Praia Vermelha Rio de Janeiro
A serene Rio beach with unique red sand, calm waters, and a stunning Sugarloaf Mountain backdrop. A peaceful escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunrise magic & fewer crowds
Praia Vermelha Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Sunrise magic & fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Rio beach with unique red sand, calm waters, and a stunning Sugarloaf Mountain backdrop. A peaceful escape.
"Compared to other beaches this is a hidden gem! Especially at sun rise!"
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catch the sunrise for a magical, crowd-free experience and vibrant red hues.
🚶♀️ Hike for Free Views
Hike the Claudio Coutinho trail to Morro da Urca for free Sugarloaf access & views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Red Sand Serenity
Praia Vermelha
Coarse, reddish sand meets calm, clear waters, offering a unique and peaceful beach experience.

Sugarloaf Mountain Backdrop
Praia Vermelha
Enjoy stunning views of the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain from this picturesque beach setting.

Claudio Coutinho Trail
Adjacent to Praia Vermelha
A scenic coastal trail offering beautiful ocean views and a chance to spot local wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Calm: Your Praia Vermelha Escape
Beyond the Beach: Sugarloaf Views & Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catch the sunrise for a magical, crowd-free experience and vibrant red hues.
🚶♀️ Hike for Free Views
Hike the Claudio Coutinho trail to Morro da Urca for free Sugarloaf access & views.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Enjoy lunch at Terra Brasilis restaurant for tasty food and stunning beach vistas. Book ahead!
🛡️ Safe & Serene
Located in a military zone, it's known for being safer and less commercialized.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catch the sunrise for a magical, crowd-free experience and vibrant red hues.
🚶♀️ Hike for Free Views
Hike the Claudio Coutinho trail to Morro da Urca for free Sugarloaf access & views.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Enjoy lunch at Terra Brasilis restaurant for tasty food and stunning beach vistas. Book ahead!
🛡️ Safe & Serene
Located in a military zone, it's known for being safer and less commercialized.
👟 Trail Difficulty
The trail to Morro da Urca isn't 'nutella' (easy); expect a steady climb for about an hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Praia Vermelha is cherished as a beautiful, tranquil beach with unique red sand and a stunning Sugarloaf Mountain backdrop. Visitors appreciate its calmer atmosphere due to its location in a military zone, making it a peaceful escape. While it can get crowded, its natural beauty and proximity to hiking trails and the cable car make it a highly recommended spot.
"One of my favorite beaches in Rio.
Very small but it’s beautiful.
If you can try to come for sunrise."
Eli Kope
"I still think compared to other beaches this is a hidden gem! Especially at sun rise!
No one is there at 0500, the sunrise is the best in rio! And you can see why they call it red Beach!
Later in the day it gets packed but it is still fun! Tuns of booths selling food and drinks!"
Brian “CoFii” Adams
"A beautiful beach, with a nice walk along the mountain under Sugarloaf mountain, and an excellent restaurant at the other end of the beach."
David Geraghty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Praia Vermelha by bus, with routes available to the Urca neighborhood. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the beach. Some visitors also opt for ride-sharing services.
Parking can be challenging due to its popularity and location. If you have a car, consider arriving early or exploring options in the surrounding Urca neighborhood.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Rio and can drop you off near Praia Vermelha. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to navigate public transport.
The lower station of the Sugarloaf cable car is located very close to Praia Vermelha, making it convenient to combine a beach visit with a trip up the mountain.
While buses go to the Urca area, you might need to walk a short distance from the bus stop to Praia Vermelha itself. Check local bus routes for the most direct access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Praia Vermelha is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access the sand and water.
As a public beach, Praia Vermelha is generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening. However, the nearby Claudio Coutinho trail has operating hours from 8 AM to 6 PM.
It's highly recommended to purchase Sugarloaf cable car tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues. You can buy them online or at the ticket office.
