João Fernandes is generally considered the most beautiful beach in Búzios, and it is easy to see why. The bay curves in a near-perfect arc, sheltered by headlands on both sides, with calm turquoise water and a strip of fine white sand backed by colourful fishing boats. The water is clear enough to snorkel from the beach without equipment hire.
Barracas (beach bars) line the top of the sand, serving cold beer and freshly grilled seafood from mid-morning to sunset. It gets busy on summer weekends and during Carnival, but even then the size of the beach prevents it from feeling impossibly crowded. A path over the headland connects João Fernandes to the smaller and slightly quieter João Fernandinho beach, which is worth the five-minute walk.