6 Hidden Beaches in Rio That Locals Love (2026 Guide)

By Be Free Tours - December 1, 2025 - 10 min read

In This Guide

  • 6 Hidden Beaches in Rio That Locals Love
  • Why Skip the Famous Beaches?
    1. Prainha: The Surfer’s Paradise
    1. Grumari: Pristine & Protected
    1. Joatinga: For the Adventurous
    1. Barra da Guaratiba: Mangrove Magic
    1. Praia do Secreto: The True Hidden Beach
    1. Praia do Perigoso: Wild & Worthy
  • Planning Your Hidden Beach Adventure
  • Combine Hidden Beaches with Our Tours
  • Local Etiquette
  • Final Tips from a Carioca
  • Frequently Asked Questions

6 Hidden Beaches in Rio That Locals Love

Copacabana and Ipanema are iconic, but they’re packed with tourists. Want to know where Cariocas actually go to swim, surf, and relax? After 12 years of guiding tours in Rio, I’m sharing my favorite secret beaches that most visitors never discover.

Why Skip the Famous Beaches?

Don’t get me wrong - Copacabana and Ipanema are beautiful. But if you want:

  • Fewer crowds (sometimes you’ll have the beach to yourself!)
  • Cleaner water (no urban runoff)
  • Better waves for surfing
  • Authentic Carioca experience

Then these hidden gems are for you.

1. Prainha: The Surfer’s Paradise

Why Locals Love It

Protected by mountains and regulations (no high-rises allowed!), Prainha feels like a private beach. The consistent waves attract Rio’s serious surfers, while the golden sand and dramatic cliffs create postcard-perfect scenery.

What to Know

  • Location: 40km west of Copacabana (1 hour drive)
  • Best For: Surfing, photography, escaping crowds
  • Facilities: Small kiosks, paid parking, bathrooms
  • Tip: Arrive early (before 10 AM) - it fills up on weekends

How to Get There

Take a bus to Barra da Tijuca, then Uber/taxi. Or join our Prainha & Grumari tour for hassle-free access.

2. Grumari: Pristine & Protected

Why Locals Love It

Right next to Prainha, Grumari is even more untouched. This 3km stretch of white sand is part of an environmental protection area, so development is strictly limited. The water is crystal clear, and you’ll often see families grilling on the beach.

What to Know

  • Location: Next to Prainha (same trip!)
  • Best For: Swimming, snorkeling, family picnics
  • Facilities: Simple beach bars, no development
  • Tip: Bring cash - most vendors don’t accept cards

Perfect Pairing

Visit both Prainha and Grumari in one day. Morning surf at Prainha, afternoon swim at Grumari.

3. Joatinga: For the Adventurous

Why Locals Love It

This is Rio’s most dramatic beach - accessed only by climbing down a steep trail through the jungle. The reward? A small, stunning cove with turquoise water and massive boulders. It’s where young Cariocas go to feel like they’ve discovered paradise.

What to Know

  • Location: Sao Conrado (between two luxury condos)
  • Best For: Adventure seekers, photography
  • Facilities: None - bring everything you need
  • Warning: Steep 15-minute hike down (and back up!)

Safety Note

Not recommended for young children or mobility issues. Wear proper shoes - flip-flops are dangerous on the trail.

4. Barra da Guaratiba: Mangrove Magic

Why Locals Love It

At the far western edge of Rio, Guaratiba feels like a fishing village. The beach is surrounded by mangroves, and locals come for fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants more than swimming. It’s a cultural experience.

What to Know

  • Location: 60km from Copacabana (1.5 hours)
  • Best For: Seafood, kayaking in mangroves, local culture
  • Facilities: Excellent seafood restaurants
  • Best Day: Sunday lunch at a traditional seafood place

Don’t Miss

Try the casquinha de siri (stuffed crab shells) at one of the family-run restaurants.

5. Praia do Secreto: The True Hidden Beach

Why Locals Love It

You literally can’t see this beach from the road. Tucked between rocks in Recreio, you access it by scrambling over boulders at low tide. Locals keep it quiet to preserve the peaceful vibe.

What to Know

  • Location: Recreio dos Bandeirantes
  • Best For: Solitude, tidal pools, adventure
  • Warning: Only accessible at low tide - check tide tables!
  • Facilities: None - it’s truly wild

Timing is Everything

Visit 2 hours before low tide. You’ll have 3-4 hours before the tide comes back in and blocks the entrance.

6. Praia do Perigoso: Wild & Worthy

Why Locals Love It

The name means “Dangerous Beach” but don’t worry - it refers to the strong currents (locals know where it’s safe to swim). This massive, empty beach near Grumari feels like the end of the world.

What to Know

  • Location: Beyond Grumari (end of the road)
  • Best For: Long beach walks, photography, meditation
  • Swimming: Strong currents - locals only swim at the left end
  • Facilities: Minimal - one small kiosk

The Experience

Walk the entire 2km beach and you might only see 10 other people. It’s that empty.

Planning Your Hidden Beach Adventure

Best Time to Visit

  • Weather: December-March for beach weather
  • Crowds: Weekdays are significantly quieter
  • Surf: April-October for best waves at Prainha

Getting There

Most hidden beaches are difficult to reach by public transport. Options:

  • Rent a car - Most flexible, but Rio traffic is intense
  • Uber/Taxi - Can get expensive for distant beaches
  • Join our private tour - We handle everything and show you multiple beaches in one day

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen (lots of it!)
  • Cash (many don’t have ATMs)
  • Water and snacks
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Beach shoes for rocky entries
  • Trash bags (leave no trace!)

Combine Hidden Beaches with Our Tours

Want to visit these secret spots without the hassle? Our private tours include:

Local Etiquette

Cariocas keep these beaches special by following unwritten rules:

  • Take all trash with you
  • Keep music low
  • Don’t feed wild animals
  • Respect private property accessing beaches
  • Be friendly but not intrusive

Final Tips from a Carioca

My personal favorite beaches in Rio? In the city: Barra da Tijuca, Reserva, and Grumari. Barra offers long stretches of sand perfect for walking and surfing. Reserva (Prainha and the surrounding area) gives you that untouched feel. And Grumari? It’s where I go when I need to escape everything.

Outside Rio city: Ilha Grande is pure paradise - crystal-clear water, no cars, just nature. And the beaches of Arraial do Cabo rival the Caribbean with their turquoise waters and white sand.

Pro tip: Visit Grumari on a Wednesday morning. You’ll have this stunning beach practically to yourself, swimming in water so clear you can see your toes.

Skip Copacabana on Saturday afternoon and try any of these instead. Your Rio experience will be infinitely more authentic - and you’ll have better photos than 99% of tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hidden beaches safe?

Yes, but use common sense. Stay in populated areas, don’t bring valuables, and swim only where locals swim. The beaches themselves are safe - just follow normal beach precautions.

Can I visit multiple hidden beaches in one day?

Yes! Prainha and Grumari are right next to each other. Joatinga pairs well with a day in Sao Conrado or Barra. For distant beaches, join our guided tour to see several in one day.

Do hidden beaches have food and drinks?

It varies. Grumari and Prainha have kiosks. Barra da Guaratiba has restaurants. But Joatinga, Secreto, and Perigoso have nothing - bring everything you need.

What’s the best hidden beach for families?

Grumari is perfect for families with older kids, with calm areas and plenty of space. Prainha also works well if everyone is comfortable with gentle waves.