Buzios

Buzios, Brazil, is a particularly scenic peninsula resort town located within the state of Rio de Janeiro, about 2 hours away from Rio by bus. With a current population of approximately 25,000 and a cozy land area of 69 kilometers squared, Buzios is renowned even among Brazilians for its many spectacular beaches and its vibrant nightlife. This small slice of paradise was discovered by the world when Brigitte Bardot had her summer retreat here in the 1960s, and today, a bronze statue of the screen legend sits on Bardot Beach.  To a lesser-known extent, Buzios also boasts a beautiful golf club and resort that has been ranked one of the best in South America.

Buzios began as a fishing village, and till today, maintains many of its quaint traditions in terms of occupation and especially of daily fare. Local catches are the word of the day at restaurants, bars, cafes and shops that can be found thronging the city square; some eateries are even located right opposite the fish market! There is no lack of tantalizing fresh fish, shrimps, squid and lobster here, and all are obtainable at reasonable prices. Indeed, it is common to bar- or restaurant-hop throughout the evening, where one can eventually then choose to either party the night away or to settle at a quieter spot for drinks and to relax.

For the daytime, there are more than 20 strips of beach on Buzios, ranging from the tranquil, crystal-clear Azeda Beach that you have to walk a foot trail or ride an inexpensive river taxi to get to, to the raucous Geriba Beach from which gorgeous, rose-red sunsets can be viewed and where surfing, partying and music never seems to cease. Half an hour away from Buzios is also the Arraial do Cabo, which has been declared “the capital city of scuba diving”; well-known dive tours are available here.