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Areia Preta Beach

4.6
·2k reviews·, Brazil

A popular beach known for its unique dark, monazite-rich sand and surfable waves, close to cafes and bars.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Off-season weekdays

Quieter, ideal for relaxation

CrowdLow
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Orla bonita.

Areia Preta Beach

Best Time

Off-season weekdays

Quieter, ideal for relaxation

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A popular beach known for its unique dark, monazite-rich sand and surfable waves, close to cafes and bars.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"The dark sand, rich in monazite, is a unique feature, with some believing it aids rheumatism."

Vertical photo
TIP

🏖️ Sand Awareness

The dark sand is rich in monazite. While some find it beneficial for rheumatism, be mindful of its natural radioactivity.

🏄‍♀️ Surf's Up!

Areia Preta is known for its surfable waves, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced surfers.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Monazite Sand

Monazite Sand

Entire beach

Experience the unique dark sand, known for its natural monazite content and potential therapeutic properties.

Surfable Waves

Surfable Waves

Main surf spots

Catch some waves at this popular beach, known for its consistent and enjoyable surf conditions.

Coastal Promenade

Coastal Promenade

Beachfront

Stroll along the lively waterfront, with easy access to nearby cafes and bars for refreshments.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the Sand's Unique Properties

Areia Preta Beach is famous for its dark sand, rich in monazite. While some believe it has therapeutic benefits for rheumatism, be aware of its natural radioactivity. Research suggests levels can be elevated, so consider this for extended stays.

Embrace the Local Vibe

This beach is a hub for locals, especially during off-season when it's quieter. It's a great spot to experience authentic coastal life, with cafes and bars nearby. The surfable waves also attract a lively crowd.

Best Times

When
Off-season weekdays
Why
Quieter, ideal for relaxation
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for surfing and sun
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#guarapari #espiritosanto #praia #verão
@arthurmiraaandas
44.3K likes • 452.5K views

🏖️ Sand Awareness

The dark sand is rich in monazite. While some find it beneficial for rheumatism, be mindful of its natural radioactivity. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Surf's Up!

Areia Preta is known for its surfable waves, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. Reddit

Já viu praia com areia preta? Em Guarapari tem! #espiritosanto #viagembrasil #guaraparibeach
@arrumaessamala
20.7K likes • 576.7K views
E o pôr do sol deste sabadão no Mauka Ocean Club Restaurant & Beach Bar, na Praia da Areia Preta em Iriri, Anchieta-ES 🇧🇷, foi de tirar o fôlego! Confira 📲 📍Iriri Anchieta-ES Brasil 🇧🇷 🔄 Siga @euamoiriri #️⃣ Use #euamoiriri
euamoiriri
663 likes • 29.5K views

☕️ Cafe Hopping

Enjoy the proximity to local cafes and bars for a refreshing drink or a bite to eat after your beach time. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

Access the beach via ramps, making it convenient to reach the sand from the promenade. Reddit

Top beach club localizado na praia da areia preta em Iriri! Beleza,conforto , bons drinks e finalizando o dia com um por do sol deslumbrante!🤩🌅🏖 #maukaoceanclub #iriri
hmadrones
86 likes • 4.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🏖️ Sand Awareness

The dark sand is rich in monazite. While some find it beneficial for rheumatism, be mindful of its natural radioactivity. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Surf's Up!

Areia Preta is known for its surfable waves, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. Reddit

☕️ Cafe Hopping

Enjoy the proximity to local cafes and bars for a refreshing drink or a bite to eat after your beach time. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

Access the beach via ramps, making it convenient to reach the sand from the promenade. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Areia Preta Beach is celebrated for its unique dark sand, believed by some to have therapeutic properties, and its enjoyable surfable waves. Visitors appreciate the proximity to cafes and the clear, green waters. However, awareness of the sand's natural radioactivity is a recurring point of consideration for some.

"!!! The Sand from the beach its high radioaktiv... 40 - 55µSv/h !!!
This is no joke, it is very bad for your health

In the Sand from the beach its much Natural thorium"

Markus Brunn.

"Lovely beach"

Dean Clarkson

"Another hot beach to bathe and enjoy the calm waters of the capixaba coast! Out of season, Areia Preta Beach is very popular with the elderly, precisely because it is quiet and also because the dark sand, with concentration of monazite, helps those who have rheumatism pains, proven by researchers.

