Cabo Frio

Travel Guide
Sao Benedito Church which includes a church or cathedral and a small town or village
White sand beaches, brilliant blue ocean, excellent lodging choices and numerous bars and restaurants make this a popular spot in Brazil’s Lakes Region.

Cabo Frio is a favorite of families and friends seeking sun and fun on the Brazil coast. This is the largest city in the Lakes Region in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Vacationers come for the refreshing waters of Forte Beach, the lively boardwalk scene and fresh seafood. Appreciate the history here as well a centuries-old fortress stands right at the beach’s edge.

Start at Forte Beach, the 4.6-mile (7.5-kilometer) stretch of sand at central Cabo Frio. Take a break from the waves, wandering along the boardwalk for shopping, live music and dining on everything from aioli shrimp to ice cream.

Visit the calm, clear waters of Conchas Beach, 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from the city center, for a quieter, family-focused beach. Try fishing and kayaking and let the kids climb in the beachside hills to discover natural pools. Dunas Beach is a great choice for nature lovers, surfers and kitesurfers. This is the region’s quietest beach, surrounded by vegetation and dramatic sand dunes.

Learn about the history of Cabo Frio at São Mateus Fort, east of Forte Beach. The 17th-century fort was integral during the Portuguese occupation. View the stone and limestone ruins, complete with seven cannons.

Wander cobblestone streets in the historic Bairro da Passagem neighborhood, with its whitewashed buildings from the 17th century, chic restaurants and outstanding view of the Itajuru Canal, which connects Araruama Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean. For nightlife, check out the Boulevard near the canal and Rua Porto Alegre, where the partying goes on until early morning.

Combine a visit to Cabo Frio with a trip to nearby Arraial do Cabo, a favorite of scuba divers, nicknamed the “Caribbean of Brazil” for its clear, warm waters. Dine at a floating restaurant, explore the Gruta Azul cave and catch stunning sunsets over the Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia beach.

Spend as much time as you can in the sunny Cabo Frio stretch of Brazilian coast, for beach days and history lessons.

Where to stay in Cabo Frio

Cabo Frio showing a bay or harbor

Passagem

4/5(1 area review)

Travelers like the beaches in Passagem, and Itajuru Canal is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Passagem
Conchas Beach showing a sandy beach, a coastal town and general coastal views

Peró

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers like the beaches in Peró, and Pero Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Peró
Parish Our Lady of the Assumption of Cabo Frio showing street scenes and heritage elements as well as an individual femail

Cabo Frio Centro

While visiting Cabo Frio Centro, you might make a stop by sights like Parish Our Lady of the Assumption of Cabo Frio and Itajuru Canal.

Cabo Frio Centro
Aguas Square which includes a statue or sculpture, outdoor art and a garden

Vila Nova

If you're spending some time in Vila Nova, Aguas Square and Cabo Frio Municipal Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Vila Nova
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Unamar

Travelers like the beaches in Unamar, and Unamar Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Unamar
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Braga

Travelers like the parks in Braga, and Dunas Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Braga
Hotel La Plage
Hotel La Plage
3 out of 5
Rua dos Badejos, 40, Praia do Peró, Cabo Frio, RJ
The price is $78 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
$78
$80 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cabo Frio. Enjoy breakfast, room service, and a sauna. Popular attractions Pero Beach and Shopping do Peró are located nearby. ...
6/10 (363 reviews)
"Horrible wifi only worked in lobby, no hot water, sandy floors, poor service and communication at reception - didn't work well with hotels.com reservation and on top of everything THE SHOWER ELECTRICUTED ME!.. Plus the sheets didn't fit well so they came off while we were sleeping so you woke up ..."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2014

Hotel La Plage
Hotel Paradiso del Sol
Hotel Paradiso del Sol
3.5 out of 5
Rua Professor Domingos, Bonifacio Ribeiro No. 103, Cabo Frio
The price is $73 per night from Apr 22 to Apr 23
$73
$75 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 22 - Apr 23
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Cabo Frio. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free valet parking. Popular attractions St. Benedict Chapel and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (319 reviews)
"Location and facilities are excellent. Staff is solid, good service for the money."

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2024

Hotel Paradiso del Sol
Green Hoteis
Green Hoteis
3.5 out of 5
Av. Teixeira e Souza, 1056, Centro, Cabo Frio, Rio De Janeiro
The price is $53 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
$53
$60 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Cabo Frio. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Fonte do Itajuru Park and Itajuru Fountain ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (256 reviews)
Greatest hotel in the area :)
"first off.. the location isn’t the greatest. There’s not too much good things around if you don’t have a car! But other than this. The hotel is amazing. The staff are friendly and very professional. They helped me and my friend with a lot of things. Anything you need, don’t be afraid to ask. The ..."

Reviewed on May 21, 2021

Green Hoteis
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residencial Porto Príncipe
Residencial Porto Príncipe
2.5 out of 5
Av. do Contorno, 320, Cabo Frio, RJ
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Cabo Frio. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (215 reviews)
"The property has great location, wonderful views. The lobby failed to communicate we needed to ask for sheets and towels during check in, so when I arrived at the apartment I freaked out for a moment. After that I found out they offer everything, but you need to go downstairs to the lobby and request ..."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2022

Residencial Porto Príncipe
Jardim Caiçara - Aluguel Economico
Jardim Caiçara - Aluguel Economico
2 out of 5
R. Frei Henrique Coimbra 158, Cabo Frio, RJ
Stay at this apartment in Cabo Frio. Enjoy free WiFi and a TV. Popular attractions Alair Correia Municipal Stadium and Dunas Park are located nearby. Discover ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (17 reviews)
Acomodação Razoável.
"A acomodação foi razoável. A suite estava com o armário mofado. Os colchões e os travesseiros são desconfortáveis, precisa melhorar. Deveriam avisar que precisa subir escada. O prédio não tem elevador. Quem tem problema para subir e descer escada simplesmente teria que ir embora. A minha suite era ..."

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2024

Jardim Caiçara - Aluguel Economico
Praia do Forte - Aluguel Economico
Praia do Forte - Aluguel Economico
2 out of 5
R. Francisco Mendes 404, Cabo Frio, RJ
Stay at this apartment in Cabo Frio. Enjoy free WiFi and a refrigerator. Popular attractions Beach Handicraft Market and Aguas Square are located nearby. Discover ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Hotel com ótima localização
"Localização do hotel excelente, muito tranquilo e vooteirei novamente. Obs: água quente acabou mais foi resolvido no dia seguinte cedo e o wi-fi não funciona precisa resolver."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2023

Praia do Forte - Aluguel Economico
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cabo Frio

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 25%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

James
Mar 31, 2019

Cabo frio is a very small city that caters to the people who come to visit the beaches. Its beautiful and relaxing close to the beaches. But its like any other city in Brazil if you go into the central part of the city.

Cities near Cabo Frio