Forno BeachBrazil Beach Guide
White sand cove reachable only by boat or trail
About
Praia de Forno is a small, wild cove tucked along the Ponta da Lagoinha peninsula in Armação dos Búzios, Rio de Janeiro. At roughly 115 metres long, it punches well above its size: white sand meets crystal-clear water, and dark granite walls rise on either side to frame the scene with raw, geological drama. There are no permanent structures here — no kiosks, no sun-lounger rentals, no lifeguard tower — just the beach in its unaltered state. That absence of infrastructure is precisely the point. The water is calm and safe for swimming, and the clarity makes it one of the better snorkelling spots on this stretch of coast.
How to get there
Praia de Forno has no road access whatsoever — you reach it by boat or on foot, both departing from Praia de João Fernandes, about 0.8 km away. The boat option takes roughly 10 minutes and runs on demand; the trail takes around 20 minutes and is hikeable daily. There is no parking at Forno itself — leave your vehicle at João Fernandes and choose your route from there.
Who it's for
For couples
The combination of natural isolation, white sand, and no permanent structures makes Forno one of the few places in Búzios where you can genuinely have a beach to yourselves — arrive by boat and you may not see another soul for hours.
For families
Safe swimming water and a calm cove make it manageable for families with older children, but the boat-only or steep trail access means it's not practical for very young kids or anyone with limited mobility — factor that in before you commit to the trip.
Our take
Praia de Forno is one of those beaches that earns its reputation through inconvenience. No road, no facilities, no lifeguard — and that's exactly why it stays empty while the rest of Búzios fills up. Swimming is safe and the water clarity is real, not marketing copy. Avoid June through August when winter swells complicate the boat landing and the trail gets slick. Come in the dry season, take the boat from João Fernandes, and bring everything you need for the day. Worth every step of the effort.
What to do
The obvious draw is the water itself: crystal-clear conditions make snorkelling along the granite walls genuinely rewarding. Before or after your visit, the viewpoint at Mirante de João Fernandes (about 2.1 km away) gives you a sweeping perspective of the coastline you've just explored. If you're up for more boulder-hopping, Praia de Olho de Boi — Búzios's only naturist beach, accessible by boulder scramble — is roughly 2 km away and makes a natural second stop for the adventurous.
The shot everyone comes for is from the water's edge looking back at the dark granite walls with white sand in the foreground — go early for clean light and an empty frame.
Where to eat
There's nothing to eat at Forno itself, so plan ahead. Back in Búzios, Rocka (0.8 km from the beach) is the closest option, while Buda Bar and La Bardot are both around 1.3 km away and offer a change of pace after a day in the wild. Pack a proper picnic — you'll want to linger.
Where to stay
Le Village sits just 0.1 km from the beach access point at João Fernandes, making it the most convenient base for an early start. If you prefer something with more of a backpacker feel, Bella Vista Paradiso Hostel is 0.8 km away, while Pousada ao Por do Sol and Azeda Boutique Hotel offer further options within 1.7 km.
Photography
The dark granite walls reflecting off crystal-clear water make the widest angle you can manage the right choice — shoot from the waterline looking back toward the cliffs for a dramatic composition.
Good to know
The trail is slippery after rain, so if the sky has been busy, take the boat from João Fernandes — it's the safer option. There is no lifeguard service at Forno, so swim within your limits and keep an eye on children near the water. Avoid visiting in June, July, or August: winter swells can make boat landings difficult and trail conditions wetter. Bring everything you need — food, water, sun protection — because there is absolutely nothing to buy on the beach.
Map
Nearby places
Le Village
Bella Vista Paradiso Hostel
Pousada ao Por do Sol
Hotel Liberdade
Azeda Boutique Hotel
Things to see around Armação dos Búzios
Praia de João Fernandes
Iconic horseshoe cove serving as the departure point for boat access to Forno.
Praia de Olho de Boi
Búzios's only naturist beach, accessible by boulder scramble.
Cabo Frio
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.
Other beaches in the region
Other wild beaches in Brazil
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Rodrigo_Soldon · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 2 — Rodrigo_Soldon · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 3 — Rodrigo_Soldon · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 4 — Rodrigo_Soldon · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 5 — CristinaPessini from Brasil · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 6 — Lorrainerdg · source · CC BY-SA 3.0