Pedestrian’s Guide To The Beaches, Bars and Best Of Buzios, Brazil

Welcome to Lapa, a bohemian, artistic neighbourhood in central Rio, known for its sultry signature rhythm, artistic flair, historical monuments, party times and colourful residents. This is a place to enjoy the sounds of samba, forró and bosso nova booming out of the cafés and clubs. 

The neighbourhood’s heart is the whitewashed Arches of Lapa (the Carioca Aqueduct), an impressive colonial structure built in the 18th century. Since the end of the 19th century the aqueduct has served as a bridge for the tram.
The area also boasts the famous candy tiled coloured-steps, known as Escadaria Selarón (the Selaron Stairs) a 215 step staircase in the bohemian neighbourhood. 

They were the life’s work of Chilean street artist Jorge Selarón (made famous in Snoop Dogg’s ‘Beautiful’ and the U2 music video ‘Walk On’).

The famous staircase leads up to St Teresa Convent. Once a dilapidated and decaying scene, with the rebirth of Selarón’s artistic vision and determination it was transformed into a multi-coloured art form – a tribute to the vibrant Brazilian people.
Friendly folk and collaborators from around the globe admired the whimsical character and contributed to the steps’ facade, sending and delivering an array of tiles to the artist. Old porcelain bathtubs were used as planters along the sides of the steps. 

The hundreds of tiles depict subjects widely ranging from Indian deities to iconic cartoon characters, antique French designs and Arabic calligraphy alongside kitsch and colourful postcard inspired tiles, just to name a few.

Sadly the Chilean artist was found dead in January, 2013, on the famous Brazilian staircase he spent his life transforming into a work of art. 

“I will only end this mad and singular dream on the last day of my life,” he wrote on the wall nearby.
Obrigada, Selarón.

BUZIOS BEACH CHARM 

Buzios is located two and half hours up the Atlantic coast of Rio de Janeiro. Hemmed in by splendid beaches with pristine blue waters, Buzios was once a simple fishing village and is now a popular sun-seeking holiday destination. The city is known for its chic boutiques and stores galore, ranging from high-end to prized tourist trinkets and restaurants (a pay by kilo trend is catching on with the masses) which line the charming cobblestone streets.

Whilst hanging out at the local beach bar, have a shot of cachaça with the dread-locked boat captain.

At the port you can can take a gander at the native fisherman coming back with their daily catch, whilst hungry, large turtles circle playfully in the water beneath as the cruise ships bob up and down against the peaceful backdrop.

The fresh local seafood is spectacular in Buzios. For dishes made with local ingredients head into town for an authentic Brazilian mouth-watering feast at Taverne 67 Restaurant. Start off with a refreshing Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugar cane hard liquor), sugar and lime. 

A fun way to explore Buzios and the surrounding areas is by renting a beach buggy, it’s both affordable and totally worth it!

For beaches off the beaten track and away from the horde of baking tourists, Praia da Ferradurinha offers picture perfect views and swish villas; for some fluffy dunes and beach babes flaunting their sporty physiques relax by Praia de Geribá.

The floaty sarong is the best beach and travel accessory – lie on it or wrap it around you at the beach and on a summers evening, fling it over your shoulders. On the plane ride home, simply curl up under it and catch up on some Z’s. For the ultimate luxury purchase, you can’t go wrong with a super-soft
sarong in cashmere or silk.
There’s an array of unique styles to choose from at the Buzios boutiques and local markets.