Arpoador Beach in Rio de Janeiro is nestled between the famous shorelines of Copacabana and Ipanema. It’s a bit smaller, stretching only 500 meters, which isn’t considered much in Rio. Despite its size, Arpoador Beach is stunning and renowned as a prime spot for surfing. The conditions are ideal for the sport, but it can be challenging due to the crowded beaches and the limited space to catch waves.

The name Arpoador originally referred to a rock by the sea and comes from the Portuguese word “arpoar,” meaning harpoon. It’s believed that people could once harpoon whales as they swam close to the shore. Arpoador is also well-known because, in the middle of summer, you can watch the sunset over the ocean—a rare sight along the Brazilian coast. During these sunsets, crowds gather on the beach to witness the event. Many people come to take a stroll, enjoy the small paths on the rocks, and admire the sea from one of the many bars in the area.