
Tips from Búzios
Búzios is 127 km from Rio de Janeiro and with its more than 20 beaches, it became famous in the 60s after a visit by Brigitte Bardot.
Map of beaches in Buzios
1. Geriba beach – It is the buzzing beach and with the longest stretch of sand and, consequently, more activities. My favorite place is almost in the right corner, near the Fishbone . If you want a quieter beach, I don't recommend it. In the middle of the beach it is quieter and in the left corner there is a lot of movement again, with bars and an area where you can see more topless people. Several tents rent chairs, umbrellas and most of them have minimal consumption. Warning to those who like to swim in the sea, the beach water is usually very cold and not the kind of swimming pool that many people like. On New Year's Eve there is a beautiful fireworks display and several bars and inns have parties until the sun comes up.
two. Hike to Ferradurinha – From the left corner of Geribá you have access to Ferradurinha beach. It's one of my favorites in town and would be great for kids if it weren't for the weird access. The “access” is through an alley, passing between houses, behind a condominium and between trees. But it's worth it, because it's very fast. The very tiny beach, almost a pool, is delicious. It is great for diving and for the more adventurous, you can go to other beaches in the vicinity by kayak.
Map from Geriba to Ferradurinha
3. Sunset at Turtle Beach – The Praia da Turtle restaurant has an excellent menu and the sunset is one of the mandatory programs in the city. At certain times of the year they have a luau and one of my most delicious New Years Eve was on this beach, in a closed party, full of beautiful people, music playing until the sun rises and a delicious breakfast buffet to start the first day of the year.
4. Azeda and Azedinha Beaches – despite and perhaps because of the walk, the beaches of Azeda and Azedinha are wonderful. Access is via Ossos beach. It's at least 15 minutes walking with some ups and downs. The water is very calm and crystal clear. My favorites in Buzios.
5. Other beaches: The ones I mentioned above are the ones that I think should be seen, but Búzios has much more… if you have time, I recommend Ferradura, João Fernandes and João Fernandinho are also worth a visit that can please especially those who don't want to walk too far. reach the destination. Ferradura is very quiet, you can park your car and I recommend it for those who go with children and don't want too much “adventure”. The beach bars are very nice. For those who want to eat great fish or lobster, João Fernandes is a must. In the morning it is possible to see the fishermen's boats stopping on the beach and leaving the catch of the day. There you will also find great inns.
After the beaches… the must see of Búzios is…
Rua das Pedras - The street
6. Rua das Pedras – In the Armação de Búzios Center, is the world famous Rua das Pedras. With shops and restaurants for all budgets, you can find everything from bikinis and souvenirs to trendy clothes and exotic furniture. And the prices aren't even as prohibitive as people think. I always give preference to local stores, instead of famous names and that's where I renew the stock of cangas, out of the beach. Bikinis I have mine favorite store in the river. But in Búzios you'll always find what's popular in beachwear. Enter one of the galleries overlooking Armação Beach which runs parallel to Rua das Pedras for a breathtaking view of the beach at night. The restaurants and bars are impressively varied. Some survive time, others change every year. Patio Havana is one of my favorites.
Rua das Pedras
7.Lunch or Dinner at David's. David's restaurant is almost an institution in the city. Don't be fooled by the simple appearance of the place… the food is wonderful. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the world and it has the best Stroganoff de Camarao VG I've ever had in my life. The Shrimp Moqueca is also great, but if shrimp is not your strong point, they offer dishes for all tastes. Beef, chicken, salads. The restaurant is located in the center of Búzios, on the parallel street to Rua das Pedras.
David's Restaurant
8. Crepe at Chez Michou – For a lighter meal, the crepes at Chez Michou are a good option, as the menu has more than 20 different types of crepes. If you're dining elsewhere, make room for dessert at Chez Michou. And order a strawberry crepe with chocolate and ice cream. It is to eat almost fainting, such is the delight. Aside from the crepe, the vibe at Chez Michou is amazing. The big screens, the tables on the counter. The eternal shouting of names in the megaphone.. I explain, you give your name when ordering and when it's ready, they shout into the megaphone: Claudia, your crepe is ready! Music, the festival of beautiful people. If you are in a larger group, sit on the mat. Guaranteed fun.
DJ at Chez Michou
On the mat at Chez Michou on Rua das Pedras choosing the crepe.
9. Orla Bardot – A walk to the end of Rua das Pedras, takes you to Orla Bardot. Day or night, the scenery is beautiful. Bronze sculptures of Brigitte Bardot, JK and three fishermen are perfect photo spots. The boats moored at sea are part of the postcard.
10. Schooner tour along the beaches – Although many people think it's boring for tourists, this is a highly recommended program if you don't have enough time to see all the beaches in Búzios. In it, you take a tour of the beaches, dive if you want and even enjoy the caipirinhas and fruits on board. The tours leave from the pier of Armação or Praia do Canto, in the center of Búzios and last 3 or 5 hours, believe me, they fly by.
And Búzios has much more… but these are the points that I consider essential on a trip to the city.
Your turn.. do you agree with my list? Do you have anything to add or take away?