Experts' Choice Award Copacabana Beach
What the experts agree on
Rio's iconic 4km crescent beach buzzes with energy—thousands come to play volleyball, sip fresh coconut juice, and people-watch among locals. Crowded but unmissable.
“Play beach volleyball or football, drink a coco gelado (fresh coconut juice) or build a sandcastle - there is no end of activities on Copacabana beach! ”
– Michelin Guide
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"A magnificent confluence of land and sea, the long, scalloped beach of Copacabana extends for some 4km, with a flurry of activity along its length." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Thousands of tourists flock to this world-famous beach each year to sun themselves among the sea of Cariocas in Brazilian bikinis." Full review
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But: locals will tell you to avoid it all at night, when it's over-crowded, touristy, and seedy.
U.S. News & World Report8.0
"One of Rio's most popular shores, Copacabana is a public beach located in the heart of the luxurious Zona Sul neighborhood." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "The beaches in Zona Sul (South Zone) are demarcated by postos (numbered lifeguard stations), and each post tends to attract a distinct tribe. Copa itself runs from Postos 2 to 6, kicking..." Full review
National Geographic "Simply put, Copacabana Beach is one of the world's most exciting vacation getaways. It's a breathtaking 2.5-mile stretch of bright sand filled with people soaking up the sun and..."
National Geographic "Vendors of all types walk up and down the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema announcing their wares. You can buy a traditional Brazilian tanga, or bathing suit, but be prepared to bare it..."
National Geographic "The hub of Rio’s tourist industry. People from around the world pack the beach by day, the clubs by night. Oceanside avenue shuts down each Sunday for pedestrian-only traffic. New Year’s..."
Independent "Rio’s biggest trump card is its miles of golden sand. The beaches are as much a place for socialising as sunbathing, drawing Cariocas to play ballgames in the tiniest of swimsuits. Choose..."
National Geographic "Head to Copacabana to watch beach volleyball or soccer, or try paddleboarding"
Condé Nast Traveler "Rio's Copacabana Beach turns monochromatic on New Year's Eve, as more than 2.6 million revelers, dressed in all-white garb, descend on the beach for Réveillon, a very Brazilian..."
