Grande beach Atlantic ocean

Close to São Paulo, this beach area got popular in the 1960"s and underwent a massive restructuring a decade ago to accomodate millions of tourists and locals. Now the beach, about 10 kilometers long, is lined with wall to wall condominiums. There is a beachfront road, winding bike path, tiled walkway and a wide beach with soft beige sand. 

Grand beach, 8 x 10" watercolour 2026

The shallow water was pale blue with a tea-coloured tint. Despite being on the Atlantic ocean, it was warm like bath water and pleasant to stand in while waves rolled by. 

Rolling sea, 6 x 7.5" watercolour January 2026

It was fairly crowded considering how large the beach was. People were standing in the water while a few surfers were catching waves. Rolling mountains in the background were typical for this part of Brazil. The drive in and out went along a winding highway that crossed misty valleys, jungle waterfalls and long tunels. 

Beach crowd, watercolour 6 x 7.5" January 2026