Discover Buzios & The Green Coast of Brazil Holidays

Q: Where is Búzios and how do I get there?

Bzios is a chic coastal town located around 3 hours east of Rio de Janeiro by road. Known as Brazils answer to Saint-Tropez, its easily accessible via private transfer or coach from Rio. The Green Coast Costa Verde, which includes destinations like Angra dos Reis and Paraty, lies southwest of Rio and is similarly reachable in 34 hours by road.

Q: What is Búzios best known for?

Bzios is best known for its crystal-clear waters, quaint cobbled streets, and an atmosphere that blends rustic charm with cosmopolitan flair. It became famous in the 1960s thanks to Brigitte Bardot, and today offers over 20 beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and a lively yet laid-back vibe.

Q: What kind of activities can I enjoy in Búzios and the Green Coast?

In Bzios, you can enjoy beach hopping, boat trips, snorkelling, windsurfing, or simply relaxing at seaside cafs. Along the Green Coast, popular activities include hiking in the Atlantic Forest, exploring waterfalls, taking schooner cruises around Ilha Grande, and strolling the colonial streets of Paraty.

Q: What are the highlights of the Green Coast?

Highlights include Paratys historic centre, Ilha Grandes beaches and walking trails, and Bzios varied coastline and lively atmosphere.

The beauty of Búzios, Paraty and Brazil’s Green Coast awaits. Explore historic streets, pristine beaches, lush forests and vibrant culture in one of Brazil’s most scenic coastal regions.

The Green Coast: Paraty, Ilha Grande and Búzios

If you are looking to step away from the pace of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s Green Coast offers a rewarding coastal escape, perfect for Brazil beach holidays. Paraty stands out for its well-preserved historic centre, where cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings create a strong sense of place, while nearby islands and beaches provide opportunities to relax by the sea.

Ilha Grande, around three hours from Rio, offers a more remote and unspoilt setting. With no cars on the island, travel is on foot or by boat, allowing you to fully experience its forested hills, clear waters and quiet beaches. Walking trails lead to hidden coves, while calm seas are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

To the east of Rio, Búzios provides a livelier coastal atmosphere, with over 20 beaches to explore. Known for its relaxed yet stylish feel, it combines water-based activities with a strong dining and social scene, making it a popular choice for those looking to balance relaxation with energy.

Why visit the Green Coast?

Brazil’s Green Coast is ideal for beach holidays, combining scenic coastline, culture and outdoor experiences. From the historic setting of Paraty to the natural landscapes of Ilha Grande and the beaches of Búzios, the region offers a well-balanced mix of relaxation and exploration within one Brazil holiday.

Location

Brazil

Time Zone

-3 hours

Currency

Real (BZL)

Don't Miss

Snorkelling Boat Tour

When is the best time to go to Buzios and The Green Coast?

Paraty, Búzios and Brazil’s Green Coast can be visited year-round, but the best time to travel is between September and April. During these months, you can expect warm temperatures and generally drier conditions, ideal for beach holidays, coastal exploration and outdoor activities.

This is the perfect time to enjoy Paraty’s historic streets, relax on Ilha Grande’s beaches and experience the lively atmosphere of Búzios. While the months from May to August are slightly cooler, they still offer pleasant conditions and a quieter feel across the region.

About The Green Coast and surrounding areas

Whether you are looking for relaxation or water sports, culture or nature, Brazil’s Green Coast offers a well-balanced coastal escape.

The seaside town of Paraty is known for its cobbled streets, historic architecture and strong cultural identity. Ilha Grande is ideal for exploring white-sand beaches, hiking through forested hills and enjoying snorkelling in clear waters. Búzios offers a more lively atmosphere, with over 20 beaches, a stylish feel and a vibrant dining and social scene.

Together, these destinations create a varied experience, combining relaxation, outdoor adventure and culture, making the Green Coast a rewarding part of any Brazil holiday.

