Copacabana Brazil. Copacabana Beach: Sea Princess of Brazil. What documents are needed

Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the best; its description is in guidebooks, and photos adorn all tourist brochures. Although this is far from the only beach in Rio, it is a recognized landmark of this city.


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In total, there are more than 10 beaches within the city limits, those located on the Atlantic attract vacationers with high photogenic waves, and those lurking on the shores of Guanabara Bay with quiet relaxation, clear water and a sense of comfort.

About the beach

Copacabana is not only the most famous of the beaches in the city. It has the greatest width, as well as a length of 5 kilometers. There are surfboard rentals and many other ways to spend your time.

This beach is not so much a place for sunbathing or swimming, but rather a kind of “Broadway”, that is, a place for parties, leisure activities and other things. Although, of course, you can swim here if you wish.

Phil Whitehouse / flickr.com

But here it is customary to spend time differently, especially in the evenings. Copacabana has the best views of sunsets and sunrises of the Atlantic. There is also another feature here - the so-called “long waves”.

For surfing, this nuance does not matter, but for photographs it does. Therefore, photographers from all over the world love to spend time here, both highly paid gurus working for National Geographic and other information resources of the National Geographic Societies of the USA, Great Britain, Norway and other countries, as well as ordinary lovers of beautiful shots.

An embankment paved with paving stones stretches along the sandy line. Along its entire length it is strewn with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. There are hotels here, and rental of bicycles, roller skates and much more.

It is in this place that the procession of participants in Brazilian carnivals begins, and in addition, here is one of the most modern, equipped with the latest technology, concert venues in the world. The list of names of musicians who performed here is endless; to give an idea of ​​the scene, it is enough to mention three - Michael Jackson, Rolling Stones, Hollywood Vampires. This beach area can simultaneously accommodate 2 million spectators.

Where is?

The city district of the same name, located in its southern administrative part, ends with the golden sands of Copacabana. The embankment, to which the beach adjoins, is called “Avenida Atlantica” or “Atlantic Avenue”. It starts from Lema Street and ends at Fort Copacabana.

Bryn Pinzgauer / flickr.com

You can get to the famous beach from anywhere in Rio using the metro. You should get off at one of the stations:

  1. Cardeal Arcoverde.
  2. Siqueira Campos.
  3. Cantalago.

From each you will have to walk a couple of blocks to the embankment. If you want to spend your vacation in a room overlooking Copacabana Beach and with the potential opportunity to be next door to one of the world-class stars, you need to pay attention to the following hotels:

  • Belmond Copacabana Palace;
  • Arena Copacabana Hotel;
  • Olinda Rio Hotel.

These hotels have the best views and are known for their very reasonable prices.

Why is it called that?

Brazil is a country with a very complicated history, part of which is still unknown to modern scientists. Everything that relates to the time before the beginning of the colonization of these lands is collected by scientists literally bit by bit and does not have clear, definite versions.

Matt Kieffer / flickr.com

The word "Copacabana" has two versions of origin:

  1. From the language of the Quechua Indians, from the words “copac” and “cobana”, which can be translated as “blue coast” or “blue beach”.
  2. From the language of the Indians of a more ancient tribe - the Aymara, from the words “coppa” and “cahuana”, which can be translated as “view of the great water”.

Be that as it may, it is reliably known that during the Inca Empire, on the site of the modern Copacabana region, there was a small city of the same name, which was inhabited by the Quechua tribe. The Indians left this area at the beginning of colonization and went deep into the mainland, to the territory of modern Bolivia, where their descendants live to this day.

Subsequently, another settlement was formed on the coast - a fishing village. Geographically, it was located at the junction of the Atlantic embankment with the fort. Later, the village grew into a small town, but the name of these settlements remained the same - Copacabana. It did not change even after the city merged in 1892.

