Brazilian Bikini Shopping in Cabo Frio

Praia do Forte - Cabo Frio, Brazil

I had been looking for some good, reasonably priced bikinis for a while. C&A has decently priced bikinis, but last time I bought from there the plastic snap on top broke within a week (I tied it together with hemp string to save it) and all boutiques in Icaraí are ridiculously expensive. Who pays R$250+ (~US$150) for a bikini anyway? Aquamar, the cheapest bikini boutique around, is where I got my last few bikinis, but when I went there with Russell's dad he laughed at the prices (R$110) and said I could find the exact same thing in Cabo Frio for a fraction of the price. I had been wanting to go to Cabo Frio anyway, so Russ and I took a day trip there to get in some beach time as well as bikini shopping!

Photos: Cabo Frio day trip on Flickr

On the way there we stopped to grab some amazing pastels. I got what I like to call a Margarita Pastel - mozzarella cheese, oregano, and tomato - all inside a thin crispy crust...mmmmm.... Plus whenever we have pastels we always get a caldo de cana (sugarcane juice). So good. After our quick stop we were on our way to Cabo Frio.

Enjoying the Cabo Frio riverfront

When we arrived we immediately hit the beach for sun and swim. The water was clear and warm like most beaches here. We only stayed at the beach for 45 minutes before we got hungry again and grabbed some sardinhas (photo) - little deep fried sardines - and beer. After out mini fish feast it was time for shopping!

I was expecting bikini prices here to be low, but I never though they would be as low are they were. Only R$15 (US$9) per piece! I was able to buy one black top and three matching bottoms for R$60, cheaper than one bikini at Aquamar - amazing! Now I have a handful of Brazilian Bikinis to keep me satisfied for a while. I really wish I would have bought more though, especially another top - I have not found a top that is so cute and comfortable at the same time.

Now you know: if you ever go to Rio and are looking for a bikini, head to Cabo Frio. It is an easy drive or bus ride away and a very nice day trip!