Trip planning

Accommodation in Arraial do Cabo for long-term stays as a digital noma

Dreaming of living by the sea? Find the best accommodation in Arraial do Cabo for long-term stays and enjoy the Brazilian Caribbean.

Arraial do Cabo is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro state, attracting thousands of visitors every year. But can you imagine settling here for a season, working from your laptop by the sea? If so, finding the right accommodation in Arraial do Cabo for long-term stays will help you make the most of this Brazilian paradise, which rivals the Caribbean beaches we all dream about.

This article is designed for anyone planning a long stay in Arraial do Cabo, whether to work remotely, write a book, take a break from city life, or simply live by the sea. We’ll explain the best areas to settle, what long-stay accommodation options exist, and what life is like in this unique corner of the Brazilian coast.

In this article

Where to stay in Arraial do Cabo: Accommodation for long stays

Arraial doesn’t have the infrastructure of a big city or Rio’s connectivity, but it offers something priceless: calm, nature, and a rhythm guided by wind, sun, and tides. Choosing the right area and accommodation type will make the difference between merely surviving local life or embracing it fully.

If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker, note that Arraial do Cabo doesn’t have coworking spaces or modern smart apartments. What you’ll find are family houses on sandy streets, guesthouses that smell of freshly baked bread, and hotels where, if you ask kindly, you can get a monthly rate. And honestly, that’s often all you need.

Long-stay options exist, but they don’t always appear on booking sites. Often you’ll find them by walking around, asking at kiosks, or staying a few days in a pousada and negotiating later. Here are the most common types:

Holiday homes (direct rentals or Airbnb)

If you’re working remotely or want somewhere that feels like home, renting a small house or flat is often the best option. Many properties are available monthly, especially outside peak season. Typical rentals include a kitchen, patio, fan or air conditioning (essential), and, if you’re lucky, even a barbecue for grilling a good peixe na brasa.

Search for this type of accommodation on platforms such as Airbnb using the monthly-stay filter, in Facebook groups like “Aluguel em Arraial do Cabo,” or simply walk around town — many houses display an aluga-se sign at the door.

Prices are quite reasonable, especially if you travel with friends or family, or don’t mind sharing with others. Here are approximate monthly costs for housing in Arraial do Cabo:

Kitnet or studio: from 1,200 to 1,800 BRL/month ($212–318 (€195–293))
One-bedroom house near the centre: 2,000 to 3,000 BRL/month ($350–530 (€322–487))
Family house (two or three bedrooms): From 3,500 BRL/month ($620 (€571))

Guesthouses (pousadas) offering long stays

Pousadas are part of Arraial’s soul. Many are family-run and have that simple charm: Homemade breakfast, shared patio, and a hammock where the best hours of the day drift by. Although they mainly cater to short-term tourists, many offer reduced rates for longer stays — you just need to ask.

Later, when we cover the best areas to stay, we’ll share examples for each. For now, some noteworthy pousadas include Pousada do Capitão in Praia dos Anjos, which offers discounts for stays over three weeks. If you’d rather escape the harbour noise, Pousada Tanto Mar (on the hillside) will charm you with panoramic views and reliable Wi-Fi for work.

Wondering how expensive it is to stay in a pousada in Arraial do Cabo? Here are estimated monthly prices with breakfast included:

Single room: from 2,000 to 2,800 BRL/month ($350–495 (€322–456))
Double room with air-conditioning and kitchenette: From 3,000 BRL/month ($530 (€487))

Small hotels with monthly rates

Some modest hotels or apart-hotels also offer monthly discounts, especially off-season. They’re not luxury resorts, but they include services that simplify life: cleaning, bed linen, shared kitchen, or even half-board.

Mediterrane Hotel by Castelo Itaipava, for example, features rooms with desks (ideal if you work from your laptop), air conditioning, sea view, and a pool. You can negotiate directly for long-stay rates. Estalagem do Porto, right in the centre, has spacious rooms, breakfast, and friendly service — perfect while searching for a more permanent place.

Monthly costs are slightly higher, depending on services and location: from 2,500 to 4,000 BRL ($442–707 (€407–651)).

