PRAIA MOLE

Getting its name from the mole (soft), pink sand that carpets the beach, Praia Mole is the most popular and fashionable beach on the island. Is it that surfers attract a young, beautiful crowd (a large number of surfing beaches in Brazil have turned into fashionable beaches for the upwardly mobile), or is it just a coincidence that Praia Mole is also one of the island’s best surf spots? The waves here are long and tubular and the water is blue and sparkling, if somewhat cold. Although the conditions are not perfect for swimming, many folks venture a meter or so into the surf to cool off. A meter or so is all that’s recommended here as the currents get rough farther out. There is no lack of refreshments, as there are numerous beach bars all along the interior of the beach, and many offer showers for washing off.

During peak summer months, this beach can get pretty crowded and traffic between Praia Mole and downtown can make the 20-minute trip last up to four hours!