because of the particular architecture of the homes in this area, with white walls and red rooftops, and their distribution on the hills surrounding the beach, many have compared this area to a mediterranean town.

the name guaratiba, name derived from the name given to this area by the tupi, the indigenous inhabitants of the region, means 'place of many herons.'    

herons are white, long-legged, freshwater and coastal birds in the ardeidae family, commonly known in rio as garças.