THE FACTS ABOUT LEBLON BEACH

Brazil Rio_de_Janeiro

In the centre of Rio, adjacent to Ipanema, this is the quietest of the city beaches, although its white sand is just as good as that on others. Cariocas jog and bike along the beach by day, or play volleyball; by night, the various beachside bars buzz with a cool and funky crowd. Essentially a local beach, Leblon is a good place for families or anyone who wants to be left to sunbathe and swim without being hassled. THE MONTH TO GO February: it's carnival month, which is, of course, when Rio is at its most exciting