Linger a while at Atalaia Viewpoint (Mirante do Pontal do Atalaia) to appreciate why Arraial do Cabo is often called the Brazilian Caribbean. Extend your visit to Atalaia Viewpoint by visiting pristine beaches and swimming in enticing waters.
Access to the viewpoint is via a cobblestone road that leads from the city’s southwestern corner. From downtown it’s a 30-minute walk. Make your way uphill and look back to see the city rooftops framed by a backdrop of green hills and glistening water. Thick vegetation, which ranges from cactus trees to shrubbery, lines the road. Take a taxi or rent a bike if you don’t feel like walking.
At the lookout you can gaze for miles along a delightful coastline and out across perfect-blue water. Look west along the seemingly endless sweep of powdery white sand of Grande Beach. To the east you can look down on Brava Beach. With west-facing views, this is a popular location to watch the sunset. Arrive late in the afternoon, sit on the grass verge and wait for the spectacle to unfold.
Continue your adventure by walking for an hour to Pontal do Atalaia Beach. A 200-plus step staircase provides access via a hillside. At the beach, kick off your shoes, feel the soft sand pass between your toes and dive into the warm and calm water. Food stands offer light snacks and refreshments. Ask the boat owners about the possibility of returning to the city aboard a passenger ferry.
Another option is to hang out at the quieter Brava Beach. It’s only a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from the lookout. Be aware that at high tide the water covers almost all of the sand.
Atalaia Lookout is a great attraction to visit at any time of the day. Park on the side of the road or at the turnout. The road from the viewpoint to Pontal do Atalaia Beach is narrow so pay attention to the cyclists, hikers and other vehicles.