Prainha Beach
Prainha Beach
4.7
About
Prainha Beach is a secluded half-moon-shaped beach, bordered on each side by rocks and high cliffs. It is one of the best surfing spots in Rio, and may be reached by car or by the orange "surf bus" that passes through Copacabana and Ipanema.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Prainha Beach
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Neighborhood: Zona Oeste (West Zone)
Rio de Janeiro's Zona Oeste is where the city sprawls out in relaxed fashion, revealing stunning natural beauty and chilled-out beach vibes. The iconic Grumari and Prainha beaches are a surfer's paradise, offering sweeping sandy landscapes and crystalline waters. Barra da Tijuca, the longest beach in Rio, is where locals come to play sports, sunbathe, and enjoy fresh seafood at beachside kiosks. Lush greenery fills the Pedra Branca State Park, the largest urban state park in the world, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. As for transportation, the neighborhood is well-connected to the rest of the city by an extensive bus network and the Line 4 of the subway system. Marvel at the grandiosity of the modern-styled Metropolitan Cathedral or explore the local culture at the Chácara do Céu Museum.
Best nearby
Restaurants
148 within 3 miles
Attractions
45 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.7
4,425 reviews
Excellent
3,257
Very good
1,012
Average
135
Poor
19
Terrible
2
Basilio T
Baltimore, MD131 contributions
Jan 2020
Parking can be hard to find. Best to go early (arrive before 9 AM).
Furthest side of the beach away from the arrival point when coming from Barra by the coastal raod is the nicer place to stop as the first part of this beach may have lots of surf boards.
Great restaurant facing the beach along side rocks going into ocean is very nice with very fresh sea food and other appetizers.
One of the nice things about this beach is the warm and mostly calm waters with sand banks braking down the waves before reaching the sand line. You can rent sun umbrellas (recommended) if staying past 10AM. Best is to visit the restaurant after 10:30 or 11 AM and have some snacks and drink there. Very reasonable prices. Only 1 lifeguard for the small beach. Stay away from the rocks as the water flows back to the ocean that way.
Furthest side of the beach away from the arrival point when coming from Barra by the coastal raod is the nicer place to stop as the first part of this beach may have lots of surf boards.
Great restaurant facing the beach along side rocks going into ocean is very nice with very fresh sea food and other appetizers.
One of the nice things about this beach is the warm and mostly calm waters with sand banks braking down the waves before reaching the sand line. You can rent sun umbrellas (recommended) if staying past 10AM. Best is to visit the restaurant after 10:30 or 11 AM and have some snacks and drink there. Very reasonable prices. Only 1 lifeguard for the small beach. Stay away from the rocks as the water flows back to the ocean that way.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovin' it on Phuket
1,286 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a lovely beach to visit if it isn't crowded. I found it to be less of a headache than Copacabana and less busy than Ipanema. It is one of the areas you should check out and explore when you first arrive in Rio so it stands out a bit in your memory.
Written December 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Van Wilder
Cape Town, South Africa38 contributions
Dec 2019
a bit of a distance when travelling by Uber but well worth it. Famous for surfing. The terrain is very different from what you find in the heart of Rio. It feels more connected with nature (I love it). In walking distance you can find the beach pray do Secreto and in the other direction a nudist beach i.e praia do AbrĂcĂł (the only nudist beach in Rio)...you can also first go all the way to Grumari beach and then stop off at Prainha beach on your way back. The best take out from this trip is experiencing a different landscape in Rio that's feels really remote yet extremely beautiful.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian D
Brasilia, DF67 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
Considered a wild beach best for surfers, no buildings around this unspoiled wonderful surfing beach. If you're a surfer this beach is a must for you. if you are not a surfer you can sit on one of the rustic bars and drink a wonderful coconut drink while you watch the sea waves break in front of you.
Written October 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mauricio L
Rio de Janeiro, RJ61 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
To enjoy this beach well arrive early, as the number of visitors is limited. Take sunscreen and some drinks and food and enjoy a clean beach with pristine nature around you.
