Copacabana Beach
You don't need to bring anything except yourself to enjoy this famous Rio beach
Copacabana Beach is one of Rio de Janiero's more popular tourist locations. The three mile long white sand beach fronts one of the more populated residential areas of Rio making for plenty of people to watch and never a dull moment.
The beach stretches between Posto Dios and Posto Seis, lifeguard watchtowers two and six. It is interesting to note that the actual watchtower at Posto Seis was never built. The beach is bracketed by two forts, Fort Copacabana on the southern end and Fort Duque de Caxais on the north.
There are plenty of vendors and stores to keep you busy when you are not lounging on the beach. Vendors have a wide variety of goods to sell and the beachfront is lined with many kiosks where you can find anything from beach wear to curios and more practical items. There is no need to lug beach chairs or umbrellas, as these can be rented at the beach, nor is there any need to bring food with you as there are plenty of food vendors, kiosks, and area restaurants eager to introduce you to the wonders of Rio de Janiero's foods.
The beach can get rather crowded and it is recommended that you keep a close eye on your possessions. Security has been upped in recent years and there is a strong police presence in the area to help keep tourists safe. The crowds do have the advantage of providing excellent people watching. Impromptu games of beach volley ball and other games provide entertainment for the sunbathers all day long.
For those who are fans of theatre, there are often nighttime concerts and theatrical displays offered free of charge on the beach. Simply turn up and see what appeals to your sense of the theatrical.
The annual New Year's Eve festivities are something not to be missed. The fireworks shows are some of the best in the world and last as long as thirty minutes. The tradition of spending New Year's Eve on Copacabana Beach was started in the 1950s by various cults practicing their religious ceremonies. The first fireworks display was sponsored in 1976 by a hotel on the waterfront and the show has grown since then, in spite of much criticism from the intellectual community.
There is never a dull moment on Copacabana Beach. Enjoy the sun, surf and company during the day and the local artistic groups during the night.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: Copacabana Beach - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana Beach Reviews
Rated out of 5
This is really a world class beach with a party ambiance. The waves could get a bit strong (could knock your glasses or sunglasses off so do have a clip or tie). The sand is fine and white. The view of the mountains add to the zen.
Bill Yu - 2 weeks ago
Loved this beach, it is great for long walks, it’s clean enough, it’s possible to see a beautiful sunset there. Really liked the fact that it was possible to pay by card for sunbeds, umbrellas and drinks. It’s often very busy there and I loved that vibe.
Alex Leto - a month ago
I enjoyed an evening stroll when the air was a fresh breeze and cool with light rain. You can definitely barter for the drinks being sold in the beach. ⛱️🍹
I like watching the doggos who come to play at night. It's great that the beach is lit up fairly brightly at night.
Dennis Bauszus - a month ago
A very touristy area of rio but fantastic. Sports activities all day long, outdoor gyms and cafes along the waterfront and a good place to base yourself.
Copa has a lot of security so it's one of the safer areas of rio with tons of bars and shops just back from the beach
Tom Brennan - a week ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange | Cardeal Arcoverde | 6 Minutes |
| Line 1 - Orange | Siqueira Campos | 8 Minutes |
| Line 1 - Orange | Canatagalo | 8 Minutes |
How to get to Copacabana Beach by Metro
Any of the above three metro stations will put you within walking distance of the beach. As a general rule if you follow any road heading in a southerly direction from the Metro you will end up at the beach in about 6 to 8 minutes.
Cardeal Arcoverde Station is best for accessing the north central stretch of beach and it offers the shortest walking distance. Siqueira Campos is close to the south central stretch and Canatagalo is closer to the southern end of the beach.
From Cardeal Arcoverde Station: Exit and follow the plaza to the point and cross the road, go left and then immediately right on Rua Rodolfo Dantas and follow it to the beach (6 Minutes).
From Siqueira Campos Station: Exit the station to your left and follow the plaza to Rua Figueiredo de Magahlhaes and go right. Continue to the beach (8 Minutes).
From Canatagalo Station: Exit the station and walk straight ahead to Rua Miguel Lemos and go right following it to the beach (8 Minutes).
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Copacabana Beach:
Photo Gallery
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Enjoying the white sand and sure along Copacabana Beach cc licensed photo by Christian Haugen -
Copacabana Beach at dusk cc licensed photo by Porto Bay Hotels & Resort -
Photo Credit: kasio69 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Edgardo W. Olivera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Francisco Anzola - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mattk1979 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: archer10 (Dennis) - cc license via Flickr
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