leaving the city and niterói behind, rio de janeiro state is rich of gorgeous beaches along its coast. heading south along the costa verde region, idyllic spots such as ilha grandeand paratyare home to some of the most gorgeous beaches of brazil - typically with lush tropical vegetation surrounding nearly untouched stretches of white sand.

heading in the opposite direction, along the região dos lagos (lake region), towns like búzios, cabo frio and rio das ostrasoffer more urbanized beaches that combine beautiful nature and convenience.