Written November 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luiz Henrique B
Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil50 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
Very nice beach, not as crowded as Ipanema or Copacabana but the best way to get in there is by car. You can go by taxi, but as it is a bit out of the way, it may be hard to find a taxi when leaving.
Written January 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Armando F
Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal95 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
Prainha is the best beach near Rio de Janeiro. It's a surfer paradise with big waves. To reach the beach you have to have your own transportation but this makes the beach much safer.
The road to the beach is gorgeous.
The only problem is the rough surf and rip tides that makes the beach a bit dangerous.
The road to the beach is gorgeous.
The only problem is the rough surf and rip tides that makes the beach a bit dangerous.
Written September 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alshamv
Zurich, Switzerland69 contributions
Jul 2019
Beautiful beach located close to Barra da Tijuca Beach, walking distance, very good service on the beach, quiet not crowded, great to relax far a way from city Center.
Written September 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A-Monty65
Ventura, CA37 contributions
Jul 2019
Nice beach in small bay/cove. But so photographic with the variety of very large boulders scattered around shoreline!! 2 eateries there also.
Written July 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luciana V G
Rio de Janeiro, RJ12 contributions
May 2019 • Family
For me it is the best beach in Rio. Small, far from the city, surrounded by mountains of green vegetation. You can get there only by car. It is worth a car rent. Visit it along Grumari beach.
Written June 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boa noite! Gostaria de saber por gentileza se já está liberado fazer Ensaio Fotográfico?
Written July 9, 2020
Não sei. É uma praia como as outras da cidade. Imagino que seja necessária uma autorização da Prefeitura se tiver fins de divulgação comercial.
Written July 10, 2020
Mario D
Niteroi, RJ
De Copacabana qual a melhor forma de ir até a praia de abricó sem ser de carro??
Written May 7, 2020
A melhor forma de ir até Grumari é de carro. Vi pessoas chegando apenas de carro ou apé.
Não sei se há algum ônibus que vá até lá.
Written May 7, 2020
Não. Você pode usar transporte público até o final do Recreio e, de lá, pegar um uber ou táxi. Pode também fazer uma caminhada, mas a estrada não é adequada para pedestres.
Written May 7, 2020
Olá pessoal, na Prainha há algum quiosque/barraca que alugue guarda-sol e cadeiras?
Written November 4, 2019
Sim, se for de carro, chegue cedo, pois o estacionamento enche muito rapido
Written November 5, 2019
Olá.
É necessário reservar mesa pro restaurante mirante da prainha?
É seguro.estar com.criancas, famĂlias...?
Written December 31, 2018
Acho que o mais difĂcil Ă© conseguir estacionar. Fui em janeiro, mas dia de semana...E haviam mesas sobrando. Mas fds deve ser mais cheio, daĂ provavelmente deve haver uma lista de espera. NĂŁo sei dizer se eles trabalham com reserva.
Written January 16, 2019
Boa tarde , na prainha pega telefone da Oi ??
Written November 15, 2018
Oi pega sim; sinal de chamadas e internet.
Written January 16, 2019
Como puedo llegar a Praihnia si estoy alojado en Copacaba o Ipanema. Conviene si o si alquilar auto o algo algun colectivo o algo publico???
Written November 6, 2018
Boa tarde o estacionamento na praianha Ă© pago, qual valor ?? Obrigada
Written August 22, 2018
NĂŁo Ă© exatamente um estacionamento e sim um local ao lado da via que tem como estacionar, geralmente fica um senhor que cuida dos carros, em alta temporada tem que chegar bem cedo para conseguir lugar.
Written January 2, 2019
Olá! gostaria de fazer umas fotos profissionais de casal na prainha.
Qual o melhor horário para fotografar? Em Agosto, tem por-do-sol na praia? ou nascer do sol?
Written July 27, 2018
Acho melhor chegar cedo para aproveitar o sol, pois no meio da tarde ele se esconde atrás das montanhas.
Written July 30, 2018
…
Showing results 1-10 of 41
Related Stories
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing