Alice Giddings
Published November 22, 2025 1:00pm
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The beaches in Brazil are something else (Picture: Getty Images)
Hugging the borders of Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru, the sprawling landmass of Brazil is the Big Daddy of Latin America.
Encompassing everything from the Amazon Rainforest to vibrant cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, it’s packed with so much to see and do, it would take a lifetime to complete.
And so, it’s little wonder the world’s fifth-largest country has now been dubbed 2026’s ‘Destination of the Year’ by Travel + Leisure.
Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford said Brazil had been selected because it’s a destination that ’embraces roar and spectacle, whether it’s at a soccer match or a Carnival ball’.
You can lounge on the pristine sands of Itacaré, party in the streets of Rio, dine out on local cuisine in Belém, and explore the wonders of the Amazon Basin all in the same trip, provided your annual leave allows it.
Copacabana: a verified stunner (Picture: Getty Images)
Did we mention Brazil enjoys year-round temperatures of 26°C to 30°C?
With £483 flights from London next year, it’s not the cheapest break (and that involves two rather irritating stopovers).
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You could win a trip to explore Krakow's UNESCO-listed Old Town (Picture: Getty Images)
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But this is Brazil we’re talking about. Here’s every reason why it’s worth splashing your hard-earned cash…
Brazil’s top tier beaches
We don’t know about you, but topping up our tan is our first port of call when we jet off on holiday.
If you’re flying into Rio de Janeiro, then you can’t miss the internationally iconic Copacabana beach. You know the one, with powdery white sand, Caipirinha stalls and that famous mosaic pavement.
The neighbourhood is raucous and bustling with locals and tourists alike, and there are dozens of bars, pubs, and street markets to rest your feet and bask in the glorious chaos.
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Lucky travellers who have got there before us describe the Copacabana as a ‘must visit’ and ‘undeniably wonderful’.
Elsewhere, reportedly known as Rio’s ‘crown jewel’, the Ipanema neighbourhood is home to another famous beach of the same name.
Immortalised in pop culture by the song ‘The Girl from Ipanema’, it’s got a breathtaking view of the mountains and sparkling turquoise water.
If you’re heading to São Paulo, you’ll want to stop off at Praia da Fazenda. The two-mile-long deserted beach is bordered by densely forested mountains and palm tree-embroidered islands.
São Paulo has a good mix of culture and beaches (Picture: Getty Images)
There’s plenty to do, from surfing to dolphin and whale watching to kayaking. Visitors praise it for its ‘exceptional landscape’ and peacefulness — but go prepared because it’s off the main tourist track.
The greatest show
If you travel to Brazil in February, you’ll find yourself in the thick of Rio de Janeiro Carnival, otherwise known as the greatest show on earth.
Members of Paraiso do Tuiuti perform during 2025 Carnival parades at Sapucai Sambodrome (Picture: Getty Images)
There you’ll be treated to a feast for the senses: a glittering array of samba dancers, thumping, toe-tapping music and eye-popping costumes.
The Sambadrome is where 12 samba schools from around the city compete in front of judges and spectators with their choreographed dance and specially designed rig outs.
If you’re not keen on buying a ticket for the official event, you could attend one of the many ‘blocos’ or street parties, which rage day and night complete with street food vendors and live bands.
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For something lower key, you could try Parintins Folklore festival. It’s the second-largest festival after Carnival, held in the municipality of Parintins in Amazonas.
It commemorates the local legend of Boi-Bumba: an ox who was magically resurrected after being slaughtered to satisfy a pregnant woman’s craving for beef tongue. The legend is re-enacted alongside songs and dance routines, and giant floats.
Surprisingly, you can also celebrate Oktoberfest in Brazil.
The city of Blumenau in the province of Santa Catarina is the world’s second-largest Oktoberfest after Munich. Expect all the bells and whistles including traditional costumes, German food and plenty of beer.
Carnival in Rio is a feast for the eyes (Picture: Getty Images)
Brazil for the foodies
If you’re looking for a taste of Brazil in São Paulo and you’re not on a budget, you’ll want to check out Tuju.
The Michelin Guide restaurant sits on a quiet street in Jardim Paulistano, offering a tasting menu filled with seasonal Brazilian produce and flavours.
One Redditor recommended it for tourists, saying it was ‘the very best the city has to offer… honestly a gem’.
For Brazilian on a budget, then venture to Tordesilhas. Known for celebrating Brazil’s regional cuisines, you can expect dishes like Comissão de Frente (pastries filled with shrimp) and Bolinho Errado com Aioli de Pequi (manioc balls with homemade cheese).
São Paulo has a lot to offer on the food front (Picture: Getty Images)
You’ll also want to try the Bobó de Camarão, a shrimp dish in creamy manioc with coconut, and the Barreado, beef slow-cooked for 10 hours in a clay pot. One visitor labelled these dishes ‘memorable and addictive’ on Yelp.
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In Rio de Janeiro you can dine at the highly rated Restaurante Marius Degustare, which is worth a visit for its loud, maximalist and quirky interior. The nautical theme accompanies the food offerings perfectly, with fish and seafood served at the table, with Brazilian and Mediterranean influences.
If you’re in Belém, then Restaurante Ver O Açaí – Umarizal is a must-visit. Serving authentic regional cuisine and generous portions, this cozy spot will give you a true taste of Brazil.
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