Point de Itaúna

Itaúna Point is in Saquarema, in Rio de Janeiro, and is considered by many to be the best spot in Brazil, nicknamed the Maracanã of Surfing for hosting historic competitions since the 1970s. The bottom is sand with the influence of rock slabs near the shore, and the left end of the point forms long, strong, maneuverable lefts that need big swell, at least 8 feet, from the south or southeast with north to northeast wind, delivering walls of more than 200 meters on a rising low tide.

It is the most consistent beach in the region and was therefore chosen by the WSL to host the Brazilian stop of the world tour, bringing together the best surfers on the planet every year. The crowd is big and includes heavyweight local names, like the Chumbo family, who helped put Saquarema on the world surfing map. Before going, it's worth checking the WSL calendar, since event days take over much of the beach's busiest spot.