After adventures in the Amazon or exploring its sprawling cities, holidaymakers in Brazil have ample opportunity to do little more than lie on a towel and pitch up a parasol on its soft sandy shores.

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). When Brazilians have confidence that an endeavour is going to be successful, they say ‘Vai dar praia’ — literally, ‘It’s going to give ...

When Brazilians have confidence that an endeavour is going to be successful, they say ‘Vai dar praia’ — literally, ‘It’s going to give beach’. Few countries’ cultures are so closely entwined with sun, ...