Cabo Frio

14 reasons to visit the city

Cabo Frio is one of the seven oldest municipalities in Brazil and the scene of several attractions. And, this piece of the world, I have been attending for over 30 years.

If we consider only the city, we will have important highlights, such as: historic tourism, nature, with its beaches, in addition to shopping tourism, as this city is the pole of the bikini industry. But, analyzing the region, we managed to expand these highlights, as very close to Cabo Frio are: Búzios and Arraial do Cabo, two multiple and full cities and beauties.

And when the tourist visits one of them, he necessarily visits the others, either because of the proximity or the attractions. In this way, one city is linked to another. Furthermore, Cabo Frio is strategically between these two tourist cities, thus allowing easy access to them.

Cabo Frio is located 10 km from Arraial do Cabo and 25 km from Búzios, well positioned to visit the other two main beach towns in the Lagos Region.

But in this post we will talk EXCLUSIVELY about Cabo Frio and its attractions!

This is a small coastal town located in a specific region of Rio de Janeiro known as: Região dos Lagos .

And Cabo Frio looks great!

In addition to the crystal clear sea and the white sand dunes, most beaches offer the comfort of kiosks to serve the public.

In high season, the city is “clogged” with people and the strip of sand is disputed inch by inch.

As the name Cabo Frio already says is a cable where the wind is a constant companion.

The best programs are done during the day, in the sunlight: how to surf, dive, take a boat, go to the beach and enjoy the more than pleasant climate of the region.

Two characteristics are striking in this city: strong winds and cold waters. That in the summer they help to hold the strong heat, but that in the winter they take the tourists a little away from the beaches.

Cabo Frio’s beaches are far from each other and a car will be important to get around the city. If the tourist does not visit the city by car, they can count on the Uber app, available since December 2016 in the city, or use public transport.

Good news is that the beaches are accessible, with the exception of Praia Brava, which requires a trail trail to be visited. For the rest, you will drive to the sand of all of them.

In addition to everything I mentioned there are 2 major events in the city:

New Year ‘s Eve in Praia do Forte : the turn of the year in Cabo Frio is always very popular and crowded. With shows and a well-structured pyrotechnic show on the beach, tourists invade the city. In the same style as Copacabana, boardwalks, sand and kiosks are packed with tourists.

The CaboFolia : This event is a carnival out of season, which had its first edition in 1998. It takes thousands and ax fans to Praia do Forte in January. A great open micareta for the people to have fun and dance a lot.

And there are plenty of reasons to visit this beautiful city… and below we will list tips and places for travelers to explore.

IMPORTANT TIPS

When to go?

In the high season months, December to February, the weather is hot and the city and its beaches are always crowded. It is not a very pleasant time due to “overcrowding”.

During this summer season, and especially on New Year’s Eve, January and the carnival season, the beaches are full and there is a lot of congestion in much of the city. When searching for accommodation, it is advisable to do everything in advance.

During periods of long holidays and school holidays, too, the region is usually very crowded.

If you want to avoid crowded beaches and inflated prices, avoid these periods.

Throughout the year the temperatures are pleasant and warm. What should be taken into account is the number of tourists. If you don’t mind full beaches, visit in high summer, but if you enjoy something more “private” choose the “low” seasons (March to May or August to November).

After that period, from March to May, the climate is still warm, the waters are still pleasant (although they are always cold throughout the year) and the beaches and main attractions are much more empty, which allows a period of tranquility to visit the city. region.

In the winter period there is still a pleasant climate, but with a lot of wind and very cold water (characteristic of the region, but in summer it is possible to circumvent this aspect).

How to get?

By car: the journey to the Region of the Lakes begins after crossing the Rio Niterói Bridge, with access to the BR 101 and then to the Via Lagos (RJ-124), this is privatized and there is a toll charge (check prices at : rates . It is worth remembering que on weekends the traffic to the region is very large and heavy traffic jams are common.The traffic is more peaceful on weekdays and outside of holiday periods or extended holidays 2 hours turns into a 7 hour trip..

By bus: the company that operates this route is 1001, check values ​​and see information on the link .

By plane: the small Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) is an alternative that is not yet viable for those who want to arrive by plane to the Lagos Region. Commercial flights are very limited and still costly, not a good option for most tourists looking for the region. The only airline operating to Cabo Frio is Azul Linhas Aéreas.

We then created a list of attractions in the city of Cabo Frio, check out:

# 1 Praia do Forte

This is the main beach in the city, it is almost 8 km long. A postcard of Cabo Frio, this beach has fine, white sand, as well as clear and icy waters.

Once on this beach, at the perimeter there are other important points to visit, among them: the Fort of São Mateus, the beach of Foguete, the Praia das Dunas, the Praça das Águas, the deck on the Boulevard of Praia do Forte and a lively Ferinha de Artesanato and typical products, which is very close to Praça das Águas. But we will talk about these points later on.

# 2 Praia do Peró

Praia do Peró is a little further from the center of Cabo Frio and has 7 km of clean water and mild temperature. The urbanized part of this neighborhood of the same name is filled with summer houses and tents, while the left corner presents us with fine white sand dunes.