Arraial do Cabo is known as ‘the Brazilian Caribbean’ and it really is – @Shutterstock What about the internet connection?

How to stay online in Arraial do Cabo

Arraial do Cabo is perfect for spotting turtles, sunsets, and stars. But how good is it for remote work? Well, that depends. The internet signal is acceptable in the centre and in areas like Praia dos Anjos or Praia Grande, but if you need to upload files or join daily video calls, you’d better have a plan B.

Most accommodations have their own Wi-Fi, but quality varies. The connection is usually decent, though not always strong enough for demanding workdays. And cafés with Wi-Fi are scarce — Arraial isn’t a tech-friendly town yet.

For smoother connectivity, we recommend getting one of Holafly’s monthly plans (25 GB or unlimited data). They work through a global eSIM you can activate as soon as you arrive in Brazil. You don’t need to swap SIM cards or sign local contracts. Simply connect from your phone and use it as a hotspot for other devices. So, if your Wi-Fi fails or you move to work by the beach, you’ll stay connected without interruption.

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Best areas to stay in Arraial do Cabo

Now that you know the most common types of accommodation, it’s time to explore the town and find the best area for a long stay. Arraial isn’t very big, and if you like walking, you can move around easily. Still, think about what matters most: proximity to the centre or harbour, beachfront living, tranquillity, or access to shops and services. Once you know your priorities, you’ll easily choose where to stay in Arraial do Cabo.

Remember, what was once “a nice beach to visit” will become “where you buy bread, work, cook, wait for gas delivery, or find your favourite café.” Choosing a neighbourhood for living is very different from choosing one for holidays.

Don’t worry, because we’ll now show you the best areas depending on what you value most — peace, convenience, or access to everything.

Praia dos Anjos: Central location and everyday life

If convenience is your thing, Praia dos Anjos is your place. It’s not the prettiest beach to go for a swim (it’s a harbour), but it’s the logistical heart of Arraial. The harbour for boat tours and water taxis is here, along with the fresh fish market, travel agencies, pharmacies, bakeries, hardware stores, and the largest supermarkets. There’s accommodation for every budget, from simple guesthouses to hotels with sea views.

This area is walkable, well-lit at night, and you’ll quickly feel part of local life. Everything’s close by — the centre, bus terminal, and road to Cabo Frio or Rio de Janeiro. You can reach nearby beaches on foot or by moto-taxi if you don’t have a car.

Tip: Don’t miss the trail to Praia do Forno (Trilha Praia do Forno). It’s not too difficult, and soon you’ll reach one of Arraial do Cabo’s most beautiful beaches — 100% recommended!

Where to stay in Praia dos Anjos

Here are a few specific examples of accommodation in Praia dos Anjos. The area has many hotels, pousadas, and flats. Below are some recommended options:

Acquarela Hostel: Ideal for travellers seeking community. A four-star hostel with barbecue area, shared kitchen, common lounge, outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. Only two minutes’ walk from Praia dos Anjos.
Costa Dourada Pousada: Located 50 metres from Praia dos Anjos, it offers fully equipped rooms, breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Praia do Forno is 600 metres away, and the main dining area of Arraial do Cabo is nearby.
Condomínio Club: Just 50 metres from the beach, with two-bedroom flats, parking, barbecue area, and full kitchen.
Pousada Arraial Inn: Three minutes’ walk from Praia dos Anjos, offering rooms with free Wi-Fi, garden, outdoor pool, sauna, and shared lounge. Includes buffet, à la carte, or continental breakfast, and multilingual staff.

Arraial do Cabo’s colourful harbour is the liveliest yet noisiest part of town — and for good reason. It’s where the boats depart for the most beautiful beaches. – @Shutterstock

Praia Grande: sea, sunsets, and a relaxed lifestyle

If your idea of a long stay involves sunset walks, quiet nights, and endless sea views, Praia Grande is for you. It’s slightly away from the centre but still part of the main urban area. The neighbourhood isn’t as commercial as Praia dos Anjos, but it offers a calmer lifestyle, perfect for remote workers or anyone seeking focus.

