Cabo Frio Brazil
Frequently Asked Questions
At anchor off the town, in the Lakes Region east of Rio de Janeiro. Passengers come ashore by tender, a short distance from Praia do Forte.
Its snow-white colour and powder fineness: it is pure quartz. It squeaks underfoot and stays cool even in full sun, which changes everything when you walk barefoot at midday.
Because of cold-water upwelling, which also gives the town its name: frio means cold. The ocean takes on turquoise tones you would not expect at this latitude.
Praia do Forte for swimming, the São Mateus fort at its eastern end, then the old Passagem quarter. An excursion to Arraial do Cabo, 20 minutes south, rounds off the day.
A small early 17th-century work of stone and lime on a spray-swept rocky point, built to protect the brazilwood trade from privateers. The visit is brief, but the promontory is worth it.
The old core of Cabo Frio: cobbled lanes, low houses with white facades picked out in bright colours, bougainvillea spilling over the walls. Waterside restaurants serve the day's catch facing the boats.
Because an entire street, known as the Bikini street, lines up dozens of affordable beachwear shops. Even with no intention of buying, the walk is entertaining.
About 20 minutes south, this fishing village is ringed by dramatic coves and white dunes; it is nicknamed the Brazilian Caribbean for the clarity of its water. Boat trips sometimes encounter turtles.
The Brazilian real, and Portuguese. English is limited outside tour operators; bring cash for the beach kiosks.
Very much so. Praia do Forte runs more than seven kilometres of pale sand with enough waves for fun without a fight, and the seafront kiosks serve juices, grilled fish and ice-cold coconut water.
