Brazil: A coastal hideaway for A-list Brazilian footballers

World Tuesday 29/November/2022 14:11 PM
By: Times News Service
Brazil: A coastal hideaway for A-list Brazilian footballers

Name: Neymar

Destination: Mangaratiba

Why visit?: A relaxing escape

 Brazil's biggest star, Neymar, usually spends his holidays with friends and family in Mangaratiba, where he has a mansion. Mangaratiba is a small port in Rio de Janeiro. Part of the Costa Verde region, the city features some of the most beautiful and exotic locations on the Brazilian coast, where the Serra do Mar meets the Atlantic Ocean.

A must visit include the Patience Beach, one of the most beautiful shores in the region surrounded by the native forest and the Bride’s Veil Waterfall, which is a 20-minute trail inside the Cunhambebe Park. The beautiful waterfall can be appreciated both from the top and at the bottom. The attraction also has a natural pool to cool off and relax in the calm of the waters.

Mangaratiba is an ideal tropical destination for those who appreciate nature. Many local and international celebrities come here for a quiet escape. Renting a boat is a great way to get to the islands of the bay and to visit the beautiful Ilha Grande.

How to get there:

Mangaratiba is about 120 km away from Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG). Tourists can rent a car or take transfers from the airport.

 

Name: Alisson Becker

Destination: Rio Grande do Sul

Why visit?: Great for wine tourism

 Brazil’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, spends his Brazilian vacations in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul, the region in which he was born.

 Rio Grande do Sul is famous for its wine and the city of Bento Gonçalves is no exception. This city, similarly to much of the region, is heavily influenced by Italian immigrants that arrived in 1875, bringing with them architecture, culture and cuisine.

 Gramado is the perfect example of the mix of Brazilian and European cultures. The small mountain resort is filled with high end boutiques, gourmet restaurants and hotels resembling Swiss chalets, offering visitors a taste of Europe in South America.

 The city of Canela is one of the most incredible cities in the region. Located 7km away from the city of Gramado, Canela is part of the ‘Rota Romântica’ (Romantic Road) which runs for almost 200km through the state. While staying in Canela, you must visit the Parque Estadual do Caracol, the Parque da Ferradura and the Mundo a Vapor Theme Park.

 How to get there:

The best way to get to these cities is to travel by plane to Porto Alegre (POA), which has daily direct flights from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and then complete the trip by road.

 

Name: Ederson Moraes

Destination: Fortaleza

Why visit?: Incredible coastline

 Ederson and Alisson are rivals for the starting role in goal for the Brazilian National Team. During his most recent trip, Ederson took his family to Fortaleza, one of the main destinations in the Brazilian Northeast and one that has great options for guided tours. 

With pleasant temperatures throughout the year and a breeze that softens the famous Brazilian heat, the city stands out for its stunning coastline and excellent beach huts.

 The most famous beach in Fortaleza is Praia do Futuro, where you will see tents, beach clubs with swimming pools, restaurants, playgrounds and a huge variety of other attractions.

 The Beach Park is another unmissable spot in Fortaleza, which is where Ederson stayed during his visit. It is located on Porto das Dunas Beach and is one of the best-known water parks in Brazil.

 How to get there:

Fortaleza has direct flights from most of Brazilian capitals, including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

 

Name: Fred Rodrigues

Location: Fernando de Noronha

Why visit?: Ecotourism paradise

 The Brazilian midfielder, Fred Rodrigues, chose the island of Fernando de Noronha as his vacation destination last summer. Fernando de Noronha is widely regarded as paradise on Earth, having some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil and unique ecotourism activities including trail hiking, boat trips, snorkelling, surfing, perfect for the adventurous visitor. The island also offers a number of less strenuous options too, for those who want to enjoy a slightly slower pace.

 One of the crowning features of Fernando de Noronha is Baía do Sancho, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world offering crystal-clear waters away from the crowds. The beaches in the region offer up incredible scuba diving and snorkelling experiences due to its marine biodiversity, giving you the opportunity to swim with turtles and dolphins.

 Turtles are of particular significance to the region and visitors can learn about ‘Projecto Tamar’, an organisation that aims to protect and conserve sea turtles. Through guided tours and talks, tourists have the opportunity to spend their time in the region learning about sea turtles, their life cycles, feeding, growing and breeding habits.

 How to get there:

The Fernando de Noronha Archipelago is a one hour flight from Recife International Airport (REC). To get to the island, tourists must board direct flights from Recife to the island.