Things to do in Búzios and the Green Coast

Boat trips around Paraty

Explore Paraty’s bay and its many islands on a guided boat tour
Discover quiet beaches, snorkelling spots and clear waters along the coastline

Visit Ilha Grande

Take a short boat journey to this island known for its beaches and forested landscapes
Hike to Lopes Mendes beach or visit the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkelling

Discover Búzios

Explore over 20 beaches, each offering a different setting
Stroll along Rua das Pedras for shopping, dining and a lively evening atmosphere

Enjoy water activities

Try snorkelling, diving, kayaking, paddleboarding or fishing across the region

Take a trip to Trindade

Visit this coastal village near Paraty, known for its relaxed atmosphere and natural surroundings

Schooner tours

Set out from Búzios or Ilha Grande to explore hidden beaches and coastal scenery by boat

Hiking and walking

Follow Paraty’s historic Gold Trail through Serra da Bocaina National Park
Explore Ilha Grande’s walking trails leading to viewpoints and secluded beaches

Explore film locations

Walk to scenic coastal spots featured in international films, with views across clear waters

Shopping and dining

Browse artisan shops in Paraty for handcrafted goods and local cachaça
Enjoy fresh seafood and Brazilian cuisine in Búzios, with beachfront restaurants and live music

Snorkelling and nature

Discover marine life in Paraty’s clear waters, or explore Ilha Grande’s top snorkelling areas

Nightlife

Enjoy Paraty’s relaxed evening atmosphere around Praça da Matriz
Experience Búzios’ vibrant nightlife along Rua das Pedras

Recommended Holidays visiting Buzios and The Green Coast

Set along Brazil’s scenic coastline, Búzios and the Green Coast offer a blend of beach holidays, lush Atlantic forest and vibrant local culture. With Latin Routes, your Brazil holiday is tailored to you, whether that means relaxing on quiet shores, exploring hidden coves by boat, hiking coastal trails or enjoying fresh seafood by the water. Let us create your perfect coastal escape, designed around your pace and travel style.

Truly Individual Holiday

Highlights of Brazil

Our 11-day Highlights of Brazil holiday is the perfect introduction to the country of samba and sunshine. Explore Rio, discover Iguacu Falls and relax on the beaches of Búzios.

from £3799 pp

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Highlights of Buzios and The Green Coast

Coast, culture and natural beauty across Paraty, Ilha Grande and Búzios

Brazil Beautiful Landscape Of Buzios, With Crystal Clear Waters, Sandy Beaches, And Lush Greenery

Brazil Schooner Tours From Búzios And Ilha Grande

Brazil Big Island Ilha Grande Aventureiro Beach Angra Dos Reis, Rio De Janeiro,

Explore Armação dos Búzios

Head further along the coast to Armação dos Búzios, a stylish beach town known for its relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Explore its many beaches, browse boutiques along Rua das Pedras and enjoy a lively dining and evening scene by the water.

Enjoy the beautiful Paradise Shore

Paraty’s coastline is a striking natural setting, known for its clear waters, forested hills and a scattering of islands. With opportunities for boat trips, beach time and exploring the surrounding scenery, it offers a peaceful coastal escape within Brazil’s Green Coast.

Explore nearby Serra da Bocaina National Park

Just outside Paraty, Serra da Bocaina National Park offers forested landscapes, scenic walking trails and waterfalls such as Cachoeira do Tobogã. Explore sections of the historic Gold Trail or take in sweeping views across this protected natural area.

Schooner Tours from Búzios and Ilha Grande

Explore the coastline with a schooner tour from Búzios or Ilha Grande, sailing to secluded beaches and clear waters ideal for snorkelling. Along the way, take in views of forested hillsides and coastal landscapes while spotting marine life.

Stroll through Paraty’s vibrant streets

Walk along streets lined with colourful historic houses in shades of blue, yellow and red. The cobbled lanes offer a glimpse into the town’s past and create a distinctive and atmospheric setting.

