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Praia Barra da Tijuca Review

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Praia Barra da Tijuca

Fodor's Review:

Some cariocas consider the beach at Barra da Tijuca to be Rio's best, and the 18-km-long (11-mi-long) sweep of sand and jostling waves certainly is dramatic. Pollution isn't generally a problem, and in many places neither are crowds. Barra's water is cooler and its breezes more refreshing than those at other beaches. The waves can be strong in spots; this attracts surfers, windsurfers, and jet skiers, but you should swim with caution. The beach is set slightly below a sidewalk, where cafés and restaurants beckon. Condos have also sprung up here, and the city's largest shopping centers and supermarkets have made inland Barra their home.

At the far end of Sernambetiba, Barra's beachfront avenue (the name of the street was recently changed to Avenida Lúcio Costa, but most people still know it as Sernambetiba) is Recreio dos Bandeirantes, a 1-km ( 1/2-mi) stretch of sand anchored by a huge rock, which creates a small protected cove. Its quiet seclusion makes it popular with families. The calm, pollution-free water, with no waves or currents, is good for bathing, but don't try to swim around the rock -- it's bigger than it looks.

At this writing, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions are opening in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood in preparation for the Pan-American Games, which are to be held in Rio in July 2007.

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