From the history of the beach itself

The history of the beach line begins in the 18th century. At that time, here, next to the fishermen’s village, there was a very tiny village, rather not even a settlement, but several sheds used by the fishermen. This point was called Sakupenapana.

LASZLO ILYES / flickr.com

After one of the Atlantic storms, the miraculously saved sailors, literally thrown onto the sand in this place, built a chapel here. This fact was probably the impetus for the fishing village to grow along the coast rather than inland.

After the merger of the town with Rio, the Real Grandeza tunnel was built and a tram line was built, which connected the coast with the central regions. The paving of the embankment, and at the same time the development of this area, began in 1904. At the end of the 40s of the last century there was already a fashionable area with an amazing beach and an unlimited number of all kinds of entertainment.

In the 50s, Copacabana resembled Nice. It became a place of attraction for the bohemians of the New World. Artists, performers and musicians, socialites, financiers and industrialists from both Americas came here.

In the late 60s, the sand strip was chosen by hippies. Hippies left behind the tradition of spending leisure time on the beach - parties, get-togethers based on interests, performing music and songs with guitars, and so on.

Video: Copacabana beach and Ipanema.

What can surprise you now?

Copacabana is one of the few vacation spots in the world near sea water that has artificial lighting. Not the usual illumination of buildings and lanterns along the sidewalk line on the embankment, but full illumination of the sand.

Pillars with powerful spotlights, similar to those installed in stadiums, are located along the perimeter of the sand strip and on the sidewalk border. Thanks to this, relaxation here does not stop for a minute.

Mike Vondran / flickr.com

Stepping out onto the sand late at night, tourists will see:

  • people playing beach volleyball;
  • children roller skating;
  • cyclists;
  • groups of yoga practitioners and other pictures, usually observed during the day.

At night, sea water is much cooler, and this nuance attracts vacationers who don’t particularly like the heat and have little interest in getting a bronze tan.

Public celebrations are also organized in Copacabana. For example, the celebration of Christmas, New Year and Easter in this place is attractive because carnival columns start from here, fireworks are organized above the fort, visible from every point of the sand strip, and outdoor stands with elegant summer cocktails and bright local shows keep tourists busy until morning.

Although the city limits of Rio de Janeiro are full of other beaches, only Copacabana has attracted the attention of vacationers and travelers for over a hundred years. This popularity is not accidental; the beauty of nature is complemented by the efforts of the municipal authorities to ensure the cleanliness of the sand and water, and the reasonable pricing policy of hotels and restaurants.

The combination of developed infrastructure, the care of the city authorities about the territory and the natural topography makes Copacabana the only “Princess by the Sea” - this is what the residents of Rio call the beach.

Excursion to Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro 2019: cafes and restaurants, hotels, infrastructure and entertainment. Photos and reviews about Copacabana.

The stunning Copacabana Beach is what always comes to people's minds when they think of Brazil and the beautiful coastlines of Rio de Janeiro. This is a huge and very long crescent-shaped beach. It is absolutely ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is bordered on one side by the well-known Pao de Acucar mountain, also called Sugarloaf Mountain, and on the other by the former Fort of Copacabana. The beach itself is quite wide and in some places much sunny compared to the neighboring one.

The length of the beach coastline reaches 4 km. Copacabana is considered one of the most attractive beaches around the world. For the entertainment of holidaymakers, many indoor and outdoor restaurants, bars, luxury hotels, nightclubs and casinos are lined along the coast. Thousands of tourists flock to Copacabana Beach every day. Copacabana Beach is illuminated every night with a huge number of lanterns, providing a fairytale-like feel and look to the entire coastline.

Important: despite the excellent lighting, it is considered risky to walk around Copacabana at night; in the dark you can only walk near hotels.

Copacabana - history and modernity

The fame of this sandy beach came in the 50s of the last century, when world show business stars, famous artists and other famous personalities began to come here. Many historical events from the world of fashion, music and cinema are associated with Copacabana. So, This is where the fashion trend for bikinis originated and where the largest concert of the Rolling Stones group was held., which, according to average estimates, was visited by more than 2 million people.