Being located within a military zone, there might be some general security checks. However, for beachgoers, the main consideration is respecting the natural environment and any posted regulations.
While the beach itself is generally accessible, it's advisable to leave before dark, especially if you're not familiar with the area. The Claudio Coutinho trail specifically closes at 6 PM.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the unique red sand, swim in the calm waters, hike the Claudio Coutinho trail, or take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for incredible views.
Yes, Praia Vermelha is known for its usually calm waters, making it a good spot for swimming, especially compared to some of Rio's more exposed beaches.
Compared to other Rio beaches, Praia Vermelha has significantly fewer roving vendors and street commerce due to its location in a military zone, offering a more peaceful experience.
The Claudio Coutinho trail is a scenic, relatively easy coastal path that leads towards the Sugarloaf cable car station. It offers beautiful ocean views and is about an hour long.
It can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early in the morning or visiting on a weekday can provide a more tranquil experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Terra Brasilis restaurant is located just above the beach and offers delicious food with a fantastic view. Booking a table in advance is recommended for the best spots.
While there are fewer vendors than on other Rio beaches, you can still find some booths selling food and drinks, especially later in the day.
Terra Brasilis offers a variety of tasty dishes, and it's a popular spot for lunch with a view. The exact menu can vary, but it's known for good quality food.
The Terra Brasilis restaurant is noted for having good prices for its quality and location. Exploring the Urca neighborhood might reveal other local eateries.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the beach. Remember to dispose of your trash responsibly to keep the beach clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique red sand, the dramatic backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, and the scenic views from the Claudio Coutinho trail. Sunrise offers particularly stunning light.
Absolutely! Many visitors rave about the sunrise at Praia Vermelha, noting the beautiful colors and the peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
Early morning for sunrise and golden hour light is ideal. Late afternoon also offers beautiful light, especially with Sugarloaf Mountain in the background.
Yes, Praia Vermelha provides a fantastic vantage point for photographing Sugarloaf Mountain, especially when framed by the beach and its unique sand.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other beachgoers' privacy. If you plan professional shoots, check local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting early in the morning to secure a good spot and enjoy the beach before it gets busier. The nearby Claudio Coutinho trail is also a pleasant, relatively easy walk that families can enjoy together, offering beautiful views without being too strenuous. Pack plenty of sunscreen and snacks, and enjoy a more relaxed beach day.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Beyond the trail, the beach itself offers a unique natural setting with its reddish sand and the imposing presence of Sugarloaf Mountain. It's a perfect spot to combine with a hike, offering a refreshing dip afterward. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, making it an enjoyable experience for anyone who appreciates the outdoors.
📸 Photographers
Beyond sunrise, the Claudio Coutinho trail provides numerous vantage points for capturing the coastline and the city. The late afternoon light also offers beautiful opportunities, with Sugarloaf Mountain bathed in golden hues. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and respect the natural environment while you shoot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Red Sand
Beyond its visual appeal, the sand contributes to the beach's overall atmosphere. While it might not be as fine as some other beaches, its coarseness adds to the natural, less manicured feel of Praia Vermelha. It's a great spot for those who appreciate natural beauty and unique geological formations. The reddish tones are particularly striking during sunrise and sunset, enhancing the photographic opportunities.
Tranquility in a Military Zone
This sense of security and tranquility makes Praia Vermelha a favored spot for locals seeking a quieter beach day. It's often recommended for families and individuals who prefer a less commercialized and more serene atmosphere. While it's still a beautiful beach, the reduced hustle and bustle allows visitors to truly unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Gateway to Sugarloaf Mountain Adventures
For the more adventurous, the Claudio Coutinho trail offers a fantastic hiking option that leads towards the Sugarloaf cable car. This scenic path winds along the coastline, providing stunning ocean vistas and a chance to experience the local flora and fauna. It's a popular choice for those who want to get some exercise and enjoy the natural beauty before or after their beach time. Some even hike up to Morro da Urca for free access to the first stage of the cable car.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit