at a glance

the stretch of sand close to the pier, on the left side of pepê's beach, is the area favorited by families with children - this section of the beach can get very crowded on week-ends, as it is also visited by many cariocas who do not live in barra da tijuca, and by many recreational fishermen. 

posto 4, the middle section of barra beach, across and around the beachfront sheraton barra hotel and apartments, is the area most frequented by surfers, as the waves are strong and there are not many non-surfers crowding the waters.

the part of barra beach near the alvorada bus terminal, one of the main bus terminals in the west zone of rio, is the fastest to reach by bus, despite the walk necessary from he bus station to the beach, and it is also the most crowded and most popular with international visitors.