Buzios

Hip Buzios was a quiet fishing village and one of Brazil's hidden gems until the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Mick Jagger turned up in the 60s. The resort still has celebrity appeal but Buzios is no longer the backwater it was 40 years ago. It has grown into a sophisticated resort with many smart restaurants, bars and boutiques, yet it is the natural attractions of undulating wooded hills, golden sand beaches and clear, turquoise sea that keep people coming.

Buzios seems to be popular with everyone from passing travellers through to global superstars. It is still a smart, trendy resort but it is not as exclusive as it used to be and there are places to stay and restaurants to suit most budgets. The majority of visitors are Brazilian and Argentine holidaymakers but its proximity to Rio de Janeiro makes it a convenient beach retreat for Europeans and North Americans.

Buzios is situated 170km (105 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro on Brazil's Atlantic coast. The nearest towns are Cabo Frio and São Pedro. The resort is made up of a number of settlements scattered around the bays and beaches of a rugged peninsular.

The 20 or so beaches of Buzios are among the most celebrated in Brazil. The beaches on the south and west side of the peninsular tend to attract swell and are popular with surfers, while those on the north offer calm, clear water perfect for snorkelling and swimming. Ossos Beach is the most popular hangout, but the undeveloped Azeda Cove is considered the most beautiful and pristine.

Life in Buzios revolves around the beach but there are alternatives to lazing in the sun. Those with a sense of adventure will want to seek out kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, mountain biking diving and the activities on offer. Buzios Golf Club (Estrada Bento Ribeiro Dantas, 9km/5.5 miles) boasts an acclaimed 18-hole course. Visitors can get back to nature in the nearby Emerências Reserve (Estrada Velha de Búzios, 5km/3 miles); a protected area of Atlantic forest with exotic flora, birds and monkeys. Buzios' main drag Rua Das Pedras is a great place to people watch or visit the numerous art galleries.

With its safe, sandy bays, Buzios is ideal for beach family holidays. Family attractions are thin on the ground but children will enjoy many of the activities, excursions and wildlife in the ecological reserves. There is a mini-golf (crazy golf) course (Orla Bardot), plus an indoor Laser Shots (Shopping Number 1, Centro) for those rare rainy days.

Shopping in Buzios is an attraction in itself. Many visitors spend a large chunk of their evenings strolling up and down Rua das Pedras, popping into shops and window shopping. The eclectic mix of shops includes exclusive boutiques with high-end fashions, rustic handicraft outlets, hand-made jewellery kiosks, designer decoration stores and art galleries. Many items cost more here than elsewhere in Brazil.

Brazilians like to party. Brazilians on holiday party even harder. Most of the revelling takes place in the bars, restaurants and nightclubs on Rua das Pedras but there are a few popular spots on Orla Bardot. Ponto Bar (Rua das Pedras, 212) and Zapatas (Orla Bardot, 352) are buzzing places for a drink. The crêperie Chez Michou (Rua das Pedras, 90) serves fantastic caiprinhas and gets very lively. Privilege Nightclub (Avenida José Bento Ribeiro Dantas, 550) is the place to go for a dance, but things rarely get going until after 0100.

There really is something to suit everyone's tastes in Buzios. French, Thai, Mexican and Italian are all available. Every beach has a fish restaurant, and there is a crêperie around every corner. Those on a budget should try the popular ‘quilo' restaurants, where food is paid for by weight. Pátio Havana (Rua das Pedras, 101) is one of the most popular eateries, serving a tasty mix of Brazilian and French cuisine.

At only 8km (5 miles) long, the Buzios peninsular is easy to get around. The main attractions of the downtown area are within easy walking distance. Regular mini-buses run up and down the main strip and go to some of the beaches, and taxis are readily available. Some water taxis operate between beaches.

Arraial do Cabo is a fantastic dive and snorkelling destination just 30 minutes away from Buzios. The clear, turquoise waters are similar to the Caribbean and ideal for viewing fish, coral and the occasional wreck. Further eco-tourism options are available in Casemiro de Abreu, where visitors can enjoy the forest, rivers, waterfalls and wildlife or go rafting, abseiling (rappelling) or horse riding. For an urban excursion, holidaymakers should head to Nitoroi with its Oscar Niemeyer designed Contemporary Art Museum and views of the Rio skyline.

Visitors looking for a special treat should check themselves in to the Casas Brancas Spa (Alto do Humaitá 10, Centro). This tranquil retreat provides massage and other treatments, yoga and meditation, plus pools and Jacuzzis overlooking the ocean. Similarly relaxing treatments can also be had at the spa resort of Pedra da Laguna at Ferradura Beach. It's also worth taking an evening boat trip, where you can take in the beauty of the beaches and islands while sipping a caiprinha.

Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport (GIG)