Very close by and glued to Praia do Peró, is Praia das Conchas, and we will talk about it in another topic. These two beaches are separated only by a strip of sand. Leaving Peró, in a walk of just 10 minutes, the tourist is already at Praia das Conchas.

# 3 Praia das Conchas

This small shell-shaped beach has a strip of short sand and calm waters.

Frequented by families, there the traveler finds kiosks and structure of tables and chairs in the sand.

It is strategically located between Morro do Vigia and Ponta do Arpoador.

It has this name due to its shell shape and because it had many shells in the past.

To access the beach by car you need to pay a parking fee of 10 reais.

# 4 Praia Brava

This beach is frequented by nudists and surfers. It is located between Ponta do Peró and Morro do Farolete (Warhead).

# 5 Praia das Dunas

This beach has strong waves and is very popular for surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. To access it you must go to Praia do Forte. Its large dunes are striking features. They have kiosks only on sections that are not part of the environmental preservation area.

# 6 Praia do Foguete

Praia do Foguete has cold waters and a lot of current. It has 7.5 km and is little frequented. It is 4 km from the center of Cabo Frio.

# 7 Rua dos Biquinis

Bikini pole, Cabo Frio, has a street dedicated to the sale of these items and similar items (sarongs, swimwear, hats, etc.).

Located between Peró and Centro, on the other side of the Itajuru Canal, Rua dos Biquínis concentrates hundreds of beach fashion stores and in high summer it is completely crowded.

The prices are really worth it and the quality of the products is great. The ideal is to book an afternoon for this tour, especially if it is the first visit. Also be patient and bargain. There the consumer can buy wholesale or retail.

Renovated a few years ago, the street has become a covered promenade and stores do not close until 8 pm.

Rua dos Biquínis, in Cabo Frio, is internationally known as the largest beachwear chain in Latin America, with around 150 stores.

For more information visit the link.

Opening Hours:

The shops on Rua dos Biquínis are open all year round. Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. Every day, without exception. The opening hours of Rua dos Biquínis are divided into High and Low season:

High Season (December to March): 08h – 00h.

Low Season (April to November): 9am – 9pm.

The term “Rua dos Biquínis time” means that there will be stores open at this time. We cannot guarantee that all stores will be open. Currently, each store has its own schedule, which in general is similar to the street time. You will find the opening hours of the advertiser stores on our website.

How to get:

Those who visit Cabo Frio cannot miss it. Rua dos Biquínis is located less than 800 meters from the banks of the Itajuru Canal and 200 meters from the Feliciano Sodré Bridge.

Departing from the center of Cabo Frio, to reach Rua dos Biquínis, which is on the other side of the Itajuru Canal, you need to cross the Feliciano Sodré Bridge and turn right. From the city center it is possible to go on foot, or take the free crossing of the Canal on a ferry. The route to the street can also be done by car or bus.

How to get there: access the link .

# 8 Itajuru Channel

The main schooner and boat tours leave this channel in Cabo Frio. It is on this channel that the Bulevar Canal is located, an area of ​​bars and entertainment, but we will talk about another topic later.

# 9 Viewpoint of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia

Very close to the canal and the bridge that leads to Rua dos Biquínis, there is this viewpoint. With a steep staircase, part of Largo Santo Antônio leads to the viewpoint, from where tourists can see the city.

# 10 Water Square

A beautiful square, right in the right corner of Praia do Forte. This place was built at the time of revitalizing the edge of this same beach.

It occupies an area of ​​approximately 1500 meters and there the tourist finds a lake with fountain, special lighting and many other details to harmonize the place. The square is very well lit, and in summers it gets crowded and many stop for photos.

# 11 Japanese Island

The Japanese Island until recently was not very well known and accessed by tourists. Today there is a much larger flow of people who visit this place. There you will find: transparent water, kiosks with good food and cold beer. The island is located within a cove and can be accessed by boats.

You can choose to stay on the island or at the kiosks on the mainland. From there, it is also possible to make the trail to Praia Brava (nudist beach).

To reach Ilha do Japones you can go by car, going towards Peró and located by signs, you can also go by bus or by water taxi (the boat leaves the Itajuru channel).

To access Ilha do Japones by car you need to pay a parking fee of 10 reais.

On-site hostel suggestion: Hostel Container *

* I didn’t stay, but I got to know the place and the whole context and idea is very innovative. A hostel made entirely of residents and, better, sustainable.

# 12 Boulevard Canal

In this boulevard revitalized a few years ago, the traveler finds many options for restaurants and snack bars.

This, too, is a meeting place to watch the sunset and socialize with family and friends.

After Praia do Forte, this is another hustle and bustle in the city.

# 13 Fort of São Mateus

Built in the 17th century, this fort is located in Praia do Forte, where tourists can have an incredible view of the shore of this beach.

This fort was listed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) in 1956, a time when it underwent a serious restoration. The fortress was built in the 17th century, between 1616 and 1620, by Portuguese and Tamoian Indians to defend the land from invasions by the French, English and Dutch.

From the time of the conflicts on the Brazilian coast, the cannons used in battles still remain in Fort São Mateus.

# 14 Our Lady of the Angels Convent