Expan Experience: João Fernandes, the pearl of Búzios

Natural, sophisticated, bohemian, cosmopolitan. There are many words that can describe Búzios , located about 170 kilometers northeast of Rio de Janeiro and one of the best destinations on the Brazilian coast . Among its more than 20 beaches , João Fernandes stands out.

This beautiful city, originally a fishing village , stole the heart of French actress and singer Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s , putting Búzios on the tourist map .

In 2025 , it enchanted Guy Acurero , Digital Marketing Analyst and Content Creator at Expan Tours , who revealed one of the best-kept secrets of the place: the enchanting beach of João Fernandes and its small sister resort João Fernandinho .

Why choose João Fernandes?

"After a trip to Rio de Janeiro where my goal was to see all the essential sights , it was time for a more relaxing vacation, without the pace of excursions and with the tranquility that the beaches offer. Búzios was on our list and we didn't hesitate to choose it as our destination ."

That was the easy part.

Búzios has about 23 beaches . You can even see " experience collectors" trying to visit each and every one. My travel plan was different, lighter, more romantic . We wanted to be close to the beach from the hotel , not too far from the center , and be able to enjoy the nightlife .

Furthermore, João Fernandes had an added advantage: it's located in the northern part of Búzios , so it receives warmer waters from tropical Atlantic currents . It's warm and calm .

After consulting with the South American team at Expan Tours , the debate was over: We chose João Fernandes and stayed at the Pousada Praia João Fernandes .

The road to Búzios

A flight of just over four hours from Santiago to Rio left us practically in Búzios . What was left? A three-hour drive to our accommodation .

There are several options for getting from Galeão International Airport : transfers , buses , taxis , or apps like Uber . Whichever you choose will take you to Búzios , or, as in our case, to João Fernandes .

We chose Pousada Praia João Fernandes because of its proximity to the beaches , the spectacular views from the suite , the restaurant , and because it includes a ( delicious ) breakfast . They also provided beach towels .

The accommodation is located about 10 minutes by car from Rua das Pedras , the lively center of Búzios , which we will talk about later.

João Fernandes… and João Fernandinho

João Fernandes is one of the most popular beaches in Búzios , on the northern part of the peninsula . It's a sheltered bay with calm, clear waters , ideal for swimming and snorkeling . It's like an endless natural pool .

The sand appears golden at first glance, but if you look closely and focus on the soil , you'll see it shift to a striking pink hue . The color palette at João Fernandes is part of the experience , amidst the clarity of its waters , the sand , and a setting framed by verdant hills .

From a tourism perspective, its developed infrastructure is noteworthy, with restaurants and beach bars offering beach service , and a varied gastronomy featuring shrimp , seafood and fish .

Furthermore, João Fernandes is one of the best beaches in Búzios for snorkeling : I've never seen so many fish . On the sand, you'll find rentals of water sports equipment for snorkeling , kayaking , and other water activities . Jet skis are also available for rent; you'll learn to ride them quickly, and they offer a dose of adrenaline and fun that everyone enjoys.

The best thing about João Fernandes ? Its lively, yet orderly atmosphere .

How is João Fernandinho different?

A sign with its name apparently indicates the arrival at João Fernandinho , the better sister beach of the main one . But after taking a picture , we realized we still had a way to go: a staircase .

To reach João Fernandinho , you have to descend a staircase surrounded by the area's natural beauty . The bottom of the steps is rewarded: a smaller , more intimate, and tranquil beach, clearly designed for relaxation and contemplation .

Separated from João Fernandes by a small rocky promontory , João Fernandinho offers a different experience due to its small size , and even on the shore , you can see small fish . If you're lucky, a turtle might even appear.

Its calm, clear waters make it an excellent spot for snorkeling . The relaxed and quiet atmosphere is ideal for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a more natural and secluded environment.

Let's go to Rua das Pedras

The answer to this question lies on Rua das Pedras . It is the most emblematic street in Búzios and the main social, commercial, and nightlife hub of the city.

It is a pedestrian street , short but very lively , located next to the Orla Bardot , which concentrates much of the cosmopolitan character of the resort.

During the day, Rua das Pedras offers a relaxed atmosphere , with designer boutiques , artisan shops , art galleries , and cafes . It's an ideal place to stroll , shop , and enjoy the coastal setting , with a carefully curated aesthetic that blends rustic architecture , greenery , and sophisticated details .

As evening falls and night approaches, the street transforms into the heart of Búzios' nightlife . International restaurants are part of the scene, offering a wide and diverse culinary experience with Brazilian , Mediterranean , French , Italian , and Asian influences.

At night, bars , lounges , and nightclubs fill up with tourists and locals. We slipped away to experience the local music , dance , and at the place we chose, they were even offering salsa lessons . That, along with the friendly Brazilians and the vibrant atmosphere , gave us a taste of Búzios' nightlife .

Tips and recommendations for traveling to Búzios and João Fernandes

As general recommendations, it is important to wear sunscreen , stay hydrated and respect the natural environment , avoiding excessive noise and waste .

The beach offers a wide variety of beach bars and restaurants , providing sun loungers , umbrellas , and food served right on the sand . These establishments often have a minimum spend , so it's advisable to check their terms and conditions before arriving.

The gastronomic offer focuses mainly on fish and seafood , with international options and prices in line with a consolidated tourist area .

Búzios is generally an Instagrammable city . Capture as many moments as you can with your smartphone camera and bring a power bank to keep your phone charged for several hours.

Uber works perfectly in Búzios , but if you want a more authentic experience, renting a buggy can be a great option. The distances are short , especially from João Fernandes to the town center and vice versa. Once you've parked and confirmed you're safely stopped , don't miss the chance to take some photos .

I chose João Fernandes , but you'll have an unforgettable vacation on any of Búzios' more than 20 beaches . Do as I did: Get advice from Expan Tours and travel to this Brazilian paradise with our partner agencies .

You might also be interested in: A day in Istanbul: Eating, shopping and sightseeing