 

Name(s): Thiago Silva and Lucas Paquetá

Destination: Rio de Janeiro

Why visit?: The iconic face of Brazil

 Rio de Janeiro is arguably the most famous destination in Brazil and two of the most famous Brazilian stars chose it as their holiday destination recently. Brazil’s defender, Thiago Silva and Brazil’s midfielder, Lucas Paqueta both were born and raised in Rio and are often seen playing footvolley on the beaches and enjoying the vibrant nightlife.

 Rio goes beyond being a nightlife hotspot and has a long and fascinating history. Rio de Janeiro was the capital of the Portuguese colony, shelter of the Portuguese court and then capital of Brazil.

 For lovers of history and culture, downtown Rio is the perfect place to start your tour. In the Centre, there is the National Library and the Municipal Theatre, two attractions with a guided tour that allow you to understand a little about the history of the city. The Centro Cultural Banco do Brazil is also in the region and always offers new exhibitions. In the revitalized port area, there is the Olympic Boulevard, with beautiful graffiti murals, the brand-new Museum of Tomorrow, which is educational and interactive, the MAR-Rio’s Museum of Art and AquaRio, an oceanarium that allows you to watch marine animals.

 Of course, we can’t talk about Rio without mentioning Copacabana beach, possible the most famous beach in Brazil. Copacabana reflects a little of what Rio de Janeiro is all about, a high-spirited place with unique natural beauty.

 How to get there:

Rio de Janeiro is one of the main gateways for international tourists coming to Brazil and has direct flights from London.

 

Name: Gabriel Jesus

Destination: Porto de Galinhas

Why visit?: Natural pools

Brazil’s forward position star enjoyed his last vacation on the coast of Pernambuco, in the Northeast region of Brazil. The footballer visited Porto de Galinhas, one of the main beach destinations in the country for Brazilians.

 With the unbeatable combination of beautiful beaches, natural pools, and rich cuisine, Porto de Galinhas emerges as the ideal destination to visit in summer.

 The most popular beach in Porto de Galinhas is Praia da Vila. Rafts depart from the beach heading for the natural pools just five minutes from the shore. This is an unmissable tour, especially when the tide is low and the corals appear, creating pools of crystal-clear water full of fish.

 On the northernmost stretch is Muro Alto, situated between a wall of coconut trees and a coral reef, where Gabriel Jesus enjoyed his stay. Another option is Pontal do Cupe, an ideal stretch for those who want to be further away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches near the centre of Vila.

 How to get there:

Porto de Galinhas is about 60km from Recife International Airport (REC). The distance between the city and the final destination can be covered by rental car, taxi, bus or transfer.

 

Name: Bruno Guimarães

Destination: Jericoacoara

Why visit?: Stunning natural beauty

 The midfielder spent his last Brazilian vacation in Jericoacoara, one of the trendiest destinations in Brazil. The destination has a mix of dunes and lagoons, and a must-see of these is Mangue Seco (Dry Mangrove), which holds a natural nursery for seahorses, and is the site of Tatajuba, a village famed for its moving sand dunes.

 The region is an Environmental Protection Area and became a National Park in 2002. The park was created to protect and preserve its coastal ecosystem, certifying the conservation of its natural resources and enabling scientific research, environmental education, and ecotourism to occur in the region.

 With soft sand streets and no artificial lighting poles, Jericoacoara, despite being popular, preserves the rustic characteristics of a typical fishing village.

 How to get there:

The best way to reach “Jeri” is through Jericoacoara Regional Airport (JJD), which is 30 kilometres away from the city. From the airport, tourists can rent a car or take a taxi.

 

Name: Richarlison

Destination: Balneário Camboriú

Why visit?: Night life

 The winger, Richarlison, spent his last holiday visiting Balneário Camboriú, a destination in the southern part of Brazil.

 Balneário Camboríu is the main Brazilian destination sought after by young people who want a good dose of nightlife and beautiful beaches. There are amazing beaches close to the action, both during the day and at night, as well as more quiet beaches away from the bustle of the crowds, just a short drive from the centre of town.

 In Balneário Camboríu, there is no shortage of restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops. Another feature of the city is the cable car to Parque Unipraias. It’s possible to take walks from the cable car before getting to Laranjeiras Beach.

 Another popular beach is Praia do Estaleirinho and its renowned Sky Beach. Sky Beach club is famous for its parties and is one of the most sough-after destinations among young travellers and locals.

 How to get there:

The best way to reach Balneário Camboriú is through Navegantes Regional Airport (JJD), which is 16 kilometres away from the city. From the airport, tourists can rent a car, book a transfer or take a taxi.