Just a short walk from downtown Arraial do Cabo is the vibrant Prainha Beach (Prainha). Mingle with the locals and tourist that come to hang out at this sublime coastal setting. Go swimming at Prainha Beach, watch fishermen at work, follow hiking trails to quiet bays and feast on traditional Brazilian beach food.
The beach fronts a residential neighbourhood and is a hive of activity, but that takes little away from its attractiveness. Feel the soft white sand run between your toes as you stroll along the shoreline. Plunge into the warm, clean water and have fun jumping around in the gentle waves. Arrive early in the morning to observe as fishermen pull nets onto the beach from their colourful boats.
Food stands set up almost the entire length of the beach, with many offering shaded seating areas. Grab a front row table, order a cold beer, caipirinha or fruit juice and drink in the views. The bars serve grilled fish, sushi and salgadinhos, which are baked or fried dough balls stuffed with combinations of cheese, meat, seafood and vegetables. Be sure to try an acai bowl, a typical Brazilian snack of frozen acai palm fruit topped with granola, fruits and syrup.
Follow the short and long hiking trails that start at the beach. A dirt track leads from the eastern end to the quiet Graçainha Beach. From here you have the option to follow a series of longer trails, which traverse a headland and eventually connect with Forno Beach. Walk up the hill on the western side and admire the beach panorama from Prainha Viewpoint. Then return to the beach or continue over Morro Hill for 30 minutes to Pontal Beach.
Prainha Beach is about 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) north of the city centre. The quickest way to get here is to take a taxi. Street parking is available, although spaces fill up fast in the summer months and on weekends. The neighbourhood of Prainha is home to a varied selection of hotels and posadas.
