Bonete, Ilhabela (SP)

This beach of clear sand and rough sea still maintains wild characteristics that attract ecotourism lovers, surfers, or just anyone who wants to disconnect from the modern world and enjoy unique moments in paradise.

Its 600-meter-long shoreline is surrounded by sun-hatted trees and, in the sea, waves up to 3m brought by the south wind make the surfers happy, among them Gabriel Medina, a native of Maresias who loves to catch waves in the Bonete. At Bonete beach, you can get to know waterfalls, do trails, eat a fried fish at the edge of the beach or just enjoy the late afternoon.

Access is not so easy, it can be done by sea aboard the traditional canoes "bonteras" or excursion boats - several tourist agencies offer itineraries to the place. But the preferred way to get to Bonete is by the 15km trail through Ilhabela State Park, which starts at Sepituba Point, at the southern end of the island, where the asphalt road ends, and takes the adventurers by a 3 to 6 walk hours to the beach. Because it is a long trail, it is advisable to follow guides or environmental monitors.

Whoever does the trail ensures that all the effort is worth it. On the way, waterfalls with crystalline waters, among them the “Cachoeira da Lage” and “Cachoeira do Areado”, and much preserved Atlantic Forest.

Lagoinha do Leste, Florianópolis (SC)

A beach of open sea and crystalline waters located in the South of the Island, Lagoinha is squeezed between two coasts that enter the ocean, forming almost a small cove of little more than a kilometer. Behind, a vast Atlantic Forest ensures the sensation of being back in time. The beach has the company of a lagoon, that gives name to the place, next to the left coast. From hot and dark waters, the lagoon hides behind the restinga, originating in a river that rises on the hill.

Even isolated - you can only arrive on foot or by boat -, Lagoinha receives many visitors in the summer. They run the secular trail and use the beach to swim, snorkel and surf. Like the great bathhouses of the Island, Lagoinha do Leste already feels the first effects of the exploration.

The beach is perfect for camping, since, besides the beauty, still has shade and drinking water along the left bank. The right side presents a spring with running water during periods with more rainfall. The only problem, says the legend, is the witches who come back and use it for their rituals.

Taipu de Fora, Maraú (BA)

Clear blue sea, golden sand and a row of coconut trees to lose sight of. To enjoy the beautiful scenery of the most beautiful beach of the peninsula, just sit in one of the bars spread by the waterfront.

But to know the best of Taipu you have to put mask and snorkel and swim in the true aquarium that forms in natural pools - a phenomenon that only occurs twice a month, when the tide is low (not to miss the show, check the table of tides and learn the saying: "new moon, full moon, low tide, nine and a half").

The town of Taipu is one of the largest urban centers of Barra Grande, and has good structure of inns, restaurants, bars and small shops.

Lopes Mendes, Ilha Grande (RJ)

Lopes Mendes is an oceanic beach, with 2,400 meters of white sand, very fine but firm. The sea is treacherous, because of the strong currents that make holes in the sand, but the beach is shallow, which makes it ideal for both swimmers and surfers. The transparency of the water is impressive, as is its variation of shades. Once had residents, but today is a deserted beach, with little potable water and plenty of shade almost all the way. The sun and the wind can cause skin burns in those not prepared.

Access is only possible by trail or boat, which leaves Vila do Abraão (main village of Ilha Grande) and sails for 30 minutes to the Palmas pier. From there, there is a steep 20 minute trail to the beach. There is also a 10-kilometer trail that leaves Abraão and passes through Grande, Aroreira and Palmas beaches. The best physically prepared can walk in 90 minutes (the stretch to Praia Grande is steep).

Moreré, Ilha de Boipeba (BA)

The small village has little structure, but attracts more than the neighboring Bainema and is one of the most beautiful and tranquil stretches of the Brazilian coast. There are only 250 residents, and there is no tourist who does not envy those who live on this paradisiacal beach. Almond trees make perfect shadows to stretch the canga, and the tide transforms the place with each ascent.

And the capricious tide play tricks on the visitors: at an hour leaves only a fillet of sand to walk and floods the soccer field of the natives; and suddenly it goes away, stranding some boats and forming natural pools full of marine life - there, boats coming from Morro de São Paulo make stops for tourists to dive.

Those who come walking from Boca da Barra should be careful when crossing the Oritibe River: just go at low tide and wear shoes not to cut their feet in the bottom oysters. Access by foot (one hour) or by boat (25 minutes) from Boca da Barra.