Cabo Frio is known for its long urban beaches as well as its historical heritage. It also offers beaches with different features, a viewpoint, and a dining district. If you are looking for a hotel, these highlights can help you decide what kind of stay you want.

Beaches and their distinct features

Praia do Forte is a centrally located urban beach. It is 7.5 kilometers long and is known for its fine white sand and clear water. It is also part of the Restinga ecosystem of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Praia do Peró is a similar 7 kilometers long. In 2018, it received the international Blue Flag award for the quality of its beach and water and for its accessibility.

Praia das Conchas is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters, which are suitable for diving. You can reach the beach on foot across the sand of Praia do Peró or by an unpaved road. Praia Brava stands out primarily for its access: it can only be reached by a trail and is suitable for surfing. You can choose a beach based on the water and activity features described, rather than treating all beaches as similar swimming destinations.

Historic sites and cultural collections

The cultural landscape of Cabo Frio was listed as a historic landmark by IPHAN in 1967. At Praia do Forte stands Forte de São Matheus de Cabo Frio, built in the 17th century. The area also includes archaeological remains: the hills and elevations along the canal around Praia do Forte are home to a rich heritage of sambaquis.

Historic buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries shape the character of Bairro da Passagem. The Igreja de São Benedito is also located there; it was built in the 18th century by enslaved people. Capela Nossa Senhora da Guia was built in 1740 and is part of Cabo Frio’s religious and heritage-protected architectural ensemble. Together, these buildings point to different periods in the area’s history, rather than all dating from the same period.

Convento de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos houses the Museu de Arte Religiosa e Tradicional. Its collection includes terracotta and wooden figures, furniture, and other sacred artworks. Espaço Cultural do Surfe offers a different focus: it was the first place in Brazil dedicated to surfing and has a collection of more than 2,500 objects related to the history of surfing. You can choose between religious art and the history of surfing as clearly distinct cultural interests.

Viewpoints and a dining district

Morro da Guia is the highest point in Cabo Frio and offers 360-degree views of the city center and the surrounding area. Bairro da Passagem complements its historic buildings with a dining district featuring various bars and restaurants that bring together food and music. Along with beaches and architectural history, views and a dining focus offer different ways to experience Cabo Frio.

Discover more destinations: São Gonçalo, Ipiabas, Ponte Coberta, Guapimirim, Carapebus, Trajano de Morais, Rio Das Flores, Abadia

For the main travel overview: Rio De Janeiro.