Blog · Morro de São Paulo
What's the difference between Morro de São Paulo's beaches (First to Fifth)?
Updated: October 2026
Short answer: The beaches are numbered from the village heading south. Second is the liveliest, with bars and music; Third is calmer and where boat trips leave from; Fourth and Fifth are the longest, wildest and quietest, with natural pools at low tide.
Why are they numbered?
Because they're named in order from the pier. The higher the number, the further from the noise. The sea is calm on almost all of them (sheltered by reefs), so the choice isn't about waves but about the atmosphere you want.
At a glance
| Beach | Character | Best for | Walk from the village |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Short (about 300 m), right by the village | First swim, zipline landing | 5 min |
| Second | The liveliest | Parties, restaurants, social life | 10 min |
| Third | Calmer (about 800 m) | Rest close to everything, boat trip departures | 15–20 min |
| Fourth | The longest (about 4 km), palm trees, pools at low tide | Calm, families, walks | 35–40 min to the start |
| Fifth (do Encanto) | Remote (about 1.6 km), almost no services | Nature | About 2 h; you cross a river, best at low tide |
The full walk from First to Fifth is about 6 km. At high tide you'll need the boardwalk at the start of Third Beach.
First Beach
The one you see when you arrive: small, steps from the village. The zipline from the lighthouse hill ends here. Good for a first dip, but not the favourite for a whole day.
Second Beach
The social heart. By day, beach bars with loungers, umbrellas, caipirinhas and food; by night, bars, live music and parties. If you want to be "where it's all happening", this is it. A pair of loungers with an umbrella costs about R$15–25 a day; at many beach bars they're free if you order.
Third Beach
Right next to Second but at a different pace: less noise, good sea and lots of guesthouses. Most boat trips (Volta à Ilha, Caitá) leave from here, which is handy if you plan to do several.
Fourth Beach
For many, the most beautiful: long, lined with palms and, at low tide, natural pools to swim among fish. Few beach bars and quieter hotels. Ideal for families and anyone seeking calm within walking distance. You can also explore it on horseback.
Fifth Beach (Praia do Encanto)
The most remote. Few services: bring water, food and sunscreen. Best not to walk there at night.
Which beaches aren't numbered?
- Gamboa: the neighbouring village, reachable on foot at low tide or by boat (see Gamboa).
- Garapuá: about 14 km south, reached by 4x4 or boat; its natural pools are offshore and appear at low tide.
Where to stay for your style?
- Social life and convenience: First or Second.
- Middle ground: Third.
- Silence and nature: Fourth or Fifth.
- Total calm and lower prices: Gamboa.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best beach for partying? Second.
And for peace and quiet? Fourth and Fifth.
Which is good for families? Fourth, for the calm sea and low-tide pools; Second if you want services.
Can you walk from one to the next? Yes, along the sand; low tide makes the rocky stretches easier.
Are there waves? Hardly: the sea is calm most of the year thanks to the reefs.
Enjoy them with us
Looking for somewhere to stay? Ask us about our houses. And to go beyond the numbered beaches: Garapuá by 4x4 (R$130 pp) or Gamboa by boat (R$100 pp).
Keep reading: Gamboa: how to get there and what to do · Things to do in Morro
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