Natal is situated in Brazil’s most northeastern corner and is the sunny, beachside capital city of Rio Grande do Norte. With a population of some 803,000 people, Natal may have its fair share of high-rise hotels and shopping centres, but you’re never very far from nature. Spectacular stretches of coastline, coral reefs, undulating sand dunes and the world’s largest cashew tree are some of the attractions that await.
Our favourite neighbourhoods in Natal, Brazil
The Potengi River splits Natal into two zones – north and south. The river is spanned by the Newton Navarro bridge, a dramatic cable-stayed bridge, one of the largest in the country. While there isn’t much to do close to the bridge itself, it is a must-see while you’re in town (pictured below).
Ponta Negra: This is the area where almost all the tourists flock to due to its glorious stretch of coastline, funky bars and restaurants. There’s also the Morro do Careca, a towering sand dune which bookends the beach. To preserve the sand dune for future generations you can no longer climb it, but it’s still an icon of the region nonetheless. There’s a relaxed vibe along the beachfront here as music and conversation floats out of the bars. Tourists book excursions (passeios) for the following day or browse the handicraft (artesanato) markets. Think of this area as Natal’s take on Copacabana.
Via Costeira (pictured below): This is the coastal road heading north from Ponta Negra towards the Newton Navarro Bridge. This stretch of highway passes by the city’s Parque das Dunas (Dunes Park) and then onto Areia Preta, with its high-rise apartments and slightly shabby vibe. If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to drop anchor in large resort-style hotels, then the Via Costeira is where you’ll find them.
Top things to do in Natal, Brazil
Make sure you take a dune buggy tour north. Tours usually pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, leaving around 8am and returning after lunch. Highlights include the scenic drive along Via Costeira, a trip over the striking Newton Navarro Bridge and then an exhilarating, high-speed drive over sand dunes.
The dune buggies will also pass through Genipabu (pictured above) before taking you to Lagoa do Jacumã, a must-see for thrillseekers. Here you can enjoy waterslides, zip-lines and sand boarding, all which plunge you from a tall dune into the refreshing lake waters below.
While on your dune buggy trip, take some time out to ride a camel while you gaze out towards the city skyline – a surreal experience.
Visit Parque das Dunas (Dunes Park). Here you can go jogging or take a guided tour through Brazil’s second largest urban park.
Be sure to get your photo taken in front of the Morro do Careca (Bald Hill) on Ponta Negra beach. Afterwards, grab lunch or a caipirinha at Old Five. As the sun sets, take a stroll back along the beach. Watch the sky change colour behind the city skyline.
Where is Natal, Brazil?
A perfect jumping off point for…
- Make sure you keep a few days up your sleeve to explore the chic coastal enclave of Pipa
- 2 and a half hours south of Natal is the city of João Pessoa, a coastal city with great beaches and a charming historical centre
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Last updated: 26 Nov, 2023
Photographers: Frankie Marcones, Alexis Regis and Vlademir Alexandre/MTur.