Armação dos Búzios, often simply referred to as Búzios, is a resort town and municipality situated in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Today, Búzios is a favored escape from the city and a global tourist destination, particularly among Brazilians and Argentinians.
In the early 20th century, Búzios was a favorite among Rio de Janeiro's high society, who sought to escape the city's chaos and enjoy the peninsula's over 23 beaches. However, it wasn't until 1964, when French actress Brigitte Bardot visited Búzios, that it became a popular tourist spot.
Today, the peninsula is a travel destination offering tranquility, direct contact with nature, and picturesque views. The west coast beaches provide calm, clear waters, while the east coast beaches, facing the open sea, are wilder and attract surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Azeda, Ferradura, João Fernandes, Armação, and Geribá are the town's most popular beaches. At night, Rua das Pedras, Buzios' main street, offers visitors an active nightlife and a wide variety of shopping and dining options.
MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
• Beaches: The west-facing beaches generally offer calm waters, while the east-facing beaches, facing the open sea, attract surfers, windsurfers, and kite enthusiasts. The main beaches around the peninsula, in clockwise order, are Praia Rasa, Praia de Manguinhos, Praia da Tartaruga, Praia do Canto, Praia da Armação and Praia dos Ossos, Praia João Fernandes, Praia Brava, Praia Olho de Boi, Praia do Forno, Praia de Ferradura, Praia Ferradurinha, Praia de Geribá, and Praia Tucuns.
• Rua das Pedras (Street of Stones) is a street that lends its name to the downtown area on the north coast, offering restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
• Statue of Brigette Bardot: The peninsula gained popularity through Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, and a statue of her can be found on the seafront a short distance east of the wharf in the downtown area.
• The Views: There are several viewpoints (mirantes) around Buzios. On top of a hill near Praia Brava, there is a tower that offers good views of much of the peninsula. The road leading up to it is not in the best condition, but it is still accessible by a standard sedan.
