Armação dos Búzios or simply Buzios is said to have been 'discovered' by Brigitte Bardot in the 60s, which converted this quaint little fishing village into what it is today, a fashionable tourist destination for the wealthy. It is in fact impossible to fathom that this little village was once a settlement for European pirates and slave traders. Over the years Buzios has developed into a classy resort with high class boutiques, fine dining and excellent tourist infrastructure including wonderful Buzios posadas and Buzios hotels. Called the St. Tropez of Brazil, Buzios has been an independent community since 1991 with 23 beaches and 18 islands which beckon tourists from all over the world. Buzios is a safe port option for cariocas and foreigners alike, which creates an atmosphere perfect for all types of vacations.
Buzios is a resort that harmoniously combines amazing natural beauty with sophisticated infrastructure. This unique combination is able to fulfil the most different tastes and makes this place one of the most visited destinations in Brazil!
Located in the state of Rio de Janeiro on the northern coast, Buzios is 170 kilometres or a two and a half hour drive from the Rio International Airport. The road follows the RJ 106 passing through São Pedro da Aldeia towards Tamoios, where the road branches out towards Buzios. Use our map of Buzios to choose amongst the many posadas and hotels in Buzios we have on offer for you.
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The Portuguese influence is very evident in the culture, art and architecture of Buzios. In 1575 they introduced Catholicism and drove away the French pirates from this fishing village. Thereafter, Catholicism also became the official religion of Rio de Janeiro. A number of old churches dot the landscape in the lower portion of town and outside the city limits. Take one of the Buzios tours to the Sant' Ana church, close to Ossos which is a reminder of Buzios history. The city gets its name from the seeds that are found on the beaches, which look like birds' eyes.
A modern cultural attraction is the bronze statue of actress Brigitte Bardot who fell in love with the town and spent a lot of time in Buzios. In fact, her presence created a trend among the rich and famous, who bought holiday and retirement homes. Inevitably the town has developed a taste for art and with the help of the local government and rich patrons a number of artists and art galleries flourish here. The Galeria das Artes in Rua das Pedras is a small gallery which houses contemporary work of some of the best artists in Buzios.
In addition to the culture when heading out on tours in Buzios, you will come across the beautiful architecture of the area which is a feast for the eyes. It is an aesthetic mix of art and science. The colonial influence is strong and most villas resemble the ones found in Spain, Portugal and Italy. An interesting aspect is that no two buildings seem alike and this lends an individualistic expression to Buzios' culture. A walk through the streets of this quaint little fishing town is certain to take your breath away. Since the sea is such an important part of the landscape, a law was passed in 1979 restricting the construction of buildings taller than two storeys. This arrangement lets everyone have a view of the sea, regardless of development in the town.
There is no denying that the many things to see and do in Buzios attract the elite who keep returning to the world class beaches, the modern galleries, the boutiques and the great clubs amongst other things. Beaches like Geribá and Tucuns are perfect for surfers and snorkelers while the Joao Fernandes Beach is upmarket, with lovely cafés. And if you are looking for a more traditional experience, the Ilhabela beach is a relaxed and peaceful option. The town centre is lined with a number of posadas, which are quaint inns, and from here a walk along the harbour to where all the Buzios hotels are located is a great way to unwind. Do not miss the discos, which offer a great night life. Both the city centre and clubs are open till 1 am.
For all the information you need to know about the best places to visit in Buzios, check out our Buzios Destination Guide and Buzios Tour pages. We also have some tips on how to get to from and around Buzios in our Buzios Transportation guide.
