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Seeking the girl from Ipanema, in Ipanema

21.05.12

On one mental radio station, Barry Manilow's infectious anthem "Copacabana" (admittedly about a New York nightclub, but impossible not to connect with this sun-blessed city); on the other, Astrud and Joao Gilberto's bossa nova classic "Garota De Ipanema" ("The Girl from Ipanema").

In a week's time, both songs would be drowned out by the sound of drums, samba, singing and millions of revellers when carnival hits Rio (16-21 February; rio-carnival.net). The stretch of seafront that comprises Copacabana and Ipanema beaches is busy at the best of times – beach life is an integral part of Carioca culture. Rich and poor, young and old flood down from their homes at any given opportunity.

I'm on Manilow's turf first. I meet my guide, Guilherme, at the Windsor Hotel (00 55 21 2195 7800; windsorhoteis.com.br) on Avenida Atlantica, which marks the start of Copacabana Beach. The pavement of the promenade is decorated in Calcada Portuguesa, the Portuguese-style black and white mosaic waves, a tribute to the ocean off Copacabana, one of the world's most iconic beaches. It's not quite as glam as its heyday, but this 4km strip of sand continues to heave with sun-seekers.

Source: The Independent