Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach is Rio de Janeiro's most iconic stretch of coastline — a sweeping 4-kilometre crescent of golden sand backed by the mosaic-tile promenade and Art Deco hotels that have defined this legendary neighbourhood for nearly a century. The beach runs along Avenida Atlântica, one of the world's most celebrated seaside boulevards, where beach kiosks serve cold coconut water and caipirinhas from dawn to midnight.

The beach is divided into unofficial postos — numbered lifeguard posts that have evolved into social gathering points for different communities. Posto 6 near the Copacabana Palace Hotel draws the most glamorous crowd; near Posto 5 you'll find families and Brazilian holidaymakers in peak season. The beach consistently attracts several million people to its famous New Year's Eve celebrations, which rank among the world's largest parties.

Copacabana has consistent ocean waves from the South Atlantic, making it an interesting option for bodyboarders and beginner surfers. For experienced surfers, the nearby Arpoador headland offers better conditions. The promenade's famous black-and-white wave-patterned tiles were designed by Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and are now a UNESCO World Heritage listed landscape element.