it would be near impossible not to mention soccer when discussing beach sports in rio de janeiro, as it is famously the most popular game in the country. with games being played on every available space in the city, visitors can see the sport being played on fields, parkings lots and of course, the sandy shores.

beach soccer, also known as sand soccer (futebol de areia), has become a sport seperate from field soccer and includes independant federations and leagues. it is an extremely complex activity that involves a high level of fitness since training in the sand requires a large amount of expendable energy - this sport is a popular activy on the sands of rio's beaches, especially at night and during week-ends.

beach tennis is another avid carioca beach activity - with specially designed nets, lines and equipement, the activity has a large community that meets weekly to practice their favorite sandy sport - Copacabana and ipanema are the most popular inner city destinations to play this version of the global favourite.