Praia Grande lives up to its name: vast, open, with direct sunsets over the sea and space to run, meditate, or simply breathe. While accommodation and dining options are fewer than in Praia dos Anjos, the area is growing, with new cafés and stays designed for longer visits. That’s why we highly recommend Praia Grande as another excellent area to stay in Arraial do Cabo.

What can you visit in your free time? In your free time, visit the Mirante da Boa Vista viewpoint for incredible panoramic views, or explore the trails leading to Prainhas do Pontal, one of Arraial’s most stunning beaches.

Where to stay in Praia Grande

When searching for accommodation in Praia Grande, choose the left-hand side of the beach near the Flávia Alessandra statue. It’s livelier and offers more restaurants and facilities.

Pousada Caminho do Sol: Located 80 metres from the beach and 10 minutes’ walk from the centre. Offers fully equipped rooms, buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, and on-site restaurants.
Aparts da Praia Grande 303: A few steps from Praia Grande. Includes two-bedroom apartments, three bathrooms, full kitchen, balcony with sea view, private parking, terrace, and Wi-Fi.
Pousada Do Timoneiro: 200 metres from Praia Grande, featuring ensuite rooms, pool, small restaurant, Wi-Fi in common areas, and free parking. Breakfast included.
Arraial do Cabo, Praia Grande Vista Espetacular: One-bedroom flat with fully equipped kitchen, two minutes’ walk from Praia Grande. Offers free private parking, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour reception.

Praia Grande offers comfort, peace, and beautiful sea views — ideal for long stays. – @Shutterstock

Prainha: Balance between beach life and local living

If you’re after a mix of comfort, beauty, and tranquillity, Prainha might be perfect. It’s the first beach you’ll see when arriving from Cabo Frio and one of the easiest for daily living: calm water, direct access from the street, and a peaceful residential vibe that matches the rhythm of seaside life.

This area blends family homes, short-term flats, and a few pousadas with lower prices than the busier beaches. You’ll have everything you need: bakeries, small markets, pharmacies, and it’s only a 10-minute walk from the centre or Praia dos Anjos.

Where to stay in Prainha

Accommodation in Prainha is more limited, but you can still find long-stay options and negotiate rates. Here are a few recommendations:

Orlanova Hotel: Perfect if you want to wake up and step straight onto the sand. It’s simple rather than fancy, but that’s part of Arraial’s charm. Well-equipped rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a hearty breakfast make it a personal favourite.
Mediterrane Hotel by Castelo Itaipava: 300 metres from Prainha, featuring outdoor pool, sun terrace, sauna, fitness centre, bar, and free breakfast. Contact directly for long-stay pricing.
Pousada da Prainha: 150 metres from the beach, offering comfortable rooms, breakfast, good Wi-Fi, and flexible stays outside peak season.

Where to stay in Arraial do Cabo: FAQs

Where should I shop for daily essentials?

In Praia dos Anjos and the town centre you’ll find the largest supermarkets: Atacadão, Princesa, and Supermercado Vez. There are also greengrocers, butchers, pharmacies, and hardware stores nearby. In Prainha and Praia Grande, you’ll find smaller shops for basics. For anything else, Cabo Frio is 20 minutes away and has everything you need.

Is there public transport in town?

Yes, but it’s limited. A few local buses and vans connect the main beaches, but they’re not very frequent. Most locals and visitors walk, cycle, use moto-taxis (very common), or drive. If you stay farther away, like Monte Alto or Pontal do Atalaia, having your own transport is helpful.

What’s the weather like for long stays?

It’s excellent almost all year. Arraial enjoys warm weather, steady winds, and little rain. From April to October, the heat is milder — perfect for work or relaxed living. Summer can get hot, but there’s always a beach nearby to cool off.

Is mobile and internet signal good?

Generally, yes — especially in Praia dos Anjos, the centre, and Prainha. As in most coastal towns, the signal may drop occasionally or in more remote streets. Having a reliable data plan helps you stay connected for work.

What’s it like living in Arraial do Cabo for a few months?

It’s simple, sunny, and quite addictive. Arraial isn’t a place for shopping malls or nightlife. It’s made for those who love the sea, peace, home-cooked food, and long sunsets. Time moves slower here — perfect for reading, reconnecting, and breathing deeper. If that’s what you’re seeking, you’ll find much more than just a place to sleep.