Copacabana and Ipanema

Copacabana and Ipanema are the legendary beaches of Rio de Janeiro, long crescents of golden sand backed by a wall of apartments and dramatic green mountains. More than places to swim, they are the beating heart of carioca beach culture, alive with sunbathers, football and volleyball, kiosks and vendors, joggers on the mosaic promenade, and, at Ipanema, one of the most beautiful sunsets in the city.

What's there

• Copacabana beach - the famous crescent and its wave-patterned promenade.
• Ipanema beach - the chic beach immortalised in song, with sunset views.
• The beach culture - the football, volleyball, kiosks and vendors.
• The Arpoador sunset - the rock between the beaches, famed for sunsets.

When to go

December to March, the Brazilian summer, for the hottest beach weather, though it is busiest and most humid then; the drier May to October is pleasant and quieter. New Year on Copacabana is a vast, famous celebration.

What to expect

The beaches stay crowded until late evening, and the promenade kiosks serve food and drinks well into the night. The sea has strong currents. It is a scene as much as a beach, crowded and buzzing rather than tranquil.

Nearby

Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer and the Lagoa are close in the Zona Sul.