Lying along the sun-kissed shores of the Costa do Sol, Búzios is one of Brazil’s most-loved upscale resort towns. The magnetic pull of this one-time sleepy fishing village has so beguiled travelers, including, most famously, Brigitte Bardot, that it is often referred to as Brazil’s Saint Tropez. A 5-mile (8-kilometer)-long peninsula that is sprinkled with more than 20 picture-perfect beaches, Búzios offers no end of things to do, from active adventures such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving to unwinding on the beach and hopping between the boutiques and seafood restaurants that line its cobblestone streets.
Búzios enjoys a warm climate year-round, which makes it a great destination for sunseekers at any time of year. The peak visitor months are January and February, when Brazilian and international travelers alike flock to Búzios to enjoy the hot weather as well as New Year’s Day and Carnival celebrations. The fall months of April and May are quieter, less humid, and cooler than the summer season.
The coastal town is small enough that you can comfortably get around its central attractions on foot. To go beach hopping, you can jump in a water taxi or book a tour that takes you to multiple different beaches in a day. For any destination further afield, taxis are typically easy to find, especially around the town square, Praça Santos Dumont.
Don't plan on an early bedtime when visiting Búzios. Visitors typically are at the beaches until past sunset, eat dinner late (after 10pm), and hit the bars even later. Even the boutiques along Rua das Pedras keep late opening hours. If you have the energy, staying out well after dark is a great way to feel the distinctly lively character of the town.
