one of the world’s greatest beaches, Copacabana. This highly populated region reverberates with a non-stop party atmosphere. Beach partying is a ritual here for the young and old alike. With an array of bars and nightclubs, there is always something happening on the beach, day or night. All along the 5 km beach, clusters of people sleep and sunbathe under umbrellas and in the white sand.
Lifeguard stations, called ‘postas’ are numbered and stretch along the length of the beach. The Copacabana beach stretches from Princesa Isabel Avenue to the lifeguard watchtower six, Posto Seis, near the Forte de Copacaban.
South of the city of Rio de Janeiro, lying adjacent to the Copacabana beach is the district of Ipanema. The beach at Ipanema is lined with world class restaurants cafes and shopping malls. Ipanema is one of the most expensive places in Rio and the symbol of Brazilian pleasure and wealth. It is frequented by affluent Brazillian youth as well as tourists.
Two hills known as the ‘Two Brothers’ are situated at the western end of the beach. The beach is also marked into segments with points known as postos. Ipanema beach has several favorite hotspots with each block attracting a different type of crowd. There are always people playing football, volleyball, and footvolley, a combination sport unique to Brazil. The beach at Ipanema was immortalized in the song, ‘Girl from Ipanema’ by Carlos Jobim.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Rio De Janeiro
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
For a vacationer looking for a city to holiday in that offers unparalleled pleasure, the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is one of the best choices. The city of Rio de Janeiro is a melting pot of races, colors and creeds. Rio de...
-
Rio De Janeiro Hotels
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Rio de Janiero’s beaches and its party atmosphere attract a large number of tourists throughtout the year. Hotels dot the area all along the beaches. The hotel industry in Rio de Janerio caters to all classes of tourists. Even economy hotels offer rooms, with air...
-
Hawaiian Beaches
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Hawaiian beaches are extremely popular around the world. All the beaches have public access areas providing unique attractions, activities, fine restaurants, shopping and golf courses. They offer sparkling blue water, tropical weather, friendly people, pleasant sun and stunning scenery. The best time to visit is...
-
Cancun Beaches
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Cancun is one of the world’s best known tourist destinations. Cancun is synonymous with Caribbean romance, exciting nightlife, world-class hotels and restaurants, water sports adventures and miles upon miles of warm, gleaming white sandy beaches. This is also a world-renowned center for fishing, diving and...
-
Kauai Beaches
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Kauai is one of the Hawaiian Islands and is a most sought-after tourist destination. This 550 square-mile island was formed due to volcanic eruptions about six million years ago. It is one of the oldest islands, and is situated towards the northernmost part of Hawaii....
-
Jamaican Beaches
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Jamaica is a beautiful island with about two hundred miles of white sand beaches, which provide for a peaceful and natural surrounding for tourists to relax and enjoy various beach activities. The scenic beauty of the shorelines is breath taking. Many tourists frequent this paradise...
-
A Guide to Punta Cana Beaches
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Punta Cana Beaches are among the most beautiful in the world and offer a recreation area for young and old to enjoy. The beaches around Punta Cana and Bavaro, are full of white sand and beautifully maintained. The clear blue waters lined with tall palms,...
-
Rio De Janeiro Carnival
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The Carnival is Rio de Janeiro’s main event, held at the peak of the Brazilian summer. A million tourists join millions of Rio de Janeiro citizens in revelry over a 4-day celebration. It begins on a Saturday and ends on Fat Tuesday, the day before...
-
A Guide to Cozumel Beaches
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Some of the prettiest beaches in the world circle the island of Cozumel. They vary from long, treeless sandy stretches of white sand to isolated coves and rocky shores. There are two sides to the island – the leeward (western) side where the coast is...
-
Spain Beaches
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The warm weather in Spain is ideal for relaxing on sandy beaches. The coastline of Spain is around 4,000 kms long and has plenty of beaches. All the beaches in Spain are located in picturesque settings. Spain offers a huge variety of beaches that have...