The tiny fishing village of Búzios, about two hours north of Rio de Janeiro in Rio de Janeiro state
(see the
map
from Expedia.com.) burst into prominence when French actress Brigitte Bardot visited there in her heyday.
It has since grown to international repute, likened to Saint Tropez, and offers the visitor
sandy white beaches, an all season climate, lively nightlife, sports, all-over suntans, and
a chance to sit on Brigitte's lap.
Not the real lap, of course, but on the lap of the statue of her on the Orla Bardot, poised on her suitcase looking out
to sea. The esplanade is a great place to people watch and catch the sunset.
The name Búzios actually includes three communities on the peninsula: Ossos, meaning bones,
on the northern tip is the oldest and most attractive, with colonial homes and a more
"gracious" feel, Manguinhos and Armação. The beaches at the northern end of the
peninsula are easiest to get to and are more sheltered. The southern beaches are prettier, but
harder to get to. See the map.
Getting There
Getting to Buzios is easy:
By Land:
By car from Rio, either your own or rental. The route is easy to follow once out of
city traffic, but expected uninhibited driving patterns.
By bus from Rio, São Paulo and other cities.
Many of the pousadas offer transfers from Rio in airconditioned cars or vans.
By Air:
There are no regular flights to Umberto Modiano Airport in Búzios,but the ariport accommodates smaller aircraft and corporate jets. Check
flights from your area to Rio or other locations in Brazil. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals.
By Water:
Marina facilities at Marina Porto Búzios and Búzios Yacht Club.
Several cruise liners make Búzios a port of call.
map
When to Go
Located on a peninsula between the Atlantic and the coastal maritime currents Búzios
enjoys a pleasant year-round climate, with temperatures averaging about 79ºF (26ºC).
Take a look at the water with this Webcam at Praia Raza.
Check today's weather.
High season is apt to be crowded and expensive as are weekends during the year.
Out of season and mid-week visits are less crowded and less expensive. Reservations are
always a good idea.
Things to Do and See
Try a different beach every day.
You'd need several weeks to get to them all!
The beaches on the east, on the Atlantic side, are windier with cooler water, ideal for
sports.
The beaches on the west offer calmer, warmer water, ideal for swimming and sun-bathing.
Take the Búzios Trolley on a tour of the area, complete with a description of the
peninsula's history and geography.
Enjoy these photos and
these, or these
aerial views for tempting views of
the area.
Surf at Geribá, Brava and Tucuns beaches.
Dive, ride horses, trek, mountain bike, sail, play tennis or just laze on a beach.
Stroll Rua da Pedras during the day
and return at night for the nightlife that goes on into the wee hours.
Cruise around the peninsula with stops for lunch and beach time. The schooner
Queen Lory offers two and four hours trips, including lunch, soft drinks and
Caipirinhas aboard and snorkeling
opportunities.
Stay and golf at the Búzios Golf Club & Resort.
Walk through the neighborhood at Praia Dos Ossos to view the colonial style buildings.
This and That
Food and Drink choices
are plentiful.
You can stay on the beach all day with beach side restaurants and vendors with snacks and
drinks.
Most of the lodgings are in pousadas, small hotels with fewer rooms and more personalized
service. Some are quite luxurious, others less so. Browse the list of hotels for availability, rates, amenities, location, activities and other specific information.
Whenever you go to Búzios, boa viagem!
