Copacabana

The Praia Copacabana, counts to one of the most famous beaches of the whole world. It is situated in the neighboorhood of the same name "Copacabana" in Rio de Janeiro and is about 4 km long.

For the inhabitants of Rio, the Copacabana is not just a beach like any other. To them it stands for a lifestyle. On weekends and holiday the beach is packed with people. It seems like all "Cariocas" (that is how they call the people living in Rio) gather at the beach to enjoy life. For the cariocas it is one of the main meetingpoints of the city. Families, friends and couples meet here to play soccer, take a bath or just relax and enjoy the sun.

But it is also a place where the typical brasilian cult of the body and joy of life is celebrated. Nowhere you will see as many men in speedos and women in string-bikinis as at the Copacabana! People are showing off their bodies, dancing and flirting around... this beach is not just a gathering place but is sparkling with the typical brazilian joy of life.

On regular days the beach can be suprisingly empty and as it is so long you have enough space to have a relaxed day without laying towel on towel next to other people. Also I was suprised how clean the beach was kept by the city. A nice way to enjoy the place can be as well to take a walk along the beautiful promenade with the famous wave pattern. And if you need a refreshment on hot days, they sell coconuts at the beach to drink. It's really yummy and real Copacabana style!

A minus definitely are the many thiefs strolling around the area, looking for tourists that they can rob. But if you watch after your stuff and are really careful you can be lucky and escape the many pickpockets. Also if you want to take a bath you have to be careful because the ocean has a pretty strong current and sometimes bigger waves are breaking on the shore. What some people also might feel as annoying are the many sellers that walk along the beach selling everything possible like, sunglasses, hats, towels, bikinis, etc.

The Copacabana is also the place where they celebrate the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in whole Brazil. Thousands of people gather at the beach, all dressed in white to start into the new year with a huge party and lots of fireworks.

In my opinion the Copacabana is a place to enjoy with caution, but to definitely visit while being in Rio de Janeiro, because it is not just a beach with worldwide fame, but also a place that tells you a lot about the lifestyle of the local Cariocas.