The highlight of Copacabana is the legendary sand sculpture exhibition that takes place here regularly.

Copacabana Beach - infrastructure and recreation 2019

Today, Copacabana Beach is the largest South American resort with a developed infrastructure, an abundance of apartments of different levels of comfort, gambling houses, entertainment centers and other amenities so necessary for a quality and complete vacation. You can literally live on this beach: hotels, and not always expensive ones, are located right on the coast, the beach itself is equipped and has zoning based on comfort.

And although some believe that there are beaches in Brazil that are much better than Copacabana, in terms of popularity and attendance, hardly any of them can compare with it.

Cafes and restaurants Copacabana

Copacabana beach is always crowded

In addition to comfortable and affordable rooms in coastal hotels, Copacabana Beach is famous for the presence of a large number of interesting cafes and restaurants:

  • There are such cozy places as Cafe Copacabana , which recreates the atmosphere of the romantic 30s and 50s of the last century.
  • And there are elite restaurants where not every vacationer can afford a delicious meal. The leader among them is Carretao restaurant .
  • Those vacationers who want to enjoy Brazilian cuisine, but do not want to give half the money they brought with them for lunch, will undoubtedly enjoy it Churrascaria town , where everyone can eat plenty of meat delicacies, just by paying admission.

Active holidays on the beach 2019

The most widely played sport on Copacabana Beach is beach soccer. However, it’s 2019: other types of entertainment are actively developing in Copacabana - volleyball, jet skiing, various slides, surfing and much more.

What else to do in Copacabana

The best beaches in Brazil are located in Rio!

It is unlikely that you will be able to choose a time when there are few people on Copacabana Beach. Beachgoers from all over the world can be seen here all year round. Besides the fact that football is constantly played here, most vacationers simply relax, lying on sun loungers under the gentle Brazilian sun. Life does not stop on the coast for a minute, and when darkness falls, it is mainly those who come on vacation with children who leave the beach. Young people and those vacationers who can afford to have fun day and night go to the nearest clubs or stay to dance fiery Latin American dances right here on the sandy dance floor.

The highlight of Copacabana is the legendary sand sculpture exhibition that takes place here regularly during the beach season. People are happy to show themselves and their talent by sculpting sand masterpieces.

Even if some people think that there are beaches in Brazil that are much better than Copacabana, in terms of popularity and attendance, hardly any of them can compare with it!

Those lucky ones will also be lucky to be able to get to Copacabana on December 31, on this day several million people come to the beach to lower bouquets of flowers into the ocean, thereby thanking the sea goddess. And, despite the fact that it is a Christian country, this pagan tradition is very popular here. The most interesting thing begins when all this crowd in white clothes lights candles, what kind of White Sensation is there?

And, of course, the geographical location of Copacabana beach leaves its mark on the format of the holiday. After all, every traveler will probably want to visit popular ones, including a huge number of natural sites.

For example, such as:

  • jungle;
  • historical monuments, the age of which often cannot be accurately dated.

And, of course, don’t forget about cultural and sports institutions, including legendary theaters and football stadiums, where the most spectacular matches of one of the strongest football teams on the planet - the Brazilian national team - took place.

You can only catch Copacabana beach like this at dawn...

Copacabana beach on the map of Rio de Janeiro

Holidays on Copacabana Beach are for those who love to have fun, have fun and spend money. Be careful, the atmosphere of this place is so exciting that you may spend all your money on the first day.

Have a nice holiday!

Copacabana Beach is located in the south of Rio de Janeiro. It is considered one of the most famous beaches in the world.

The sandy area borders Atlantic Avenue; its areas are an excellent venue for major sporting events, such as beach soccer and volleyball championships. Such actions attract up to one million people. On July 28, 2013, the beach hosted a record audience, with an open address at Pope Francis' 28th World Youth Day estimated at more than 3.5 million people.

