AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Praia Grande is a sheltered, wave-free beach on Mangaratiba's mainland coast in Rio de Janeiro's Costa Verde region, notable for the railway line that threads right past its sand and the dramatic mountain backdrop that gives it a cinematic setting. Calm, clear waters and abundant tree shade make it one of the area's best choices for families and anyone seeking an unhurried day by the sea.↗↗
Easy to reach from the Rio–Santos highway and equipped with kiosks, pousadas, and parking, Praia Grande offers a laid-back seaside base close to some of Mangaratiba's finest natural attractions — including a spectacular waterfall just a short drive inland.↗
A Seaside with a Story in the Rails
What sets Praia Grande apart from most Rio-state beaches is the proximity of an active railway line, which runs almost within arm's reach of the shoreline. This unusual juxtaposition — ocean on one side, steel rails on the other — gives the beach a rustic, small-town-by-the-sea atmosphere that's rare along Brazil's coast. Crossing from the road to the sand requires a moment's attention to the tracks, but the result is a wide stretch of light-colored sand framed by lush Atlantic Forest hills.