“The town of fishermen”
Armação dos Búzios (Portuguese pronunciation: [aʁmɐˈsɐ̃w duz ˈbuzjus], locally [ɐɦməˈsɜ̃w̃ duj̆ʑ ˈbuˑzjʊ̆j̆ɕ]), often referred to as just Búzios, is a resort town and a municipality located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2012, its population consisted of 23,463 inhabitants and its area of 69 km². Today, Búzios is a popular getaway from the city and a worldwide tourist site, especially among Brazilians and Argentinians.
In the early 1900s Búzios was an almost unknown village of fishermen. It remained as such until 1964, when the French actress Brigitte Bardot visited Búzios, since then Búzios became popular with the Carioca’s high society, who wanted to escape from the chaotic city life of Rio de Janeiro and enjoy over 23 beaches that the peninsula offers. The city grew to be an international tourist destination.
Today, the peninsula is a travelling site that offers calmness, direct contact with nature and scenic views. The west coast beaches offer calm, clear waters while the east coast ones, facing the open sea, are more wild and draw surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Azeda, Ferradura, João Fernandes and Armação are amongst the most popular beaches in town. At night, Rua das Pedras, Buzios' main street, offers its visitors an active nightlife and a great variety of shopping and restaurants.