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21 stunning photos that show why Rio is famous for its beaches

By Sarah Jacobs
A solar panel is set up to power WiFi access on Ipanema beach in Rio de Jan
The view at Ipanema Beach. Nacho Doce/Reuters
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With the start of the 2016 Olympic Games just weeks away, tourists are beginning to arrive in Rio de Janeiro. With scenic mountain views and lively boardwalks, the Brazilian city's famous beaches are definitely worth a pit stop at the very least. Whether you want to sunbathe, surf, or play some volleyball, there's something for everyone.

Below, see 21 photos of some of the most famous stretches of sand in Brazil:

Rio's Ipanema Beach is considered one of the best urban beaches in the world.

DATE IMPORTED:July 18, 2016Tourists sunbathe on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3, 2016. REUTERS/Na
Nacho Doce/Reuters

Source: Travel + Leisure

Part of its beauty is the views. You can see the Cagarras Islands offshore and majestic mountain peaks on land.

DATE IMPORTED:July 18, 2016A man sunbathes on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3, 2016
Nacho Doce/Reuters

It's also well known for the locals, who strut their stuff in their Brazilian bikinis.

A beach vendor poses with a swimsuit on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3, 2016
Nacho Doce/Reuters

The famous Brazilian jazz song "The Girl from Ipanema" was inspired by the women on this beach.

woman walks on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3
Nacho Doce/Reuters

There's also great surfing.

Boys, who are residents of Cantagalo favela, play with surfboards on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3, 2016
Nacho Doce/Reuters

Locals roam the sands, selling food and goods to visitors.

A woman uses a megaphone as she sells sandwiches to visitors on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3, 2
Nacho Doce/Reuters

You can grab a coconut drink from the various restaurants and bars off the boardwalk.

tourist (2nd R) takes a picture of a woman, as boys who are residents of Cantagalo favela stand nearby, on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
Nacho Doce/Reuters

You might be greeted by local performers while tanning.

Men perform for visitors on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3, 2016. R
Nacho Doce/Reuters

Many locals make the beach their gym.

A couple does exercises in the morning on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 14, 2016.
Nacho Doce/Reuters

Some use the sand as their weights.

A man does exercises with a bag filled with sand on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3, 2016. RE
Nacho Doce/Reuters

Others opt for beach volleyball.

Women play beach volley on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3, 2016.
Nacho Doce/Reuters

And some beachgoers just want to relax.

tourist receives a massage on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June
Nacho Doce/Reuters

Just north of Ipanema is Copacabana Beach, another popular spot for tourists and locals.

A toy tied to a small parachute is seen next to a sunbathing woman on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2, 2016. REUTERS/Nacho Doce
Nacho Doce/Reuters

Locals are here at all hours of the day, playing beach soccer and dancing on the sand until the morning comes.

A woman controls a ball on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 1
Nacho Doce/Reuters

Copacabana Beach is just over 2 miles long.

People walk into the sea at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2, 201
Nacho Doce/Reuters

Snorkeling and other water sports are popular here.

People prepare for a swimming course on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 14, 20
Nacho Doce/Reuters

The views here are great, too.

man walks on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2, 2016.
Nacho Doce/Reuters

Leme Beach, east of Copacabana, is also beautiful.

A man (L) looks at a woman running in the early morning on Leme beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2, 2016
Nacho Doce/Reuters

It's worth staying a full day just for the dramatic sunsets.

boy jumps on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3, 2016.
Nacho Doce/Reuters

The sun going down doesn't stop locals from enjoying the views ...

A man takes pictures of sunset on the rocks of Arpoador beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2, 2016. REUTERS/Nacho Doce
Arpoador Beach. Nacho Doce/Reuters

... or the sand and waves.

Men work out using cement weights at the end of the day, on Diabo beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 1, 2016
Diabo Beach. Nacho Doce/Reuters

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Sarah Jacobs
Sarah Jacobs is an associate visual features editor at Business Insider. She graduated from Emerson College, and her photography work can be found in Vice, Brooklyn Magazine, and Gothamist.
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