set in the center of the neighborhood by the same name, praia da urca (urca's beach) is one of the quieter and least visited shores in rio's zona sul. a promenade rich of almond trees, fine white sand, calm waters, and a beautiful view of botafogo, flamengo, and of the christ statue on corcovado, make of this beach an hidden gem.

only 100 meters long, this beach is also home to the landmark white building once home to the casino da urca, and now part of the instituto europeu de design. the water is normally extremely calm, and for this reason praia da urca does not have lifeguards on duty. there are a few restaurants, bars, and food market along the promenade, but no public restrooms.