Cabo Frio

Cabo Frio is a popular beach destination which draws a lot of beachgoers and surfers from around the state, as well as the neighboring landlocked state of Minas Gerais. It was founded in the 16th Century, after the Portuguese chased the French away from the area, and remained small for most of its history. In recent years, with the income from the growing tourism industry and the influx of retired folks from Rio de Janeiro, it has grown to a city of over 185,000, with a wide range of amenities for the traveller.

• Chapel of Nossa Senhora da GuiaConstructed by the Franciscans around 1740.

• Church of Saint Benedict

  address: Passagem
  Built in 1701 to hold mass for the slaves.

• Sào Mateus FortBuilt by the Portuguese between 1616 and 1620.

Beaches

• Fort Beach (Praia do Forte) - With 7.5 kilometers of sand and a 16th-century Portuguese fort at its north end, this is the main beach in town.
• Peró Beach (Praia do Peró) - Good for surfing.
• São Bento Beach (Praia São Bento)
• Siqueira Beach (Praia do Siqueira) - 4km-long beach with kiosks that sometimes have live music.
• Sudoeste Beach (Praia do Sudoeste)
• Dune Beach (Praia das Dunas) - The best surfing beach around, with strong waves. Take care if you swim, as there is an undercurrent.
• Foguete Beach (Praia do Foguete)
• Palmeiras Beach (Praia das Palmeiras)
• Unamar Beach (Praia de Unamar)

Scuba diving

Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo are great locations for scuba diving. The southerly cold and northerly warm current meet and marine life is abundant. Visibility is between 8 and 20 meters. Best time of year is in April.

• Over Sea Dive Center

  phone: +55 22 2647-5375
  address: Rua José Augusto Saraiva, nº 2 Ilha da Draga
  Dive center with good equipment and bilingual instructor (Santiago). Offers a one day tour for certified divers including two immersions and some snacks. R$150

• Araruama
• Arraial do Cabo
• Armação dos Búzios, 15 minutes away, has a happening nightlife scene.