Take a day trip to Trindade

Just a short distance from Paraty, Trindade offers a relaxed coastal setting, ideal for unwinding. With clear waters, golden sands and lush surroundings, it is a perfect spot to swim, relax and enjoy the natural scenery.

Visit Ilha Grande (Big Island)

Just a short boat journey from Paraty, Ilha Grande offers a peaceful island escape. Explore forested trails, relax on beaches such as Lopes Mendes or take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon for clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Take a boat trip around Paraty

Explore the bay and its many islands, many of which remain uninhabited. Boat trips can be arranged in advance or locally, offering access to quiet beaches and clear waters ideal for snorkelling.

Speak to a Travel Specialist today

Buzios and The Green Coast Travel FAQs

When is the best time to visit Búzios and the Green Coast?

The best time to visit is between September and April, when temperatures are warm and conditions are ideal for beach holidays and outdoor activities. The cooler months from May to August are still pleasant, with fewer visitors.

Where is Búzios and how do I get there?

Búzios is a chic coastal town located around 3 hours east of Rio de Janeiro by road. Known as Brazil’s answer to Saint-Tropez, it’s easily accessible via private transfer or coach from Rio. The Green Coast (Costa Verde), which includes destinations like Angra dos Reis and Paraty, lies southwest of Rio and is similarly reachable in 3–4 hours by road.

How do you get to Paraty, Ilha Grande and Búzios from the UK?

Flights from the UK arrive into Rio de Janeiro. From there, private transfers take you to Paraty or Búzios, while Ilha Grande is reached by road transfer followed by a short boat crossing.

What is Búzios best known for?

Búzios is best known for its crystal-clear waters, quaint cobbled streets, and an atmosphere that blends rustic charm with cosmopolitan flair. It became famous in the 1960s thanks to Brigitte Bardot, and today offers over 20 beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and a lively yet laid-back vibe.

What is the Green Coast (Costa Verde)?

The Green Coast is a lush, mountainous stretch of Atlantic coastline between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, characterised by jungle-clad hills, colonial towns, and secluded islands. It’s home to charming destinations such as Paraty, a beautifully preserved 17th-century port, and Ilha Grande, an island with no cars and miles of hiking trails and beaches.

How long should I spend in the Green Coast region?

A stay of 5 to 7 nights allows you to combine Paraty, Ilha Grande and Búzios at a relaxed pace, with time for beach days, boat trips and exploring.

What kind of activities can I enjoy in Búzios and the Green Coast?

In Búzios, you can enjoy beach hopping, boat trips, snorkelling, windsurfing, or simply relaxing at seaside cafés. Along the Green Coast, popular activities include hiking in the Atlantic Forest, exploring waterfalls, taking schooner cruises around Ilha Grande, and strolling the colonial streets of Paraty.

What are the highlights of the Green Coast?

Highlights include Paraty’s historic centre, Ilha Grande’s beaches and walking trails, and Búzios’ varied coastline and lively atmosphere.

Is the Green Coast suitable for beach holidays?

Yes, the region is ideal for Brazil beach holidays, offering a mix of quiet coves, island beaches and more lively coastal settings.

Can I combine the Green Coast with Rio de Janeiro?

Yes, the Green Coast pairs perfectly with Rio de Janeiro, offering a contrast between city experiences and coastal relaxation.

What activities can you do in Paraty and Ilha Grande?

Activities include boat trips, snorkelling, hiking, kayaking and exploring historic sites, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Is Ilha Grande car-free?

Yes, Ilha Grande has no cars, which adds to its peaceful atmosphere. Travel is on foot or by boat between beaches and villages.

What is Búzios known for?

Búzios is known for its collection of beaches, relaxed yet stylish atmosphere, and its dining and evening scene centred around Rua das Pedras.

Why book your Brazil holiday with Latin Routes?

Latin Routes offers tailor-made Brazil holidays with expert advice, carefully selected accommodation and seamless travel arrangements, all fully ATOL protected for peace of mind when travelling from the UK.