| Host to over thirty of the most
magical of beaches to be found anywhere, this region is virtually unknown to most
Americans even though Europeans and South Americans frequent it. The three cities of
Buzios, Cabo Frio, and Arraial do Cabo were settled in the 1600's when European traders
made their way there in search of riches and to escape the tortures of the Atlantic. A
series of inlets and coves made excellent hideouts for even the pirates of that age. The
Portuguese eventually built a fort on Praia do Forte (Fort Beach) in Cabo Frio to
protect their claim. The local Indians were both blessed and cursed by the infiltration of
the new explorers. The trade and opportunity was welcomed by most, but again their
innocence was forever lost to the progress set in motion by the European settlers.
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Arraial do Cabo |
The peninsula of Buzios |
The nearby town of Buzios eventually became a fishing village. There,
the whalers would bring their catches and the oil from the whales would be extracted and
sent to the city of Rio de Janeiro to light their street lamps. Even one of the beaches
there in Buzios carries the name of Praia dos Ossos or Bones Beach from all of the
whalebones that littered the shore. The region itself remained virtually unknown to the
world until during the 1960's when a movie star by the name of Bridgette Bardo went to
Buzios with her Brazilian boyfriend and thus started a new exodus of European explorers
arriving on their shores. |
Today, Cabo Frio is the largest of the three cities, with much more infrastructure and organized tourism. It plays host to much more movement from families from Rio and Sao Paulo who own condominiums there. There are a number of nice Hotels and Inns here that complement the seven beaches. The city has built an attractive frame for the wealth of beach related potential the place posseses. The largest expanse of beach in the region is dotted with kiosks and nice places to hang out and enjoy the beauty. |
The city of Cabo Frio |
Buzios has evolved into an international vacation destination for those seeking anonymity in incredible tropical surroundings. They have a strict code of how and what style of construction may be built there, and have not allowed buildings of over two stories. This helps to maintain its quaintness. World-class restaurants that serve up the local fish and seafood added to a number of bars and nightclubs keep Buzios jumping to the wee hours. The number of beaches here is over twenty, with something for everyone whether it be big surfable waves or picturesque sunsets. |
Looking down on Buzios |
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Arraial do Cabo is an
incredible peninsula with seven attractive beaches of her own. The regions only real port
started receiving cruise ships a few years ago, further enhancing its growing tourist
trade. Here the locals are a bit more innocent and less exposed to the volume of tourism
that the neighboring towns experience. However, the cobblestone streets and crystal green
water create a magic that is nearly lost in our high tech, fast paced world.
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Anyone visiting Brazil and particularly Rio de Janeiro would be wise to consider
a side trip to this incredible region. One visit to any of the three cities above mentioned
would enhance and humble even the most seasoned traveler.
Here, the days seem longer, the food and drink more delicious,
because you realize that in a few days you will have to leave this Paradise in Rio.
Alice's Guesthouse of Cabo Frio
