Praia de Quatro Ilhas

Praia de Quatro Ilhas is Bombinhas' Atlantic-facing sister beach — a two-kilometre curve of firm sand with four small offshore islands (hence the name) that break the horizon. Where Bombinhas beach is bath-tub calm, Quatro Ilhas has clean surfable waves and much cooler water. It matters because it lets you have both experiences within a fifteen-minute walk, and because it's where locals from Bombinhas actually swim once tourists arrive on the peninsula-side beach.

The main access is at the south end where a small wooden boardwalk leads over the dunes to the sand. There are five or six kiosks strung along the top of the beach; Kiosk do Andre at the middle boardwalk is the local favourite for grilled fish and cold beer. The wave in front of the middle boardwalk is a beginner-friendly beach break, with a surf school renting boards for R$50 for two hours. The south end is where the strongest currents are — swim only between the flags. Sunset behind the dunes is the best on the peninsula.

Best in the shoulder months — March, April, October, November — when the water is still 21 degrees and the beach is empty. In January and February this beach is the only one on the peninsula that stays walkable at midday because the wind keeps the temperature down. Pair Quatro Ilhas with Praia da Sepultura, a tiny cove five minutes away by car with clear water for snorkelling.

Hours & entry

Always free · No peninsula fee for this beach

Beach open 24 h · Lifeguards 10:00-18:00 summer · Kiosks 9:00-21:00 summer

What to see

{'what': 'View of the four offshore islands', 'where': 'South boardwalk, near Rua das Andorinhas'}

{'what': 'Beginner surf lesson', 'where': 'Central boardwalk in front of Escola de Surf Quatro Ilhas'}

{'what': 'Sunset from the dunes', 'where': 'Boardwalk 4, west side of the beach'}

Tips from the ground

Walk in from Bombinhas beach across the small hill — 15 minutes, saves parking hassle.

The southern half of the beach has stronger currents; check the flag at the lifeguard tower.

Kiosk do Andre takes reservations by WhatsApp for lunch tables in high season.