Best Holiday Destinations in Brazil 2025: Where to Go & Stay

Wondering where to go on your next Brazilian adventure?

From Carnival in Rio to barefoot luxury in Trancoso, Brazil is home to some of the most unforgettable places on Earth. With endless beaches, vibrant cities, lush rainforests, and charming colonial towns, it’s no wonder travellers from around the world return year after year.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets in Jericoacoara, sailing through the Costa Verde, or dancing the night away in Ipanema, we’ve put together a curated guide to the best places to holiday in Brazil — complete with what to do and where to stay. These handpicked holiday destinations in Brazil promise a perfect mix of culture, nature, and soul-stirring beauty.

1. Rio de Janeiro

There’s a reason Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s most iconic destination — few cities in the world offer such a perfect collision of nature, culture, and rhythm. Here, granite peaks rise dramatically from the ocean, golden beaches stretch for miles, and the city pulses with life from sunrise hikes to sunset caipirinhas. It’s where you can go from rainforest to rooftop in the same day, and where every moment feels cinematic.

Beyond the world-famous postcards of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio invites you into its layered lifestyle — where favela art meets fine dining, and you’ll find yoga at sunrise in Ipanema followed by samba in Lapa after dark. It's equal parts sensual and spiritual, a place that gets under your skin and stays there.

What to Do:
- Visit Christ the Redeemer and enjoy the panoramic views from Corcovado.
- Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset.
- Spend the day between Copacabana, Ipanema, and Praia da Joatinga.
- Explore Santa Teresa’s winding alleys, galleries, and cafés.
- Hike in the Tijuca Forest or take a surf lesson at Prainha.

Where to Stay:
Our curated collection of luxury villas for rent in Rio de Janeiro includes beach-view penthouses, tropical hideaways in Joá, and architectural homes that blend seamlessly with the forested hills.

2. Paraty & Costa Verde

Just a few hours south of Rio, the Costa Verde is Brazil at its most cinematic — a place where the jungle spills down into the sea, and boats bob lazily in glassy green bays. At the heart of it all lies Paraty, a colonial-era town frozen in time, with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and a creative energy that comes alive in festivals, art shops, and gourmet restaurants.

But Paraty is only the beginning. The surrounding coastline is dotted with waterfalls, island-dotted bays, and secret beaches — best explored by boat or barefoot. Whether you're sailing to Ilha Comprida, hiking to Praia do Sono, or sipping cachaça from a local distillery, the Costa Verde is both laid-back and deeply lush — a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

What to Do:
- Wander the car-free streets of historic Paraty.
- Take a private boat tour through the bay to Saco do Mamanguá.
- Explore jungle trails to waterfalls and hidden beaches.
- Visit artisan distilleries and taste regional cachaças.
- Time your visit with Paraty’s literary or music festivals.

Where to Stay:
Discover our exclusive luxury villas for rent in Paraty and the Costa Verde — from private beachfront estates to forest-surrounded sanctuaries with direct access to hiking trails and docks.

3. Búzios

Set on a sun-soaked peninsula two and a half hours from Rio, Búzios is Brazil’s answer to the Mediterranean — a former fishing village turned upscale beach haven. With over 20 distinct beaches, each with their own mood and crowd, Búzios is a place where mornings start in tranquil coves and evenings end with champagne by the sea.

What makes Búzios special is its effortless mix of natural beauty and cosmopolitan cool. One moment you're paddling through turquoise waters, the next you’re sipping caipirinhas in a designer dress on Rua das Pedras. The town pulses with energy in high season, yet always finds space for peace, whether on a private boat or in a hilltop villa overlooking the coast.

What to Do:
- Spend the day beach-hopping: Geribá, Ferradura, João Fernandes and beyond.
- Dine and shop on Rua das Pedras and Porto da Barra.
- Book a private sailing charter at sunset.
- Rent a buggy and discover scenic lookouts and coastal trails.
- Enjoy vibrant nightlife with DJ sets, live music, and beach lounges.

