Official language: Portuguese
Time zone: UTC-3
(summer),
UTC-2
(winter)
Currency: Brazilian real (BRL)
Caipirinha is a traditional Brazilian cocktail made of cachaça alcohol, cane sugar, and lime. You definitely need to try it, so look out for a vendor on the beach.
There are favorable diving conditions in the waters near Cabo Frio all year round but they are best in April. Two ocean currents meet here: the warm northern and cold southern.
Not far from Cabo Frio there are numerous interesting islands. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, take a tourist route, e.g., to Ilha do Japonês.
Cabo Frio is a city in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Being situated between the dunes, lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean it makes a perfect holiday destination. It lures tourists with the sound of waves splashing on the shores, soft sand, and a gentle sea breeze. Urban beaches are also a dream-come-true for all water sports lovers and divers.
In 1615, the Portuguese conquered the land that was previously colonized by the French and founded
the settlement of Cabo Frio. Since then, the town started to flourish and expand. At Praia do Forte you can visit Forte de São Mateus do Cabo Frio (Fort of St. Martin) that dates back to the 17th century. The cannons that witnessed old battles are still directed towards the ocean. In Passagem, the oldest part of the city, there are buildings of colonial times, including the Church of St. Benedict (Igreja de São Benedito) where masses for slaves were celebrated, and the Chapel of Our Lady of Guia (Capela Nossa Senhora da Guia) erected in 1740 by the Franciscans.
Cabo Frio is famous mainly for paradise beaches of fine white sand – the most popular are Praia das Dunas and Praia do Forte. The water is cool, but crystal clear with visibility of 8 to 20 meters deep. The gorgeous coast is a bit crowded at high season, especially in December and during the carnival, yet it is exactly when you should come here! Why? The weather is best then and in January the Cabofolia takes place – it’s a festival of outdoor events. To avoid traffic, head for Praia de Peró – a beach within 15 minutes ride from the city. Its calm waters are perfect for children and families.
Feeling hungry? The region takes its pride in the plenitude of sea fish and seafood, which are usually served grilled here. A popular local snack is bolinho de bacalhau (deep oil fried balls of dried salted cod). There is also a variety of meat dishes, e.g., churrasco misto – a platter of grilled meat and sausages. Restaurante Galapagos, Delirio’s Restaurante, and Restaurante Cimalha o Paladar Dos Melhores Momentos – all have our recommendation.