Abricó Beach
Rio's wild naturist shore where golden sand meets open blue
About
Praia de Abricó sits on Rio de Janeiro's Atlantic coast, a stretch of golden sand backed by dense vegetation and lapped by deep blue ocean. It's one of the few officially designated naturist beaches in Brazil, drawing visitors who value seclusion over convenience. The vibe is genuinely wild — no manicured promenades, no beach vendors every ten metres. Waves roll in with moderate force, and the air carries that particular mix of salt and forest that only remote Atlantic beaches manage. It's tagged as an APA (Environmental Protection Area), so the surrounding nature is part of the deal.
How to get there
From Rio de Janeiro, you can reach Abricó by car, taxi, or rideshare — the beach sits within the city's municipality, roughly 37.7 km from Rio Galeão–Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG). The nearest public transport stop is at Macumbas Beach, from which you'll need to continue on foot or by another mode. Limited informal parking is available near the beach entrances, but it fills quickly on weekends — free street parking exists too, so arrive early if you're driving. There is no entry fee documented.
Who it's for
For couples
The wild, unhurried atmosphere and trail access to multiple viewpoints make Abricó a genuinely off-grid escape for couples who'd rather hike to a panorama than share a sunlounger with a hundred strangers.
For families
The strong waves and remote trail access make Abricó a challenging choice for families with young children — the moderate swimming conditions and lack of on-beach facilities mean it suits older kids and adults comfortable with a wilder, less supervised environment.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Praia de Abricó is not a beach you stumble onto — you choose it deliberately, and that self-selection is exactly what keeps it feeling remote. The golden sand and blue Atlantic are the draw, but the strong waves mean you should treat the water with respect, not as a swimming pool. Safety first: wade carefully, watch the sets, and keep children close to shore. Beyond the water, the APA trail network and three nearby viewpoints give the visit real substance. It's a naturist beach by designation, so know that before you arrive. If you want Rio without the noise, this is a legitimate answer — just pack everything you need, because the beach won't provide it.
What to do
The Mirante Boa Vista, just 0.6 km away, rewards the short walk with sweeping views over the coastline — go at golden hour if you can. Mirante do Roncador at 1.8 km and Mirante de Piabas at 2.1 km extend the hiking circuit further, each offering a different angle on the Atlantic. Between the three viewpoints you get a solid half-day of trail exploration without needing to leave the immediate area.
Mirante Boa Vista at 0.6 km delivers elevated shots of the golden sand curving against the deep blue Atlantic — arrive before 9 am for soft light and no haze.
The tree-line where the APA vegetation meets the open beach creates a natural frame that works well at both sunrise and late afternoon.
Where to eat
Bar e Restaurante Cabana da Praia is the closest option at just 0.2 km — a convenient stop before or after the beach. Further afield, Camarão e Cia. covers seafood cravings at 3.8 km, and Becco Pontal is a solid fallback at 3.5 km if you want something more varied. Bring snacks and water for the beach itself — don't count on on-site service.
Where to stay
Mikonos Hotel Residência is the nearest base at 4.6 km, a practical choice if you want to be close without committing to central Rio. Pousada Mansão Riocentro and Serra e Mar Riocentro both sit around 12.4 km out, offering more options in the Riocentro corridor. Hotel Riocentro and Rio Stay Barra Hotel round out the area at roughly 12.7–12.9 km.
Photography
Shoot from the Mirante Boa Vista at 0.6 km for elevated framing of the golden sand against the blue Atlantic — early morning light is cleanest before haze builds. Down on the beach, the contrast between the dense green APA vegetation and the open shoreline makes for strong wide-angle compositions at either end of the day.
Good to know
Abricó is an officially naturist beach — clothing-optional norms are observed here, so come prepared and respectful of that culture. Strong waves are a documented hazard: swim with real caution, stay aware of wave sets, and never turn your back on the water. The beach sits inside an APA environmental protection zone, so leave no trace — pack out everything you bring in. Trail access is part of the approach, so wear appropriate footwear and don't underestimate the path.
Map
Nearby places
Bar e Restaurante Cabana da Praia
Becco Pontal
Camarão e Cia.
Benkei
La Mole
Mikonos Hotel Residência
Pousada Mansão Riocentro
Serra e Mar Riocentro
Hotel Riocentro
Rio Stay Barra Hotel
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other wild beaches in Brazil
More beaches in Brazilian Atlantic
Reviews of this beach
- No reviews yet, what a shame — leave yours and share your experience.
Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Filipo Tardim · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 2 — Edmir Silvestre from Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brasil · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 3 — André Sampaio · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 4 — Wikimedia contributor · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 5 — Rodrigo Fernandes Brum · source · CC BY-SA 3.0