If you're visiting Rio, the the only Portuguese word you really need to memorize is praia, meaning "beach"! Rio de Janeiro is well known for its famous stretches of sand and decorative boardwalks, so it's a no-brainer why this seaside city in Brazil has captured the world's attention with its beautiful beaches. Choosing which beach to visit can be a bit overwhelming, as there are so many to pick from, with each one a bit different from the next.