It is a walkable city on a human scale—a former fishing village that has grown into a legendary seaside resort.
After the warm rains of Salvador, Búzios was a breath of fresh, blue air.
In Búzios, we found what we love most about traveling: simple beauty, a slower pace, and the warmth of the locals.
From the moment we arrived, the contrast was striking: the sky was a brilliant blue, the streets were clean and lined with bougainvillea, and the sea sparkled at every turn.
Búzios is a peninsula covered in lush forests, boasting around thirty beaches, each with its own unique vibe.
We instantly felt at ease, free, and safe.
We walked, got lost in the cobblestone streets, and took it all in. Here, you can really slow down and just breathe.
Brasilia
Buzios
Our stroll begins at the harbor. We follow the coast on foot, wandering along the small paths that lead all the way to Praia João Fernandes, in the northeast of the peninsula.
It is a bit of a trek, but every bend in the path reveals a new view: a turquoise cove, an anchored sailboat, palms swaying in the breeze.
The water is crystal clear, the rocks are golden, and even in the heat of the sun, you can always find a cool patch of shade under a tree.
Brigitte Bardot Avenue
On your way back from the waterfront, you will walk along the Orla Bardot, a seaside promenade lined with cafés, galleries, and statues paying tribute to Brigitte Bardot.
It was she who, back in the 1960s, put Búzios on the map.
Her bronze statue still gazes out over the bay, the eternal muse of the town.
The walk is lovely, dotted with small benches and steps leading down to the water.
The vibe is both chic and laid-back — you will cross paths with families, musicians, and couples out for a stroll.
This is Búzios at its bright, peaceful, and effortless best.
A delicious pit stop in the heart of the city
After that long walk, we stopped for lunch at a great little spot right opposite Praça Santos Dumont: Outros 500 Bar & Restaurante Búzios.
An open terrace, gentle music playing in the background, and a generous plate of grilled meat.
The dishes are simple, delicious, and the vibe is completely unpretentious.
Prices are a bit higher here than in the rest of the country, but at 15 € per person, it’s worth every penny.
Right next door, there’s a small lake where you can sometimes spot capybaras—those funny giant rodents that are so iconic to Brazil.
We didn’t get lucky this time, but just the thought of bumping into one brought a smile to our faces.
In Search of the Turtles
In the afternoon, we headed along the coast towards Praia das Tartarugas, the turtle beach.
The name sounds dreamy, but the turtles themselves were playing hard to get.
We didn’t spot any that day, but we found a cozy spot just before it, in a quieter little cove: Praia do Canto.
The water there is crystal clear, the beach is almost empty, and a small shack serves fresh juices and Brazilian tunes.
That’s where we spent the afternoon, doing absolutely nothing but watching the waves.
At the end of the day, we head over to Rua das Pedras, the most famous street in town.
Paved stone by stone by former slaves, it winds past colorful storefronts, craft shops, and restaurants.
In the evening, the street lights up and fills with a warm, gentle energy: street musicians, the aroma of grilled fish, and travelers taking a slow stroll.
It is the beating heart of Búzios, where everyone eventually runs into each other.
We wander along slowly, hand in hand, before heading back to the harbor for sunset.
The sailboats line up, the hills fade into shadow, and the golden light settling on the water is just magical.
That evening, we thought that if there was ever a place that truly defines “picture-perfect”, this is definitely it.
Summaries
