White sands, year-round sunshine, samba, parties, and all at very affordable prices all make Brazil's beaches some of the best in the world. As if that were not enough, Brazil's beaches can be enjoyed at any time of the year, so you can time your visit to one of Brazil's paradise beaches to suit your convenience- although June to August of the year can be a little wet! So, if you're thinking of spending some time on the Brazilian coast this year, the following are some Brazil beaches not to be missed:

Brazil Beaches : Rio de Janeiro
The beaches in and around Rio de Janeiro are probably some of the most famous in the world today. That many Brazilians and tourists alike flock to the beaches around Rio during the major holiday events of the year (for example, over 2 million party the night away New Year's on Rio's beaches!) makes the fascination with Rio's beaches only stronger. The more notable of Rio's beaches include:

- Copacabana: if you were to draw up a list of the top 10 most famous beaches around the world to visit, Copacabana would be high up on that list. Arguably one of the world's best beaches, Copacabana has over 4kms of pristine, spotless, wide white sand to relax on. Due to its notoriety, there is also plenty of local accommodation available at very affordable rates. Activities on Copacabana beach include volleyball, water sports and all night partying! Copacabana is also the home of futevolei: foot volleyball. The only note of caution about Copacabana is that it can get crowded, and with it a certain level of petty theft occurs. However, so long as you don't take any valuables to the beach with you, you should be fine. Certainly the jewel in the crown of Brazil beaches.

- Ipanema: just along the coast a little way from Copacabana, Ipanema has a reputation of being a little more sedate than its neighbor. Although this is more famously known as the "family beach" among Brazil beaches, it is nonetheless the beach to go to if you want to see the girls parading the latest designs in tropical swimwear. Indeed Ipanema beach is the spiritual home of the "tangas" - the mini-bikini! Activities on Ipanema beach include the traditional Brazilian favorite of volleyball. However, Ipanema's outstanding soft white sand and cool blue water make this beach very popular for those wishing to do a little swimming with their sunbathing.

Brazil Beaches: (around) Sao Paulo
- Angra dos Reis, Costa Verde: Located on the coastline between Rio and Sao Paulo, Costa Verde (Green Coast) is probably one of the most popular of the Brazil beaches of European package tourists. As such, it has ample quality affordable accommodation. The beaches in the Costa Verde area are some of the most scenic in all of Brazil with not only long golden sandy beaches but also the chance to see some of Brazil's famous tropical rainforest trees encroaching on the beach itself.

- Santos Beach: located appropriately enough in the town of Santos (45kms from Sao Paulo) this beach is famous among Brazil beaches for its beach garden (4kms of it!). For this history buffs among you, Santos beach is also located close to Sao Vicente, Brazil's oldest town!

Brazil Beaches: Ceara State
- Jericoacoara Beach: located 300 kms from Fortaleza, Jericoacoara beach is a little out of the way. Consequently you'd really need a good reason to come here and fortunately the beach provides you with that reason - it the place to visit if you want to see some of the most spectacular sunsets in Brazil! Considered less developed and isolated among the Brazil beaches available for you to visit, if you want to venture off the beaten track a little, this is most certainly the place to do it. Be forewarned though, you are likely to find a lot of wind-surfers and backpackers are already here.

Brazil Beaches: Bahia State
Bahia State probably has more Brazil beaches than anywhere else in Brazil. What's more, as Brazil's most African state, the state offers visitors the chance to combine a tour of Brazil's vibrant colonial past with the opportunity take in some beach time. The following are some of the more well known beaches in Bahia State:

- Salvador beach
- Praia de Forte beach resort
- Ilha de Tinhare (an island)