Cabo Frio Attractions
Cabo Frio
The town of Cabo Frio, at the east end of the Araruama Lagoon, was founded in 1615. This stretch of coast has been known practically since the first discovery of the continent: in 1503 Amerigo Vespucci built a small fort in the Cabo Frio area, and in the following year a small settlement was established for the purpose of obtaining brazil-wood. The town has managed to preserve much of its original aspect, and, thanks to its beautiful sandy beaches and dunes, it is now one of the most popular bathing resorts in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is 168km/104mi away to the west.
Bus station
Avenida Professora Júlia Kubitschek
The town of Cabo Frio, at the east end of the Araruama Lagoon, was founded in 1615. This stretch of coast has been known practically since the first discovery of the continent: in 1503 Amerigo Vespucci built a small fort in the Cabo Frio area, and in the following year a small settlement was established for the purpose of obtaining brazil-wood. The town has managed to preserve much of its original aspect, and, thanks to its beautiful sandy beaches and dunes, it is now one of the most popular bathing resorts in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is 168km/104mi away to the west.
Bus station
Avenida Professora Júlia Kubitschek
Fort São Mateus
Fort São Mateus
The fort of São Mateus which dominates the coast is one of the great landmarks of Cabo Frio. It was built in 1616-17 by the celebrated military architect Francisco Frias, who was also responsible for the Forte do Mar (Salvador), the Forte dos Reis Magos (Natal) and several other forts on the Brazilian coast.
The fort of São Mateus which dominates the coast is one of the great landmarks of Cabo Frio. It was built in 1616-17 by the celebrated military architect Francisco Frias, who was also responsible for the Forte do Mar (Salvador), the Forte dos Reis Magos (Natal) and several other forts on the Brazilian coast.
Nossa Senhora dos Anjos
N.S. dos Anjos
In Largo Santa Antìnio is the Franciscan friary of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos (Our Lady of the Angels), which was built between 1686 and 1696. The church houses a museum of Baroque art. Note particularly the magnificent carving on the high altar.
In Largo Santa Antìnio is the Franciscan friary of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos (Our Lady of the Angels), which was built between 1686 and 1696. The church houses a museum of Baroque art. Note particularly the magnificent carving on the high altar.
Nossa Senhora da Assunção
N.S. da Assunção
In the district of Largo São Benedito and in the town center there are still many buildings dating from the colonial period. Particularly notable is the church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção (1615-56) in Praça Porto Rocha. The tourist information office is in the same square.
In the district of Largo São Benedito and in the town center there are still many buildings dating from the colonial period. Particularly notable is the church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção (1615-56) in Praça Porto Rocha. The tourist information office is in the same square.
Beaches
Beaches
In the center of Cabo Frio is the Praia do Forte; to the north of the town are the beaches of Conchas (2.5km/1.6mi from town center), Peró (6km/4mi) and Brava (7km/4.3mi); and to the south are Dunas (2km/1.3mi), Cabo Frio, Sudoeste and Coqueiral.
In the center of Cabo Frio is the Praia do Forte; to the north of the town are the beaches of Conchas (2.5km/1.6mi from town center), Peró (6km/4mi) and Brava (7km/4.3mi); and to the south are Dunas (2km/1.3mi), Cabo Frio, Sudoeste and Coqueiral.
Nossa Senhora da Guia
N. S. da Guia
From the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia which crowns the hill of that name there are wide views of Cabo Frio and the surrounding coast.
From the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia which crowns the hill of that name there are wide views of Cabo Frio and the surrounding coast.
Cabo Frio Surroundings
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Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
Known for its beautiful beaches and multitude of islets, Arraial do Cabo is a popular town with tourists.
Sao Pedro da Aldeia, Brazil
(In Arraial do Cabo, Brazil)
São Pedro da Aldeia
17km/10.5mi north-west of Cabo Frio on RJ 106, on Araruama Lagoon, is the fishing and holiday village of São Pedro da Aldeia, a former Jesuit mission station. The principal church and the house of the Jesuit order (1723) have been preserved. Particularly beautiful are the beaches of São Pedro, in the village; Linda, Carapebas and Iguaba Grande (14km/8.7mi), to the south; and Porto da Aldeia, Peça and Baleia to the north.
17km/10.5mi north-west of Cabo Frio on RJ 106, on Araruama Lagoon, is the fishing and holiday village of São Pedro da Aldeia, a former Jesuit mission station. The principal church and the house of the Jesuit order (1723) have been preserved. Particularly beautiful are the beaches of São Pedro, in the village; Linda, Carapebas and Iguaba Grande (14km/8.7mi), to the south; and Porto da Aldeia, Peça and Baleia to the north.
White Lady (Dune)
6km/4mi from Cabo Frio on the road to Arraial do Cabo is the huge dune known as the Dama Branca ("White Lady"). In this area are the beaches of Brava, Prainha and Pontal do Atalaia.
Surrounding Islands
Islands
In recent years increasing numbers of people have been hiring boats to explore the islands along this stretch of coast. To the south of Cabo Frio, opposite Arraial do Cabo, are the island of Cabo Frio - the original nucleus of the town, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Cabo Frio - and the Ilha dos Porcos ("Island of Pigs"). Off Cabo Frio itself are the islands of Papagaios, Dois Irmãos, Redonda and Comprida. Between Cabo Frio and Búzios, 25km/15mi to the north, are numerous offshore islands, including the Ilhas dos Capìes, dos Pargos, do Breu and de Emerência de Fora. Rather farther from the mainland are the islands of Ancora and Gravatá. To the north of Búzios are the Isla Branca, Isla Rasa and Isla Feia.
In recent years increasing numbers of people have been hiring boats to explore the islands along this stretch of coast. To the south of Cabo Frio, opposite Arraial do Cabo, are the island of Cabo Frio - the original nucleus of the town, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Cabo Frio - and the Ilha dos Porcos ("Island of Pigs"). Off Cabo Frio itself are the islands of Papagaios, Dois Irmãos, Redonda and Comprida. Between Cabo Frio and Búzios, 25km/15mi to the north, are numerous offshore islands, including the Ilhas dos Capìes, dos Pargos, do Breu and de Emerência de Fora. Rather farther from the mainland are the islands of Ancora and Gravatá. To the north of Búzios are the Isla Branca, Isla Rasa and Isla Feia.
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