Maresias, São Paulo, Brasil. Five kilometres of pale sand and powerful waves below the Serra do Mar, host to world surf championships and one of the liveliest beaches on São Paulo's north coast.
Come early or late: between 11am and 4pm in July and August the sand fills up and the car park closes. Off-season the beach is close to empty and access stays open.
The water stays clear most of the year; after days of strong wind it can turn cloudy for 24 to 48 hours. There is no natural shade on the sand, so bring a hat or rent an umbrella at the entrance.
Real historical monthly sea temperature averages.
Less than 30 minutes by car.
