Lined with golden sand along its southern and eastern extremities, Rio’s glorious beaches inform its leisure, fashion and social make-up. A constant stream of vendors hauls everything from barrels of iced tea and barbecued cheese to trays of cocktails, keeping the buzz very much alive. Swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, jogging and an awful lot of lounging are all de rigeur, as are skimpy trunks and bikinis, so hire a deck chair and parasol and kick back for one of the best lazy afternoons imaginable.

Praia de Copacabana

Copacabana beach is one of the most famous on the planet: the iconic, waved boardwalk design, tiny bikinis and striking landscape make for the classic Rio beach experience. Its middle section, from postos (lifeguard towers) three to six, is where the sand is widest but the waves are at their wildest. Dotted with kiosks every few hundred metres, there is no shortage of places to grab a beer or snack, and the tireless beach hawkers do their bit to keep everyone refreshed, too. Pitch up near posto six, where the waters are calmer and more conducive to swimming or paddleboarding.

Getting there: Metrô Cantagalo