Prainha and Grumari

Past Barra and Recreio, Rio’s seafront changes character. Prainha and Grumari are beaches surrounded by hills covered in Atlantic Forest, with no buildings along the sand. Grumari is a West Zone neighborhood that is also a municipal park and the only neighborhood in the city with no residents, according to the English Wikipedia; restinga (coastal scrub) grows beside the beach and forest covers the hills.

Prainha

A small cove of pale sand, very popular with surfers. On sunny weekends it fills up early.

Grumari

A longer beach of coarse, orange-tinted sand, facing the open sea. The road past it continues to Barra de Guaratiba, with viewpoints along the way.

Getting there

Public transport is limited. The most practical way is by car, taxi or ride-hailing app, arranging your return in advance, because phone signal can fail. At weekends, arrive early: parking space is limited.

What to bring

• Water, snacks and sunscreen: the shops and stalls are basic.
• Cash and a card.
• A bag to carry your trash back.

Combine it with Pedra da Gávea or Barra da Tijuca in the 6-day itinerary.