Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo, the charming, energetic city, doesn’t sit right along the coast like many of cities in Brazil. It’s close to enough to add some beach time to your vacation without spending a lot of time on the road. You may not be able to see the beach from your downtown hotel room, but the scenic shores of the Atlantic Ocean won’t be far away.

Just 40 miles from downtown lies one of the prettiest Sao Paulo beaches, Santos. Easily accessible by train or highway, the beach is surrounded by beautiful gardens that stretch for miles. Santos is a shipping port for many of Brazil’s agricultural products, like coffee and bananas, and some spectacular beaches line the large harbor. It’s also home to a coffee museum and a monument to soccer great Pele.

A quiet beach that feels a million miles away from ordinary, Praia do Encanto is a fine place to spend some time soaking in the sun. A large resort along its shores provides a scenic place to stay as well gear you need for a scenic meal along the beach. Shaded cabanas are available for rent, and the shallow, clear waters make for great snorkeling and swimming.

Another one of the Sao Paulo beaches with an endless stretch of tropical beauty, Pontal Beach winds for a dozen miles along the Atlantic Ocean. A grove of coconut trees runs the length of the beach, making it feel off the beaten path. Because this beach is so remote, it’s best to travel with friends or sign up for one of the tours. Many local tour companies run boat and Jeep tours that bring you safely to Pontal Beach.