búzios is a mediterranean style town located on a small peninsula, which came to international fame after a visit by brigit bardot in the 1960s. the city offers fashionable bars and restaurants on its popular rua das pedras as well as magnificent beaches such as praias dos azeda, joão fernandinho and geriba, and each july it hosts a jazz and blues festival.

with numerous white sandy beaches and landmark dune fields, such as praia do forte and praia do pero, cabo frio is the region's industry and commercial centre. the city is a popular tourist destination and in particular attracts many weekend visitors, who enjoy its energetic nightlife and its expansive range of water sports. 

known for its historical past, some of the local colonial architecture can be viewed here, including images of the são mateus fort (1650).