Búzios sits just to the east of Rio de Janeiro, three hours by road, and is an upscale beach resort with small town charm. This peninsula of twenty-three white sand beaches and crystal clear waters was home to a cluster of sleepy fishing villages until the 1960s. Then Brigitte Bardot and the hippies arrived, and like all hippy discoveries, mainstream tourism was not far behind. Today Buzios is a slick beachside hang-out dotted with gourmet restaurants, upmarket boutiques, and trendy bars. The best places to stay in Búzios vary between tropical hideaways, sleek boutiques and charming little guesthouses.

The peninsula offers something for everyone, and is split into three distinct areas. Around the yacht club area, for example, it feels a bit like St Tropez, full of beautiful beach clothes and a string of nighclubs a few minutes away in the Rua das Pedras. Cobblestoned streets are full of artisan boutiques.

On the other side of the peninsula is the Praia da Farradura, one of the most popular beaches. For people watching it can't be beat, but with over twenty beaches to choose from, you can find quieter spots if you travel a bit further, such as Ferradurinha, tucked away in a little cove and enjoying picturesque surroundings. While if it's roamntic dining and sunsets you are after, head to the end of the peninsula to the Rocka Beach Lounge for fantastic seafood, and gorgeous sea views.

The best places to stay in Buzios are, as you would expect, upmarket, but if you want to spend less we have recommended a couple of budget friendly hotels. It's also doable as a day trip from Rio.

The Best Places to Stay in Buzios

Super chic

• Pousada Casas Brancas - a luxurious beach boutique offering romantic whitewashed rooms with private balconies and paintings on the walls. Large swimming pool and deck chair area, some two bedroom apartments, and an excellent sea food restaurant. A great choice for families.
• Insolito - built into the side of the peninsula, this chic boutique spot is tucked away with lots of privacy. The sleek rooms and suites are minimal but still characterful, whilst there's an excellent fusion restaurant and an infinity pool with sea views.

Beach chic

• Chez Pitu Praia is a stunning boutique spot on Geriba beach. The contemporary accommodation features lovely furnishings and a wide variety of vibrant hues, with some of Brazil's finest surf spots located just around the corner.
• Pedra da Laguna is a charming beach hotel on the famous Praia da Farradura, with generously sized private apartments and a holistic spa.

Town Chic

• For a charming boutique hotel nestled in cobbled alleyways, reminiscent of Greece, try the Vila da Santa. With some seaviews and terraces, the rooms are a blend of modern and traditional seaside chic, and you can dine by the pool to the light of flickering candles.

Romantic hideaways

• Cachoeira Inn - a favourite of Brigitte Bardot, this slightly quirky hotel is situated in a tropical forest. Comprising a wooden structure on stilts which fuses Asian and Brazilian architecture, it also features art from around the world, nine waterfalls and two private beaches. Very romantic!
• Set in lush tropical gardens just a stone's throw from the beach, Vila D'Este boasts gorgeous Mediterranean-style rooms with splendid views. A supremely romantic stay.
• Abracadabra - above the town with to-die-for views over the bay, with rustic chic rooms, a lovely infinity pool and a great fish restaurant. Great value considering the location, and they also have some budget rooms.
• Villa Balthazar is a small, luxury B+B with a European feel. Just five rooms are spread over three properties - the garden house being one of the nicest.

Value Chic

• Pousada Villa Rasa is an unpretentious yet stylish seaside hotel on Praia Rasa. Very laid back, it offers great value close to the airport in a less crowded location.

• The budget friendly La Pedrera offers spacious, well-designed accommodation with neutral colour schemes and plenty of wood - whilst some even boast private balconies. With family rooms, a lovely spa and the beach nearby, what's not to love about this spot?

For An Apartment or Villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available with our partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Buzios?

• In Búzios the sun shines year round and so there's no bad time to visit! It's busiest however in the summer, from December to May, and prices for accommodation will be higher. That said, there's a great party atmosphere if you're looking for a fun-filled holiday!
• Mid-season, from September to November, is probably the best time come to Búzios if you don't fancy being mobbed by fellow tourists but want decent weather.
• Tourists can fly into Cabo Frio Airport, 30km outside Búzios. The cheapest way to get from here to the centre of town is to take a taxi into Cabo Frio (costing $11-$14), and then get the B160 bus (costing $2-$3) which takes 45 minutes.
• Alternatively, an uber will take you just over half an hour and will cost $22-$30.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not found the right property?

• Browse all the best places to stay in Búzios.
• Expand your search to include our recommendations in Rio de Janeiro.
• Or, contact a friendly guru for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Buzios