Making the most of Armacao dos Buzios
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Armacao dos Buzios, usually called Buzios, is a popular cruise destination celebrated for its beautiful beaches and charming atmosphere.
Cruise ships cannot dock here, so passengers are tendered ashore to the town centre.
This is Buzios’ cruise schedule.
European pirates and slave traders first settled this place, where a happy mixture of many bloods prospered into a picturesque fishing village. It was elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world and is known for its distinctive rustic charm, architectural harmony, incredible beauty, sophisticated boutiques and restaurants. Discerning visitors travel from around the world to savour its magic.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Buzios came to worldwide attention in 1964 when Brigitte Bardot holidayed there for a number of years. The locals were so grateful she put the town on the map that they raised a statue in her honour. There is no high-rise development: villas and small hotels, with rustic tiled roofs, sit naturally in a Mediterranean landscape. Buzios is famed for its beaches, with 24 to choose from.
Getting around
Taxis can be hired, while local tours run on the Buzios Trolley. Another option is to rent one of Buzios’ dune buggies for the day and explore independently.
A number of local operators run tours to nearby beaches and islands.
A water taxi offers a fun way of reaching and exploring the nearby beaches.
Vessels normally depart downtown Armação Beach in the morning and early evening. Rides passing several beaches and islands in Búzios cost from R$ 25.00 to R$ 50.00 per person and last between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the option chosen.
Nearby places
This sophisticated beach-resort peninsula has fine restaurants and a very active nightlife. West-coast beaches offer clear, calm water, whereas the east-coast beaches face the open sea, are a little wilder, and appeal to surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Popular choices include Azeda Beach; Joao Fernandinho Beach, known for seafood and several bars; Ferradura Beach; and Geriba beach, a surfing spot. Manguinhos beach is popular for windsurfing. In the town centre, enchanting Rua das Pedras winds past shopping, restaurants, bars and extensive nightlife.
Food and shopping
Buzios’ excellent shopping begins as soon as you leave the tender. Orla Bardot (Bardot Promenade) is beside the tender wharf, linking the beaches with Rua das Pedras, the downtown shopping street.
Money
The currency is the Brazilian Real.
Staying connected
Portuguese is spoken.
Cafes that give customers free WiFi are few and far between.
Opening Hours and
Most stores and businesses keep basic hours of 9am to 6pm, with an extended lunch break from around noon to 2pm.
Many museums are shut on Monday.