With its close proximity and accessibility to Rio de Janeiro, Buzios is a popular tourist attraction for locals and visitors alike. Once a humble fishing village – and before that a favoured haunt for pirates and slave traders – this now lively Brazilian coastal resort is home to a good number of bars, boutiques and restaurants, though still retains some of its original charm.

There’s a lot to love about Buzios. With almost 30 nearby beaches and a plethora of fine local guesthouses, it's no secret that this is one of the country's most cherished coastal destinations; partly thanks to Brigitte Bardot who visited the (then sleepy) Buzios with her Brazilian beau, sparking a surge of interest that has since transformed the peninsula into the French Riviera of Brazil. However, despite Buzios’ popularity with Rio residents on weekend trips, it is still possible to find your own private spot and the lively atmosphere is interspersed with laidback beach vibes.

So, among the cobblestone streets, promenades and plazas, you can expect countless local eateries and nightspots, particularly if visiting Rua das Pedras for a late-night drink. Then, between long and lazy afternoon lunches or sunbathing on the beach, why not take a boat trip or try your hand at various watersports which this region of Brazil is also known for, all the while with a cosy pousada or boutique hotel to come home to each evening.