When most people think of Rio's beach scene, they picture Copacabana and Ipanema, colorful umbrellas, skimpy swimwear, and crowds that stretch for miles. But tucked away between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean lies a completely different kind of paradise: Praia do Abricó, Rio's only official nude beach and one of the city's best-kept secrets for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking authentic connection with nature (and maybe a few fellow naturists).
This isn't your typical tourist trap. Praia do Abricó is where locals go when they want to escape the hustle, strip down, and embrace the kind of freedom that only comes from leaving your inhibitions, and your swimsuit, at the door.
The Journey to Paradise
Getting to Praia do Abricó is half adventure, half pilgrimage. Located about 25 kilometers west of Rio's city center in the Grumari neighborhood, this beach doesn't believe in making things easy. But honestly? That's part of its charm.
If you're coming from Copacabana or Ipanema, expect roughly 1.5 hours by car along winding coastal roads that offer stunning views of the Atlantic. Public transport will drop you about 5 kilometers away, which means you'll either need to arrange a ride, walk (ambitious but doable), or embrace the adventure of hitchhiking Brazilian-style. Most visitors opt for renting a car or joining organized naturist groups that arrange transport.
The beach sits within a municipal environmental protection area, surrounded by verdant cliffs and tropical vegetation that make you feel like you've stumbled onto a secret cove. And in many ways, you have.
A Beach with History and Heart
Praia do Abricó has been a gathering spot for naturists since the 1940s, when locals would discreetly frequent this remote stretch of sand. It wasn't until 1994 that the beach received official recognition, becoming Rio's, and one of Brazil's, first legally sanctioned nude beaches. Today, it's affiliated with the Brazilian Federation of Naturism, giving it legitimate status in a country where body positivity and beach culture intersect beautifully.
The beach spans over 1.5 kilometers of sandy shoreline, offering plenty of space to spread out. Unlike the sardine-packed scene at Rio's famous beaches, Abricó maintains a peaceful, almost meditative vibe even on weekends. The rugged, tree-covered mountains create a natural amphitheater that feels both secluded and spectacular.
The LGBTQ+ Connection
Here's where things get interesting for Read with Pride readers. While Praia do Abricó welcomes everyone, families, couples, solo visitors, the beach has distinct sections that cater to different communities. And yes, there's a thriving gay presence here.
Regular visitors know that certain areas of the beach have become unofficial gathering spots for LGBTQ+ naturists. These sections buzz with the kind of easy camaraderie that comes from shared experience: the freedom of being completely yourself in every sense of the word. It's not uncommon to see groups of gay men playing beach volleyball in their birthday suits, couples walking hand-in-hand along the water's edge, or folks simply soaking up the sun without the barriers: literal or metaphorical: that often separate us in mainstream spaces.
The atmosphere is respectful, body-positive, and refreshingly unpretentious. Unlike some gay beaches where there's pressure to have a gym-sculpted physique, Abricó celebrates all body types. Whether you're fit, fluffy, or somewhere in between, you'll find your people here.
What to Expect
Despite its remote location, Praia do Abricó isn't completely wild. The beach features several kiosks, bars, and restaurants serving up cold beers, fresh coconut water, and traditional Brazilian beach snacks. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, though many visitors prefer laying their towels directly on the sand.
The water itself is Atlantic-crisp and can get a bit rough, so be mindful of the waves. Lifeguards patrol on weekends, which is reassuring given the beach's isolation. The gentle gradient makes entry easy, and there's something liberating about swimming without any fabric clinging to your skin.
One visitor tip that bears repeating: bring sunscreen and reapply religiously. Those parts that don't usually see sun? They burn faster than you'd think. Trust me on this.
The Naturist Philosophy
For those new to the naturist lifestyle, Praia do Abricó offers a gentle introduction. The community here embraces the core principles of naturism: body acceptance, respect for nature, and genuine human connection free from the artifice of clothing.
There's no pressure to get naked the moment you arrive. Some visitors start clothed and gradually shed layers as they get comfortable. Others dive right in. The unspoken rule is simple: respect others' choices, keep your eyes where they belong, and understand that naturism isn't about sexuality: it's about freedom and authenticity.
That said, the LGBTQ+ sections definitely have their own vibe. There's flirtation, there's cruising, there's the kind of energy you'd expect when attractive people gather in a beautiful setting. But it's all done with mutual respect and consent. Aggressive behavior isn't tolerated, and the community is quick to self-police.
Planning Your Visit
Best time to go: Weekdays if you want maximum solitude, weekends if you want to meet people. The Brazilian summer (December through March) offers the best weather, but the beach is lovely year-round.
What to bring: Sunscreen (seriously, SPF 50 minimum), water, towels, cash for the kiosks, and a waterproof bag for your phone. Leave valuables in your car or accommodation.
What to wear: Whatever makes you comfortable for the drive. Most people change (or rather, un-change) once they arrive.
Language: Portuguese dominates, but you'll find English speakers, especially among the international gay crowd. A few basic Portuguese phrases go a long way.
Why It Matters
In a world where LGBTQ+ spaces continue to face challenges, places like Praia do Abricó represent something important: physical spaces where we can be completely, authentically ourselves. Where the barriers of clothing, pretense, and societal expectation fall away, leaving just humans connecting with nature and each other.
For gay romance readers and lovers of MM fiction, there's something almost poetic about a beach where literal and metaphorical nakedness intersect. It's the kind of setting that could inspire a thousand queer fiction storylines: chance encounters, summer romances, self-discovery journeys.
Whether you're a seasoned naturist or curious first-timer, whether you're traveling solo or with your partner, Praia do Abricó offers an experience that stays with you long after you've put your clothes back on.
Ready for More Adventures?
This is just one stop on our Naked Horizons journey exploring LGBTQ+-friendly nude beaches around the world. For more travel inspiration, romance recommendations, and authentic queer content, visit Readwithpride.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X.
Because the best stories: whether in books or in life: happen when we dare to be bare.
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