Key facts
| Country | Brazil (Grumari, West Zone of Rio de Janeiro) |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG) or Santos Dumont (SDU), roughly 1–1.5 hours by road |
| Best time | March–May and September–November; summer (December–February) is hot and rainy |
| Type | Public naturist beach inside a municipal natural park |
| Adults only | No — a public naturist beach |
| Clothing | Naturist beach; follow the rules posted at the entrance |
| Best months | March–May, September–November |
Praia do Abricó is a small beach in Grumari, on the far western coast of the city of Rio de Janeiro, beyond Recreio dos Bandeirantes and the surf beach of Prainha. It lies inside the Grumari Municipal Natural Park, framed by steep, forested hills and clear water, and it feels a world away from Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio's tourism board, Riotur, describes it as the only beach in the city intended for naturism, officially linked to the Brazilian Naturist Federation (FBrN).
A short history
Local people used Abricó for naturism from the 1940s, when it was hard to reach. A coastal road opened in 1972, bringing more visitors. In 1992 the city's environment secretary proposed authorising naturism there, and the municipal law passed in 1994 despite a lawsuit that tried to stop it. Legal disputes over the beach's status have surfaced since, but naturism has continued, and the beach is managed with posted rules and support from local naturist organisations.
Who it suits
- Naturists who want to experience Brazilian naturism in a stunning natural setting.
- Couples visiting Rio who want a quieter, cleaner beach far from the crowds.
- Nature lovers; the Grumari park protects coastal forest and restinga vegetation.
It is a family-friendly naturist beach, not a lifestyle venue.
Rules and etiquette
A board at the entrance sets out the beach's rules; read it when you arrive. Typical naturist rules apply: no photography of people without consent, no staring, no sexual behaviour and respect for other visitors. Rules on whether nudity is required at certain times may apply, so follow the signs and any guidance from the association that looks after the beach. Take all rubbish with you, as the beach is in a protected park.
Best time to go
Rio is warm year-round. The summer months from December to February are hot, humid and rainy, and weekends are crowded. The autumn and spring months (March to May, September to November) are often the most pleasant. Winter (June to August) is mild and drier. Go on a clear day with calm seas, since the road and beach are best enjoyed in good weather.
Getting there
Abricó is reached along Avenida Estado da Guanabara through Grumari; a paved road gives close access to the beach. Public transport stops several kilometres away, so most visitors come by car, taxi or ride-hailing app from Barra da Tijuca or Recreio. From Galeão International Airport (GIG) or Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), allow roughly one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic. Parking along the park road is limited on busy days. Arrange your return transport in advance, as taxis can be scarce there.
Legal notes
In Brazil, public nudity outside designated naturist areas can be prosecuted as an obscene act. Abricó is an authorised naturist beach under Rio's municipal law. Stay within the beach area while nude and dress on the access road and at the parking areas. Public sexual behaviour is illegal.
Safety
- Sea conditions: The Atlantic can bring strong waves and currents to this coast. Swim only when the sea is calm and stay within your depth.
- Sun: The tropical sun is intense; use high-factor sunscreen and seek shade.
- Belongings: Take only what you need and do not leave valuables in cars. Leave the area before dark, as the park road is isolated at night.
Nearby
Grumari beach next door and Prainha are among Rio's most beautiful and least developed beaches, popular with surfers. The fishing village of Barra de Guaratiba, known for its seafood restaurants, is nearby. Brazil has other official naturist beaches, such as Tambaba in the state of Paraíba. Browse members in Brazil and naturist places in Brazil.