Discover Rio das Ostras through its coastline, protected natural areas and cultural history. The city has 28 kilometers of coastline with 15 beaches where visitors can find calm waters. Costazul combines a long ocean beach with an equipped waterfront promenade and protected restinga. The Parque Natural Municipal dos Pássaros focuses on wildlife and the typical vegetation of the Mata Atlântica. Historic buildings, archaeological finds and a large whale sculpture add distinctive points of interest. When planning your trip, it is worth considering coastal areas, nature watching and cultural sites as different points of interest.

Costazul: Beach, Promenade and Pier

Costazul is a 2.3-kilometer-long ocean beach visited by surfers and people who fish from the shore. The Costazul waterfront promenade has a bike path, an outdoor fitness area, kiosks and playgrounds. At the same time, 15,000 square meters of restinga vegetation there are protected. Beach activities, public facilities and protected vegetation are different aspects of the same coastal destination. The Píer de Costazul offers views across the beach's entire waterfront promenade. If you do not want to choose your coastal stay based on just one water-based activity, you can also take this promenade and the view from the pier into account.

Lagoon and Nature Watching

Lagoa de Iriry is a protected area. Its water is dark-colored because of the vegetation present; the lagoon has kiosks, paths and a lookout point about 20 meters high. At Parque Natural Municipal dos Pássaros, visitors can observe wildlife and vegetation typical of the Mata Atlântica along ecological trails. The visitor center also hosts environmental art exhibitions. The two places offer different points of interest for nature lovers: at Lagoa de Iriry, the dark water and lookout point are among the features described, while at the park, the focus is on observations along the ecological trails.

Coastal Trails and Access

Monumento Natural dos Costões Rochosos encompasses an extensive stretch of rocks and beaches between Praia da Joana and Praça da Baleia. A trail in the monument passes Praia das Areias Negras and Praia Virgem. These locations provide a clear geographic reference for the coastal stretch: Praia da Joana and Praça da Baleia mark its boundaries, while the two beaches lie along the trail. Praia de Itapebussus has a different, important planning condition: it is accessible only on foot, either along the beach or via the trail. Take this walk into account if you include this beach in your plans.

Cultural History and Notable Sites

Poço de Pedras do Largo de Nossa Senhora da Conceição was built in the mid-18th century by enslaved people and served as a landmark for the development of Rio das Ostras. Casa de Cultura Bento Costa Júnior is considered one of the city's oldest buildings. The two places have different historical connections: the well is linked to the development of Rio das Ostras, while the Casa de Cultura is linked to the town's built heritage.

At Museu de Sítio Arqueológico Sambaqui da Tarioba, the excavated area contains skeletal remains. Jewelry, giant oysters, shells and stone tools illustrate settlement by an ancient civilization estimated to be about 4,000 years old. A 20-meter-long humpback whale sculpture stands at Praça da Baleia. Its metal structure is clad in bronze plates and a brass alloy. Rio das Ostras thus brings together archaeological evidence and a notable work of art, alongside sites that recall the city's development.

Discover more destinations: São Fidélis, Natividade, Bom Jardim, Mangaratiba, São Gonçalo, Tanguá, Paty Do Alferes, Cardoso Moreira.

For the broader travel overview: Rio De Janeiro.