Praia da Lagoinha

Lagoinha is a small, sheltered cove ringed by hills covered in Atlantic Forest. The sea is calm, clear and shelves gently — the kind of beach where you spend the whole morning in the water without noticing the time.

Being well protected, it barely forms waves, which makes it excellent for snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. Small fishing boats at anchor complete a scene that looks painted.

Facilities are simple and access is along narrow streets, which naturally limits how many people turn up — part of why it stays so well preserved. Anyone after silence and clear water without leaving town tends to end up here.

There isn't much sand — just over 20 metres — but Lagoinha's charm is in the water. Among the big rocks along the shore lie several natural pools, shallow and clear, that draw many species of fish and turtles. You can see them without even getting in; the hard part is resisting the urge to put a mask on. It's one of the best spots in town for free diving, with a snorkel or on a breath-hold.

Lagoinha isn't alone. It's one of three small beaches side by side on the right-hand headland of Praia de Bombinhas, together with Prainha and Praia do Embrulho. Prainha has the jetty where the boat trips and dive schools set off — and where you can spot turtles and, now and then, even penguins. Embrulho got its name from its steep shelf: before the jetty existed, it would “wrap up” the locals unloading goods from the boats. On the rocks of both there are lithic workshops, marks left by the prehistoric peoples who lived in the area.

Around it is Bombinhas' Centro: a boardwalk links the right-hand end of Praia de Bombinhas to Prainha, and Lagoinha is right next door. If you're thinking about property, it's the case for living in Centro taken to its limit — walking out of the house with a mask and snorkel in hand and reaching one of the best dive spots in town within minutes, without touching the car.