A coastal town in Rio de Janeiro state known for its white sand beaches, salt production history, and clear blue waters. Popular for sailing and surfing at Praia do Forte.
Located 170 km east of Rio de Janeiro, Cabo Frio has white sand beaches where the sand stays cool even on sunny days. You can swim at the 7.5-kilometer Forte Beach, watch boats pass through Boulevard Canal while dining, or try kitesurfing at Dunas Beach where steady winds blow year-round. The city's Rua dos Biquínis has become the region's main swimwear shopping district.
Beaches and Swimming
Praia do Forte stretches for 7.5 kilometers along the city center. Its white sand stays cool even during summer days because it lacks mica minerals. Walk along the beach boardwalk to find more than 20 kiosks selling local snacks like fried fish and aioli shrimp, plus fresh coconut water and cold beer. At Praia das Conchas, which curves like a shell, you can swim and kayak in calm waters. Head to Dunas Beach for surfing and kitesurfing, where steady winds blow throughout the year.
Water Sports and Activities
The sea temperature stays between 15-22°C year-round. You can rent surfing and kitesurfing equipment at shops along Dunas Beach, where local instructors teach beginners. At Praia das Conchas, the calm waters make it ideal for learning to kayak or paddleboard - rental stands operate during daylight hours. Local diving centers run daily trips to Ilha Comprida and Ilha dos Papagaios, where you can see up to 15 meters underwater.
Evening Entertainment
Boulevard Canal runs for 2 kilometers along Itajuru Canal, with more than 30 restaurants and bars on both sides. Musicians perform at venues along the boardwalk from Thursday through Sunday. Restaurants serve seafood caught by local fishing boats that return to the canal each afternoon. The area is busiest between December and March during the summer season.
Historical Sites
The 16th-century Fort São Mateus sits on a rocky point above the coastline and Forte Beach. French settlers built this stone fortification, which later became a Portuguese defensive position against pirates and rival colonial powers. Walk across a rocky path and bridge to reach the fort's entrance, where original cannons still point toward the sea. The fort's walls give you clear views of the surrounding beaches and ocean.
Getting There and Around
You can fly into Cabo Frio International Airport from major Brazilian cities. From Rio de Janeiro, take a 2-hour bus ride with departures every hour, or drive along the BR-101 highway. In Cabo Frio, use ride-sharing services and local taxis to reach the beaches, shopping areas, and nearby towns like Arraial do Cabo (10 km) and Búzios (25 km). Local buses run regular routes between the city center, major beaches, and Boulevard Canal.
