See more: Exploring 10 of the Top Beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Recreio Beach is at the very west end of the neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca. The atmosphere is laid back and a bit bohemian without all the crowds of Ipanema or Copacabana. Most of the visitors to this beach include the elite and wealthy of the area. It is also a popular spot for families, but of course Recreio Beach is an absolute favorite with the most serious surfers. Only recently developed, there are no skyscrapers or tall buildings overlooking the area. The soft white sands are also popular with the volleyball players as there are many volleyball courts set up along the beach. A local skateboard park near Pedra do Pontal is loved by youngsters as it is one of the most popular activity here, however there is also plenty of cycling in the area with many bicycle trails all over the beach and neighborhood. Recreio is a beautiful beach with a very gradual slope into the sea, which means you can go far out from the beach before you are fully under water. Locals recommend walking up the nearby rock formations for the greatest views. Standing on top of the rocks can offer you a magnificent picture of the beach and the green mountains. This rock formation also serves as a natural buffer between Recreio beach and Macumba beach. A little further down is Praia do Abrico, a nudist beach, which is a 4-mile stretch of sand that the naturists frequent. If you want to avoid the crowds this is a safe bet.
