COPACABANA BEACH

Description

Essentials about Copacabana Beach in brief

It is undoubtedly the most famous beach in the world and an absolute must-see on a trip to Rio de Janeiro: Copacabana Beach. Like a half moon, Copacabana Beach stretches for four kilometers along the Atlantic coast of Rio. Because of its fine white sand, it is rightly considered one of Rio’s most beautiful beaches. And of course, like no other place, Copacabana Beach stands for the myth of the Brazilian attitude to life and the South American body cult. Although the beach has its most famous days behind it, when stars and starlets came and went here, it is still one of the favorite places of the Cariocas (as the locals of Rio are called) and of course also of the tourists for sunbathing, doing sports and of course also to see-and-be-seen.

Activities on Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach is bordered on both sides by a historic fortification – to the northeast by the Forte Duque de Caxias, built in 1779, and to the southwest by the Forte de Copacabana, built in 1914. Those who go to the beach first cross the boardwalk with its famous wave pattern of black and white marble, thanks to the famous architect Roberto Burle Marx. Once on the beach, you can pass the time with a wide variety of activities: Watching Brazilian beauties, walking and jogging, playing (or watching) soccer and beach volleyball, or just chilling in the sun.

You can also swim, of course, although a note of caution is in order here: the Atlantic Ocean has strong currents at times on the Copacabana section of the beach, which is why swimming is sometimes prohibited. In addition, the rather heavy surf and the relatively steep drop-off of the shore zone make swimming not entirely safe. In case of need, one of the (of course good-looking) lifeguards, who watch the beach at several posts, will rescue you. But you shouldn’t try it anyway.

Eating and drinking on Copacabana Beach

If you don’t want to lug your own beach gear to Copacabana, there are plenty of ambulant vendors on site offering everything from towels and suntan lotion to mate and coconut water for a day at the beach. Alternatively, of course, you can go to one of the many beach cafes for a cold beer or a chilled caipirinha.

Copacabana Beach at night

Even in the evening, the hustle and bustle at Copacabana doesn’t slow down. Soccer and beach volleyball players play under floodlights even after dark. The bars and restaurants along the waterfront are filled with people who have arranged to meet for dinner and drinks. And the nightclubs on Copacabana remain among the most popular in the city.