the 82 continental beaches in paraty are generally divided in five groups, based on their location and accessibility - this does not include the small beaches that dot the 65 islands in the bay, bringing the total to nearly 300 truly gorgeous beaches - ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

among the most important beaches, praia da conceição is one of the most beautiful corners of the area. this was originally an indigenous trail linking the paraty area to the valley on the other side of the mountains.

with colonization and the initiation of the gold rush in brazil, the trail was paved or rather, cobblestoned, with rocks taken from rivers nearby and used to transport riches from the interior into paraty.