The littoral of Brazil has stretches of glorious white and ochre palm-flecked sands all the way from Maranhão in the far north east down to Rio Grande do Sul on the border with Uruguay and Argentina.
Some of this shoreline is uninhabited coastal wilderness, some harbours undeveloped paradise destinations for barefoot travellers, some is peppered with exclusive spas resorts and some has been heavily commercialised for the mass market. So you really can say there is a corner of beach for everyone: individuals, couples, friends, families, sports enthusiasts, party people and sun-worshippers.
The north and northeast enjoy sunny weather which allows beach visits all year round, although some months are rainier than others, depending on location. In the far south you are most likely to stay on the beach in the Brazilian summer, from November to May, as it can be uncomfortably cool at other times.
The cities of the north east, Salvador, Recife, Natal and Fortaleza, all have their own urban beaches which anywhere else would be regarded as spectacular. But in Brazil you need to travel further afield to find the best most exquisite sweeps of pristine sands and sheltered bays and coves.
The vast north-eastern state of Bahia, the country’s most African-influenced state, hosts perhaps the most beautiful beaches. South of Salvador, backed by cacao plantations and punctuated with colonlal style towns and fishing villages are a string of former back-packer style resorts which are now popular among Brazilians and foreign visitors alike.
Porto Seguro is now a well developed hotel beach resort while Arraial d’Ajuda retains a young, trendier beach scene with charming pousadas. On the island of Tinharé is the likeable village of Morro de São Paulo, accessible by boat or light aircraft, which is traffic-free and has a string of pousada-dotted beaches accommodating at one end tranquillity seekers and the other beach party fanatics.
Further north the coast is wilder and more rugged, with drought afflicted hinterland and seas of rippling dunes. Here on the best pure white beaches you can find some of the most exclusive hotels, as well as some appealing funky little places, one of our favourites is the lively Pipa.
Bahía: Tivoli Eco-Resort Praia do Forte
Bahia: Porto da Lua
Bahía: Kiaroa
Trancoso: Arraial de’Ajuda Resort
Morro de Sao Paulo: Villa dos Corais
Morro de São Paulo: Anima
Pernambuco: Nannai
Natal, Pipa: Toca da Coruja
In the far south, heavily influenced by European culture, tourism centres on the island Ilha de Santa Catarina(whose gateway is Florianopolis) beloved of Argentinean holiday makers and a popular destination for families and surfers. In Santa Catarina proper however the coast is fringed by attractive green hills covered with monkey puzzle trees and with good walking trails. The coast shelters a few top end beach properties and attracts whale watchers.
Florianopolis: Ponta dos Ganchos
Florianopolis: Ilha do Papagaio
| |  Arraial de Ajuda
 Kiaroa Resort
 Praia do Forte Eco-resort
View more images |