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Buzios
About 180 km to the east of Rio de Janeiro. It is on a peninsula extending into the Atlantic ocean with 23 beaches. Today Buzios is the meeting point for upper class Brazilian holidaymakers, as well as many foreign tourists. At night the town sparkles as all the beautiful people compete with each other for attention. |
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| The City |
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Buzios is about 180 km to the east of Rio de Janeiro. It is on a peninsula extending into the Atlantic ocean with 23 beaches. The beaches vary greatly from rough to gentle, busy to tranquil and warm to cool.
Today Buzios is the meeting point for upper class Brazilian holidaymakers, as well as many foreign tourists.
During the day the town is deserted as everyone heads for the many beaches to show off their suntanned bodies or eat the delicious seafood. At night the town sparkles as all the beautiful people with each other for attention.
The evening begins at ten and goes on until dawn when the innumerable streetbars finally close their doors.
Buzios is famous for its beaches. It is 180 Km away from Rio de Janeiro and very much sought after by tourists at the end of the year for the new years eve celebrations.
This coastal region stretches along the northern part of the state and is marked by the conviviality of contrasts of luxury and simplicity, colonial and modern, different cuisines, different types of boats and ways of life. The most traditional activity in this region is salt mining, which is practised along the whole fluminense coast and features windmills as its symbol. Fishing villages are also closely linked to the region, giving the area a rustic appearance. The main tourist attractions of the region are the resorts of Buzios, Cabo Frio, Arraial do Cabo, Rio das Ostras, Marica and Saquarema. Originally fishing village, the present municipality of Buzios, with an area of 95 Km2, was until recently part of the district of Cabo Frio.
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| History |
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Armacao de Buzios used to be the territory of the tribe called Tamoios, who used to hunt and fish. In 16th century, the strategic location, the natural coves and the abundance of fresh water turned this peninsula into an important point of supply for the French pirates, who were planning to conquer Rio de Janeiro. After defeating the enemy, the Portuguese started to cultivate bananas in the area.
The peninsula's name derived from the large amounts of shells that existed on the ocean floor in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its coves protected travelling ships and offered sheltered spots where fishermen could fix their nets, after spending several days at sea.
Buzios started to change its character in the 1950's. The natural beauty began to attract the high society from Rio, who were seeking a calm place to build weekend houses, and the desire to be in Buzios increased rapidly. With the arrival of Brigitte Bardot in the 60's, Buzios, still a small and cosy resort, slowly turned into a tourist destination, famous worldwide. Today Buzios is the hot spot in the Brazilian real estate market and a "new" location for world tourism.
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| General Inf |
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TELEPHONE AREA CODE
024/
CLIMATE
Buzios has an average temperature of 25o centigrade. During the winter months temperatures drop slightly but it is rarely cold.
CLOTHING
Its location dictates that the fashion in Buzios is beachwear. During the day people wear shorts and teeshirts, in the evening dress is casual but chic.
ELECTRICITY
110 V
AIRPORT
Buzios has a small airport 18 km away from the centre. It is only served by small charter companies and airtaxis.
BUSINESS HOURS
Businesses work to a Siesta time table. They open early, close for a long midday break and re-open at about 4 pm until late.
TAXIS
The best place for taking a taxi is at the main square. Arrangements can be made for pick ups from other points. You should speak to the receptionist at the pousada, many of which have a shuttle service.
MEDICAL
For minor health problems contact the receptionist, they can get in touch with the Buzios Clinic. (Av. J.B. Ribeiro Dantas 3000, Tel: (0246) 23-2465)
CONSULATES
Refer to Rio de Janeiro.
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| How To Get There |
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The international airport of Rio, Galeao, is situated about 180 km from Buzios.
Specially trained guides will receive clients with a name board and from there, transfer to Buzios takes about 3 hours. With guides giving an informative commentary it is a very pleasant trip, allowing the visitor to see the beauty of the state.
For those who opt not to make use of this important service, other transport is available:
From the airport, take the air-conditioned bus or taxi to the rodoviaria (bus terminal) from where buses leave regularly for Buzios. We recommend this option only if a guide accompanies you to the bus terminal. However, there may still be complications in Buzios itself as the bus terminal there is about four kilometres from the town centre and it has been reported that there are not always taxis to take you to the centre.
Another alternative, for groups of up to 20 pax, is by air taxi, which offers a panoramic flight along Rio's northern coast and lake district. It takes about 30 minutes.
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| Restaurants |
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Buzios has so many Restaurants, many of them located at Rua das Pedras, that you can really make up your mind while strolling through the street. If you are looking for inexpensive, but no less quality restaurants, try the street behind the famous Rua das Pedras.
Remember, during the high season in Jan + Feb or during holidays it may get difficult to find seats for groups.
@ Satyricon XX $$$$ * - R. Jose Bento Riberio Dantas, 500 (Armacao)
Tel 2623-1595; cc: all; 13h/2h Italian
The quality and freshness of its seafood, combined with pasta are the main attraction of this fine Restaurant. Try the Spaghetti with shrimps and rucola, Pargo-Fish in salt or langoustines-risotto with fresh shrimps.
@ Fazendinha Blancpain XX $$$ * - Access through road to Cabo Frio, km 5, Tel 2623-6490; 13:30h/21h; closed on Tue and Thu and during Apr-Jun and Aug-Nov
Good ingredients.
Nelson's
Insiders celebrate this "artist" as the best chef of Buzios, who receives at his private home. It's magic. Ask at the hotel reception.
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| Night Life |
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There are hundreds of bars and restaurants in Buzios which start to fill up after 9pm and stay open until very late. At the top of the range are the sophisticated, more expensive bars but for those who like a more relaxed atmosphere, there are cheaper bars to choose from, where live music is played for all tastes. The streets also fill up and Rua das Pedras has become a popular venue to see and be seen - Ray Bans in hand and designer knitwear draped over shoulders.
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Beaches of Buzios
Buzios is a Peninsula surrounded by marvellous Beaches. Its main activity are the beaches and hotels and inns give the nearest beach as reference. In our Image section we have them all.
Buzios Golf Club & Resort
The only golf course in South America designed by famous American architects Pete and Perry Dye under the coordination of DomEudes de Orleans e Bragança. Buzios Golf Club has a total area of more than...
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