For cheap digs in Arraial do Cabo, it’s hard to beat the pleasant Hostel Marina dos Anjos (Rua Bernardo Lens 145, Praia dos Anjos, tel. 22/2622-4060, www.marinadosanjos.com.br, R$30–46 pp). Affiliated with the International Youth Hostel Association, it offers basic but cheerily spotless dormitory and double rooms in a house with hammock-slung verandas. The friendly staff can provide you with lots of information about the region. You can also rent bikes and diving equipment.

More upscale is the breezy Capitão n’Area Pousada (Rua Santa Cruz 7, Praia dos Anjos, tel. 22/2622-2720, www.capitaopousada.com, R$125–175 d). Outfitted in soothing maritime whites and blues, it possesses amenities such as a pool, fitness center, and a terrace bar with lovely views of Praia dos Anjos. Its charming restaurant, Porto das Delícias, serves up some of the tastiest fare in town.

If you’re searching for something more secluded, Estalagem dos Corais (tel. 22/2262-2182, www.estalagemdoscorais.com.br, R$100–110) on Prainha offers pleasant, comfortable accommodations along with a sauna and an attractive pool.

Saint Tropez (Praça Daniel Barretto 2, Praia dos Anjos, tel. 22/2262-1222, 6 p.m.–midnight Mon.–Tues., noon–midnight Wed.–Sun., R$20–30) takes advantage of the local daily catch to serve up simple but succulent dishes incorporating fresh fish, shrimp, squid, and mussels.