Praia dos Carneiros

A veritable forest of coconut palm trees line the white sands of Praia dos Carneiros in northeast Brazil. Along with clear blue seas and offshore coral reefs you will be in little doubt that you are firmly in the tropics. This is without one of the best beaches on this stretch of coast.

The beach is set at the mouth of the Formoso River, about 5 km north of the town of Tamandaré. Despite having the appearance of something out of Robinson Crusoe, Praia dos Carneiros is not far off the beaten track. It can get quite busy here during the Brazilian summer with peak crowds around carnival season.

Our advice would be to aim for visiting sometime between March and early May, or possibly September. Regardless of when you visit, at around 5 km long, the beach here is long enough for everyone to spread out.

There is no shortage of bars and cafes on and around the beach, although the beachfront still remains undeveloped.

One of the highlights of Praia dos Carneiros is being able to snorkel in the natural pools that form in the reefs at low tide. These little pools of warm clear water are home to a host of colourful marine life.