Areia Preta is also in the central region, to the right of Castanheira Beach and right next to Guarapari waterfront. Access is by ramps until you reach the sand."

Fernando Otávio Campos da Silva

What People Like

Unique dark sand
Surfable waves
Clear green waters

What People Dislike

Natural radioactivity concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Areia Preta Beach is located in the central region, adjacent to Guarapari's waterfront. Access is straightforward, with ramps leading directly to the sand from the promenade. Reddit

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, the beach is part of the Guarapari waterfront, suggesting that public parking options are likely available in the vicinity. It's advisable to look for designated parking areas along the promenade. Reddit

As it's a popular beach on the Guarapari waterfront, it's likely accessible by local bus routes. Checking local transport schedules upon arrival would be the best approach. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Areia Preta Beach is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access the sand and enjoy the waters. Reddit

Public beaches are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official opening or closing times for Areia Preta Beach itself. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The sand at Areia Preta Beach is unique due to its high concentration of monazite, a mineral that gives it a dark color. Some believe this sand has therapeutic properties for rheumatism. Reddit

Yes, Areia Preta Beach is known for its surfable waves, making it a popular spot for surfers of all levels. Reddit

During the off-season, Areia Preta Beach is quite quiet and popular with the elderly. It can become more crowded during peak seasons or on weekends, especially when the waves are good for surfing. Reddit

Information on specific facilities like restrooms or showers is not widely detailed, but as it's a popular beach on the Guarapari waterfront, some amenities might be available nearby. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Areia Preta Beach is close to cafes and bars along the waterfront, offering convenient options for dining and refreshments. Reddit

You can expect typical beachside fare from the nearby cafes and bars, likely including snacks, light meals, and drinks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the striking contrast of the dark monazite sand against the clear green waters. The surf action and the lively promenade with its cafes also offer great photographic moments. Reddit

It is generally safe to take photos on Areia Preta Beach. However, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially during busier times. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Areia Preta Beach offers a unique experience with its dark sand, which can be a point of fascination for children. The clear, green waters are generally calm, making them suitable for younger swimmers, though always supervise children closely. The beach's accessibility via ramps is also a plus for families managing strollers or little ones. Nearby cafes provide convenient spots for snacks and breaks. Reddit

While the sand's unique properties are interesting, parents might want to limit prolonged direct contact or consider bringing beach towels to sit on, given the natural radioactivity discussions. The surfable waves are more suited for older children or adults, but the calmer areas of the water are perfect for family fun. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Health & Wellness Seekers

For those interested in natural remedies, Areia Preta Beach's monazite-rich sand is a significant draw. It's believed by some to have therapeutic effects on rheumatism and joint pain, a belief supported by local traditions and some research. Visitors seeking these benefits often spend time bathing in the sea and relaxing on the dark sand. Reddit

It's important to approach this with informed awareness. While the sand is a natural wonder, understanding the reported levels of natural radioactivity is recommended. Many visitors find the experience both relaxing and potentially beneficial, enjoying the beach's serene atmosphere, especially during the quieter off-season periods. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Monazite Sand

Areia Preta Beach is renowned for its distinctive dark sand, a result of its high concentration of monazite. This mineral is naturally occurring and gives the beach its name, which translates to 'Black Sand'. While visually striking, the monazite content has also led to discussions about its natural radioactivity. Some local beliefs and research suggest that the sand may offer therapeutic benefits, particularly for individuals suffering from rheumatism. This unique characteristic makes Areia Preta Beach a point of interest beyond its typical beach appeal. Reddit

It's important for visitors to be informed about the sand's properties. While many enjoy the beach without issue, understanding the natural radioactivity levels, which have been reported to be between 40-55 µSv/h, is advisable for those planning extended stays or who have specific health concerns. The beach's proximity to Guarapari, a city known for its mineral-rich sands, further highlights this geological feature. Reddit

Surfing and Coastal Activities

Beyond its unique sand, Areia Preta Beach is a popular destination for surfing. The beach is known for its consistent and surfable waves, attracting both local surfers and visitors looking to catch a ride. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner eager to try, the conditions here are often favorable. Reddit

The beach also offers a vibrant coastal experience with its proximity to cafes and bars. The waterfront promenade provides a pleasant area for a stroll, offering scenic views and easy access to refreshments. This combination of active water sports and relaxed social spots makes Areia Preta Beach a well-rounded destination for a day out by the sea. Reddit