In one of Rio’s most beloved neighborhoods, in the South Zone, lies the acclaimed Arpoador Beach. Above all, the paradisiacal setting inspired artists and composers such as Tom Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes and João Gilberto to write their songs. And it is there that dozens of visitors applaud the spectacle of the sunset every day.
A beach with such a historical and cultural background needs to be on the itinerary of your trip to Rio de Janeiro. That’s why we’ve prepared this blogpost with some information about the beach’s location, details and tips for you to make the most of your visit to Arpoador.
Location of Arpoador Beach
Spread over a strip of about 800 meters, Arpoador Beach is located at Posto 7 (“7th lifeguard station”) and is easily accessible to those arriving from different areas of the city.
First of all, for those who want to make the most of the incredible views of the beach and feel the breeze coming from the beach at all times, we recommend a walk along the promenade or a bike ride along the bike path that runs along Avenida Vieira Souto.
In addition, there is the General Osório metro station just a few minutes away, as well as access to bus lines that connect various parts of the city.
Now that you know where the beach is and how to get there, how about some tips on how to make the most of it?
What to do at Arpoador Beach?
First of all, for those who enjoy a bit of excitement, Arpoador Beach is known for attracting people looking for a spot to practice sports with one of the most beautiful views of the city.
Starting with surfing, which is part of Arpoador’s history, there you will find the perfect opportunity to practice or even learn to surf. In addition, it is common to see people of all ages playing the famous “altinha”, that is like soccer at the beach, frescobol and even running along the long stretch of sand.
And of course the sea at Arpoador, always crystal clear and cool, is an invitation to dive in and cool off.
Arpoador Rock
It is clear that the beauty of the place is already an attraction in itself! Thus, Arpoador Beach is the perfect spot to sit and simply admire the best that nature has to offer. There is even a VIP area to watch the sunset.
Every day, at the Arpoador Rock, dozens of visitors gather to watch and applaud the spectacle of the sun setting and composing the scene with Dois Irmãos Hill and Gávea Rock. This is a surprisingly unique experience that you must have!
Praia do Diabo (Devil’s Beach)
Oh! And how can we talk about Arpoador Beach without mentioning its neighbor, Praia do Diabo? Although it gets its name from the strong waves that often prevent swimmers from entering, the place is also very popular among those looking for a little spot to exercise, play various games and, of course, enjoy the wonderful scenery.
There you will find a very traditional outdoor gym in the neighborhood, known as Flintstones Gym. It is mainly natural, made up of equipment made of stones, cement and scrap iron, and it is also completely free!
New at Arpoador
There are plenty of places to enjoy the scenery around here! This year saw the opening of a panoramic bench between Diabo and Arpoador beaches, known as Largo do Millôr. Bench was built in honor of Millôr Fernandes, a writer, designer and journalist who, according to friends, always said that if one day he were to be honored, it would be with a bench from which he could watch the sunset.
The project, by urban planner Jaime Lerner, aims to give the impression that the bench is floating and features an image of Millôr’s profile, drawn by Chico Caruso. The image was nicknamed “The Thinker of Ipanema”.
Inauguration was a major achievement for the writer’s family and friends, as well as for cariocas and visitors who, like MIllôr, are passionate about Arpoador. It’s worth a visit when you’re passing through!
Garota de Ipanema Park
Right in front of the Arpoador Beach lifeguard station is a park known for hosting several free concerts. Garota de Ipanema Park also has a children’s playground and a viewpoint overlooking the beach.
The park has recently undergone improvements that will make your visit to Arpoador even more special. It’s an almost obligatory post-beach stop.
arp bar
Speaking of post-beach, it’s quite common to feel hungry after a dip in the sea, right? The arp bar is the perfect stop!
As well as being an extension of Arpoador Beach, with its tables on the promenade, the restaurant has the best of coastal cuisine on its menu and guarantees a memorable experience for those who visit.
So, with the beach surrounded by so many wonders and filled with so many charms, it’s hard to want to leave! Which is why, for those of you who are planning to visit Rio and want to be close to all these points for the duration of your stay, we have the ideal hotel!
Hotel Arpoador
The hotel that bears the same name as one of Rio’s most beautiful beaches reflects the vibe of its surroundings, from its internal structure to the services offered; exclusive beach service, yoga on the terrace and the Maré Spa are just some of the benefits that guests can enjoy!
Every detail is planned so that you can live an authentic Carioca experience inside and outside our hotel. The Arpoador offers a sophisticated simplicity and the encounter between nature and the urban, providing a complete stay with a cabin overlooking the sea.
Finally, it’s clear that every corner of this beach is very special and deserves your attention. Now that you have a complete guide to the area, we look forward to seeing you here at Arpoador!
