Buzios

Head east from Rio de Janeiro’s bustling city centre to discover the popular seaside resort of Búzios. This stylish coastal town is the perfect relaxing retreat after a busy few days in the capital. It’s flanked by a wide range of golden-sand beaches and has a reputation as the Brazilian Saint Tropez. Brazil’s party animal spirit is tangible here – you can find lots of lively nightlife in its seafront bars and clubs.

You'll be close to the ocean when you stay in a Búzios hostel as all are within walking distance to one of the resort's sandy beaches. Wake up to views of the sea in a lodge by the beach, or spend an afternoon poolside in a hostel surrounded by tropical greenery. You can find beach houses with a party vibe, or a chilled-out atmosphere where the day usually ends with roof terrace get-togethers. Love surfing? Look out for Búzios hostels near Geribá Beach, Búzios' surfing hotspot. 

Búzios sits on a peninsula and is split into three main areas – Ossos, Manguinhos and Armação de Búzios. Armação, the main centre, is where you’ll find attractions like the Travessa dos Arcos shopping centre, and most of the nightlife. To the northern tip of the city is Ossos. You can experience a traditional Brazilian coastal scene here, with its vegetation-flanked beach and renovated fishermen’s houses. In contrast, Manguinhos feels more modern, and is home to a string of waterfront restaurants that are worth a visit for the incredible sunsets. 

Búzios has over 20 beaches to discover. Praia do Forno is one of its quieter beaches, and has unusual pinky-red sands, rock pools and clear turquoise waters. For more beach scenery, take a boat trip to some of Búzios’ uninhabited islands, where you can walk on untouched beaches and go snorkelling. Back in town, the seafront promenade makes the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, while nearby Rua das Pedras is the place to go for an evening out, with restaurants, bars and clubs.

If you’re coming from the centre of Rio de Janeiro, you can get the bus to Búzios. The journey is about two hours and 45 minutes. From São Paulo, a bus departs for Búzios every Friday and takes about eight hours. Cabo Frio Airport is 20 minutes from the city centre, and has flights from several cities across Brazil. Public transport comes in the form of minivans, which offer a basic bus service.