I had no idea what to expect when I travelled to Cabo Frio for the first time a few years ago. This is still Rio de Janeiro State and the city was suspiciously close to cidade (not always) maravilhosa, a mere two-hour bus ride away. And as usual, as your average non-Brazilian, I had never heard of Cabo Frio. Would it be dirty and sketchy? Basically, with all the downsides of Rio de Janeiro without the stunning landscape and landmarks?
I spent a few days worrying about my decision but took a chance. I should just have saved myself time and asked any Brazilian for advice—everybody knows Cabo Frio is great and that all the not-so-loveable sides of Rio are a distant memory once on the other side of the Puente Río-Niterói. Mind you, it does take the second-longest bridge in Latin America to leave the grittier sides of Rio behind…
Cabo Frio isn’t as famous, glamorous or exciting as Rio de Janeiro. But it’s much smaller, liveable and relaxing, and this is what we needed after seven days of Carnival madness.
Terminal Rodoviário Novo Rio – Rodoviária do Rio, Av. Francisco Bicalho, 01 – Santo Cristo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20220-310Terminal Rodoviário Novo Rio – Rodoviária do Rio, Av. Francisco Bicalho, 01 – Santo Cristo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20220-310Rio de Janeiro to Cabo Frio
Rio’s bus terminal was packed and the bus was very late. When I opened my eyes three hours later, we were close to Cabo Frio and I couldn’t stop smiling. Everything was great–the weather, the apartment, being here again. And no, there’s no plot twist, it was just great, period.
In fact, it was so great that the three of us hurried to Praia do Forte, Cabo Frio’s endless beach, and I dived head first under the first of the many big waves.
“I don’t want to freak you out, Mark, but there as jellyfish. BUT ISN’T IT THE BEST BEACH??”
Much to my suprise, Cabo Frio was packed even though Carnival was definitely over. It was also hotter than I remembered, without any wind.
We spent the last five days between various amazing beaches in Cabo Frio and the nearby town of Arraial do Cabo. I really, really didn’t want to leave…
This is Cabo Frio’s unmissable jewel and main beach—endless white sand, dunes, and turquoise water. It’s not even hard to find, it’s right there, in front of you.
Praia do Forte is always the perfect place for people-watching, it’s busy from morning to sunset.
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Praia do Forno, Arraial do Cabo
The uphill-downhill hike is brutal, especially under the sun and with Havaianas, but it’s worth it. Praia do Forno is secluded with clear, calm water.
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Praia Grande – Arraial do Cabo
The sand was burning hot and all the beach chair rental guys were unusually pushy. We understand why when we tested the water—it was freezing cold! Or rather, as Mark put it, “kind of like in France.”
It must have been an odd cold current because I did swim at Praia Grande and it was never that cold. Brazilians do not like cold water. Nobody was swimming and nobody was renting beach chairs either, hence the pushy rental guys!
However, the beach was stunning, especially with so few people.
But no, I didn’t swim.
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Praia dos Anjos – Arraial do Cabo
Praia dos Anjos isn’t the cleanest or most amazing beach but it’s fun. Jumping from a random boat optional, people-watching mandatory. And yes, the water is still clear, even though it’s right by the marina!
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Those beaches are great!