The beach and surrounding area were originally called "Sacopenapa" in the Tupi language, meaning "the sound and beating of the heron's wings." In the eighteenth century, with the opening of the chapel in honor of Our Lady of Copacabana, the rocks at the end of the beach and the entire area began to be named accordingly. At the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century, a tram service was brought to the beach, which increased its attendance by the local population.

The design of the sidewalk in the form of identical curved lines imitating waves is known all over the world. This pattern was originally used in Pedro IV Square, better known as Rossio Square in Lisbon. Here the waves were initially located perpendicular to the roadway. They were made of black basalt and white calcite, brought from the vicinity of Lisbon, for which they received the popular name “Portuguese stones”. This is what they are called to this day, although the pavement material has long been replaced by local rocks.

On July 5, 1922, the sidewalks of Copacabana Beach were the scene of a significant event in the history of the country: a march of eighteen tenentist rebels took place here, brutally suppressed by the authorities.

The symbol of the city, the Copacabana Palace Hotel was opened on August 13, 1923, directly opposite the beach. Beginning in the 1930s and continuing into the 1950s, the beach experienced a golden age, displacing Flamengo Beach as the top destination in popularity and earning the nickname "Princess of the Sea."

In the 1970s, during the repaving of the road and the widening of Atlantic Avenue, the waves of the pedestrian zone acquired their current direction parallel to the length. During the same period of time, embankment work was carried out, the width of the recreation area and the beach strip were significantly expanded, drainage and wastewater systems were modernized, bicycle paths and several shopping pavilions were organized.

During the 2016 Olympic Games, Copacabana Beach and Fort hosted competitions in beach volleyball, swimming and triathlon.

Copacabana resort is the most famous beach in the world. It is located in Brazil, the city of Rio de Janeiro. Surely, you can imagine what he looks like; his photographs are printed on all tourist brochures in Brazil (or together with the statue of Christ the Redeemer). If not, then let us remind you: this is five kilometers of snow-white sand, dotted with tanned bodies, sun loungers and umbrellas.

True, this is not quite a classic beach in the sense of the word: Swimming here is not recommended(ocean waves are dangerous and unpredictable). But nevertheless, the Copacabana resort remains the main attraction of Rio and Brazil.

History of Copacabana

The history of the resort began back in 1750, when a chapel was erected on the coast in honor of the Bolivian city of the same name. Until the end of the 19th century, the coast was a quiet fishing village, until a tram was launched connecting Copacabana with Rio.

The development of the resort was facilitated by the construction of the Avenida Atlantica embankment.

In the middle of the last century, the coast gained fame as a bohemian resort, where expensive hotels were actively built, Hollywood movie stars, artists, writers, politicians and businessmen vacationed. The most expensive real estate was built here, where wealthy people settled.

On the beach there is the largest concert venue in the world, where Elton John, the Rolling Stones, and Lenny Kravitz performed.

Copacabana

Copacabana is considered the most touristic and picturesque part of the city to this day. Along the coast there is an endless row of hotels of various price categories, various bars and modest souvenir shops.

If you are in Brazil for the first time, it is worth staying in this area: you will be provided with a beautiful view from the hotel window, relative safety (as you know, in Brazil this is not very good), good restaurants and cafes. It is indeed a rare case when it is better to settle in a tourist area.

The only darkening factor is a lot of beggars and pickpockets. When going to the coast, it is better to take only the essentials: a swimsuit, a towel, sun cream and some cash, so as not to be too upset if something goes missing.

When it gets dark, it is better to abandon the tempting idea of ​​walking along the coast; it is better to walk along the side of Avenida Atlantica, where the hotels are located.

