The State of Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its many breathtaking beaches. Copacabana is probably Rio’s most famous beach: located in the vibrant neighbourhood of the same name, it is almost 6 km long, home of the New Year celebrations and the official venue of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Tourists meet here all year round to play sports, sunbathe, and dance till morning. Other beaches close to the centre of the city are Ipanema and Leblon, both crowded with cafés, bars, and restaurants, while the beaches of Barra da Tijuca, Prainha, and Grumari are great for surfing and water sports enthusiasts. Nearby Búzios, a former fishing village, offers many spots to practice surfing, volleyball, scuba diving, and windsurfing. Located in a small peninsular area, the village is fringed by many beautiful beaches, such as Geribá, Enseada de Manguinhos, Armação, Praia dos Ossos, Azeda, and Ferradura. Approaching Rio from Búzios, you will find Arraial do Cabo, the perfect place for an unforgettable scuba diving experience through crystal-clear waters and rock formations teeming with tropical fish.

A rather unremarkable facade hides a rare abundance of gems: opulent and gilded carvings from the 17th-century Baroque and Rococo styles embellish the interior, in addition to two magnificent statues of the Saints Benedict and Scholastica and an ornate high altar.

Right next to the headquarters of the European Southern Observatory in Garching, the ESO Supernova Planetarium is an interactive learning centre for all age groups. The highlight is the ultra-modern planetarium with its 360-degree dome. A total of ten different guided tours are offered in German and English, on which visitors can find out more about science and the nature of the universe.

The sea promenade called Riva is a wonderful place to walk around and enjoy its beautiful green parks and palm trees. It is a first class city promenade with the view over the Zadar channel, the islands of Ugljan and Pašman and the open sea to the northwest.