Where to Stay:
Our luxury homes in Búzios range from cliffside villas with panoramic views to modern beachfront escapes — each designed to offer elegance, privacy, and a front-row seat to the sea.

4. Jericoacoara

Remote, wild, and endlessly photogenic — Jericoacoara (or “Jeri”) is like stepping into another world. Set deep in Brazil’s northeast and surrounded by sand dunes, Jeri feels more like a desert island than a beach town. Accessible only by 4x4 vehicles crossing protected dunes, the journey itself sets the tone: this is a place for slowing down, tuning in, and letting nature take over.

The vibe in Jeri is relaxed and free-spirited. Streets are made of sand, hammocks swing over turquoise lagoons, and sunsets are a community ritual. It’s also a mecca for wind sports, yoga retreats, and remote digital escapes. If you’re craving raw beauty, salty skin, and complete disconnection — this is your place.

What to Do:
- Watch the sunset from the top of Duna do Pôr do Sol.
- Lounge in hammocks suspended over Lagoa do Paraíso.
- Try windsurfing, kitesurfing, or sandboarding.
- Take a buggy tour to explore Pedra Furada, Mangue Seco, and Tatajuba.
- Enjoy star-filled nights with live forró and barefoot dancing.

Where to Stay:
Our villas in Jericoacoara offer the perfect mix of barefoot luxury and immersion in nature — whether tucked into the dunes or opening directly onto the beach.

5. Trancoso

There’s luxury, and then there’s Trancoso. This Bahian gem has built a cult following among fashion insiders, musicians, and those in the know — all drawn to its unique blend of rustic elegance, Afro-Brazilian culture, and unspoiled beauty. It’s a place where time slows, design whispers, and barefoot chic reigns supreme.

At the centre is the Quadrado, a grassy, candlelit square framed by brightly painted houses, open-air boutiques, and a tiny historic chapel overlooking the cliffs. But Trancoso’s magic extends well beyond the village. Secluded beaches, coconut forests, and river estuaries create a lush, dreamlike setting that feels both deeply local and unmistakably elevated.

What to Do:
- Stroll through the Quadrado and shop for local crafts and designer pieces.
- Spend the day at Praia do Espelho, Itapororoca or Rio da Barra.
- Ride horses along the beach or explore by bike.
- Dine under the stars with Bahian flavours and live music.
- Take a boat or buggy to explore nearby Caraíva or Corumbau.

Where to Stay:
Explore our refined portfolio of luxury villas in Trancoso — from design-led homes near the Quadrado to secluded beachfront escapes perfect for a private, soulful retreat.

FAQ

1. What is the most visited destination in Brazil?

Rio de Janeiro is the most visited, drawing millions each year for Carnival, New Year's Eve, and its world-renowned beaches and landmarks.

2. Where is the nicest place in Brazil?

"Nicest" depends on your vibe — Trancoso for barefoot luxury, Jericoacoara for raw beauty, Rio for excitement, and Fernando de Noronha for island seclusion.

3. What are the top 5 cities in Brazil?

Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, Brasília, and Florianópolis.

4. Is 7 days enough in Brazil?

Seven days is enough to explore one (or at most two) destinations well — Brazil is vast, and travel time between regions can be significant.

5. What part of Brazil is best for tourists?

The Southeast (Rio, Búzios, Paraty) and Northeast (Bahia, Jericoacoara, Noronha) offer the best blend of accessibility, infrastructure, and natural beauty.

6. Where do people go on holiday in Brazil?

Brazilians and international travellers head to Rio, Búzios, Trancoso, Florianópolis, Fernando de Noronha, and the Amazon for their holidays.

7. What are the top 3 holidays in Brazil?

1. Carnival (February/March)
2. New Year’s Eve / Reveillon (December 31st)
3. Festa Junina (June)

8. Is Brazil safe to travel to?

Yes — if you plan ahead, choose trusted accommodations, and stay aware. Like anywhere, safety varies by location and time of day.