10 beach destinations in Brazil to consider in 2026
Quick answer
This selection brings together well-known Brazilian beach destinations and three places that are part of our daily life on Santa Catarina’s southern coast: Praia do Rosa, Ibiraquera and Praia do Luz. For people choosing nature and time to stay awhile, there is the lagoon, Atlantic Forest and whale season. At Ibirahill, on Morro do Elegante in Ibiraquera, the three houses are about three minutes by car from Praia do Luz and ten minutes by car from Praia do Rosa.
How we chose this list
This is an editorial selection to help compare different kinds of trips. The first seven options show other ways to spend time by the Brazilian coast. For the final three, we write from the place we live. The order is not a ranking of searches or tourism growth.
The 10 destinations
1. Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Copacabana, Ipanema, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf combine city beaches with a busy cultural life.
2. Florianópolis (SC)
The Island of Magic has 40+ beaches, from buzzing Jurerê to the surf breaks of the east. Strong infrastructure and good food make Floripa the heart of southern beach tourism — and the gateway to the Santa Catarina coast.
3. Maceió and Maragogi (AL)
Turquoise sea, natural pools and the Brazilian Caribbean nickname in Maragogi. Value for money and pretty urban beaches keep Alagoas among the Northeast's most wanted.
4. Fernando de Noronha (PE)
A sanctuary archipelago with world-class diving and controlled access. Expensive and limited — which is exactly why it's one of the most searched as a dream trip.
5. Porto de Galinhas (PE)
Warm-water natural pools and raft tours. One of the Northeast's most established beach destinations for families.
6. Jericoacoara (CE)
A village of dunes, lagoons and sunset from the Duna. A nature destination that's become shorthand for rustic-chic paradise in Ceará.
7. Arraial do Cabo (RJ)
Often-clear water and boat outings are part of Arraial do Cabo’s appeal in the Lakes Region. Allow time for the journey if you are coming from Rio.
8. Praia do Rosa (SC)
Praia do Rosa belongs to the Les Plus Belles Baies du Monde association. Surf and lagoons are part of the trip. For southern right whales, plan around July to November, with more animals usually in August and September and a peak in September.
9. Ibiraquera (SC) — still a secret
Ibiraquera is in northern Imbituba, around the lagoon and coast near Rosa. SUP, kite and the preserved Atlantic Forest are part of life here. Conditions for a session depend on the wind and chosen spot.
10. Praia do Luz (SC) — the quiet retreat
The least known of the three and perhaps the calmest: a shorebreak beach, the Mirante do Luz trail and silence. For travelers chasing the opposite of a crowded beach.
Why look toward southern Santa Catarina
Around Rosa, Ibiraquera and Luz, you can combine walks, time at the house and the beach. The low season is full of life, with whale season spanning winter and spring. That is why we chose it: time to get to know the coast without rushing between attractions.
Where to stay to explore all three
At Ibirahill, on Morro do Elegante in Ibiraquera, three boutique houses are about three minutes by car from Praia do Luz and ten minutes by car from Praia do Rosa, surrounded by Atlantic Forest. See the Praia do Rosa accommodation or book your dates.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brazil's most-searched beach destination? This list does not measure search volume. Rio de Janeiro is included for its city beaches and cultural life.
Which beach destinations are rising for 2026? Praia do Rosa, Ibiraquera and Praia do Luz are in our selection for their nature, lagoon and the chance to spend more time in one place. We do not assign them a growth ranking.
When can you see whales at Praia do Rosa? From July to November. August and September usually bring more animals, with the peak generally in September; each season is different.
How do you get to Praia do Rosa and Ibiraquera? Florianópolis Airport (FLN) is a practical option. The hosts’ reference to Praia do Rosa is about 99 km and 1h30 by car, taking BR-101 south. Traffic changes the journey time.