Life on the beach is dynamic and extremely eventful. Even a simple walk along the coast is a wonderful holiday, a search for new experiences and a tiny acquaintance with the country. This is the main meeting and communication place for Brazilians and guests of the country. Some are walking, some are rollerblading, some are lazily sunbathing or leisurely drinking coffee with the morning newspaper or playing volleyball. By the way, the beach is literally dotted with volleyball nets.

New Year in Copacabana

New Year is the most significant event of Copicabana (and then there is Carnival). On December 31, a crowd of three million gathers on the coast. On this day, Brazilians throw armfuls of roses and gladioli into the water along with water candles and dress in white. But the most beautiful thing happens after midnight - a gorgeous fireworks display, followed by kisses and hugs between members, and then the famous dancing until the morning.

Keeping track of your own watch and wallet is another feature of the New Year's party. It is better to book a hotel in advance for such an event: prices increase significantly.

Things to do?

Life on the beach is in full swing in the morning and evening, you are sure to find entertainment to your liking. Beach volleyball or football tournaments, surfing, boat trips or just pleasant idleness - the choice is yours. Separately, it is worth mentioning master classes on creating sand figures.

Copacabana beach is considered one of the most popular not only in Brazil, but throughout the world. It, along with the statue of Christ the Redeemer, has long become the calling card of the country.

This is a place where both tourists and locals gather, where the music never stops and the fun never stops, where you can not only sunbathe, but also get acquainted with the traditions and customs of the Brazilians.

Its popularity came relatively recently, in the 50s of the last century. Somehow by chance, the beautiful coastline was chosen by artists, filmmakers, and musicians. Since then, the coast has invariably remained not only a beach, but also a cultural center. Festivals and concerts are constantly held here. One of the most significant took place in 2006 - then the Rolling Stones managed to simultaneously gather more than 2 million fans. By the way, the bikini fashion, which quickly spread throughout the world, also originated in Copacabana.

As for today, this beach can rightfully be called one of the busiest in the world. Everyone can find entertainment to their liking. Fans of extreme sports traditionally try to cope with surfing, athletes play football and volleyball, romantics and lovers of peace go on boat trips. In addition, Copacabana is famous for its sand figures that constantly appear here and there. Those interested can even take part in a master class and feel like a real architect.

Along the coast there are a huge number of cafes and restaurants where you can chat over a glass of cocktail, have a snack and even watch football on the big screen. The most popular is the Copacabana establishment, where the colorful atmosphere of the 30-40s of the 20th century is recreated. An excellent option for those who want not only to have lunch, but also to take a real trip in a time machine.

As the sun sets, Copacabana becomes even busier than during the day. In the evening, numerous nightclubs open their doors, where world-famous DJs play tracks.

And, of course, speaking about Copacabana, one cannot fail to mention how the beach is transformed on New Year’s Eve. Millions of people come here dressed exclusively in white. Roses and gladioli are launched into the sea. At midnight, everyone traditionally hugs and drinks champagne, while fireworks and salutes soar into the sky.

Attractions near Copacabana Beach

A holiday on Copacabana beach can be combined with a visit to the fort museum of the same name. In addition, not so far away, within a radius of 4 kilometers, are the “calling cards” of Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, located on the top of Mount Corcovado and another popular beach, Ipanema.

Where to stay

Tourists who want to breathe the air of Copacabana 24 hours a day can stay in one of the hotels located right on the coast. The most expensive is the luxurious five-star Copacabana Palace, where guests are offered not only to stay in luxury rooms, but also to take advantage of a wide range of services - from a private beach equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, to spas. Among our compatriots, the four-star Windsor Excelsior is traditionally popular, where, in addition to the traditional range of entertainment, there is a real Russian bathhouse. Among economical options, Windsor Copa and Bed & Breakfast Copacabana Joana deserve attention.

How to get to Copacabana Beach

The easiest way to get to Copacabana Beach is by metro. The nearest stations are Cardeal Arcoverde and Siqueira Campos. Having risen from the subway, you will have to walk several blocks. Those who are not interested in walking can use a taxi.