Praia de Ponta Negra, at the far south end of town, is the nicest stretch of sand in Natal and one of the most appealing big-city beaches in the Northeast…
Natal
Rio Grande do Norte's capital is a clean and bright city that has swelled as a hub for coastal package tourism, much of it catering to Brazilian families. Its main attractions are touristic beaches, buggy rides and other organized excursions, restaurants and nightlife.
Most visitors stay in the beach neighborhood of Ponta Negra; it's a striking location, overlooked by fantastic dunes, with steady surf and some lively nightlife. The older part of Natal, including the city center, Cidade Alta, about 7.5 miles (12km) northwest of Ponta Negra, is on a peninsula flanked to the west by the Rio Potengi and to the east by Atlantic beaches and reefs.
Explore Natal
- PPraia de Ponta Negra
Praia de Ponta Negra, at the far south end of town, is the nicest stretch of sand in Natal and one of the most appealing big-city beaches in the Northeast…
- FForte dos Reis Magos
The fort that got Natal started in 1598 still stands in its original five-pointed star shape on the reef at the tip of the peninsula at the north end of…
- PPraia dos Artistas
Praia dos Artistas is an urban beach with good surfing waves. It used to be the hub of Natal nightlife but is now pretty sketchy after dark.
- MMaior Cajuiero do Mundo
Taking up an entire block in the pretty coastal town of Pirangi, 15km south of Ponta Negra, the world's largest cashew tree is a source of pride for the…
- MMorro da Careca
At the south end of Praia de Ponta Negra is the Morro da Careca, a spectacularly high sand dune with a steep face dropping straight into the sea. Access…
- PPraia do Meio
Praia do Meio is a fairly ordinary urban beach with reefs and a lot of people getting drunk. When the tide is right, the water forms large pools behind…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Natal.
See
Praia de Ponta Negra
Praia de Ponta Negra, at the far south end of town, is the nicest stretch of sand in Natal and one of the most appealing big-city beaches in the Northeast…
See
Forte dos Reis Magos
The fort that got Natal started in 1598 still stands in its original five-pointed star shape on the reef at the tip of the peninsula at the north end of…
See
Praia dos Artistas
Praia dos Artistas is an urban beach with good surfing waves. It used to be the hub of Natal nightlife but is now pretty sketchy after dark.
See
Maior Cajuiero do Mundo
Taking up an entire block in the pretty coastal town of Pirangi, 15km south of Ponta Negra, the world's largest cashew tree is a source of pride for the…
See
Morro da Careca
At the south end of Praia de Ponta Negra is the Morro da Careca, a spectacularly high sand dune with a steep face dropping straight into the sea. Access…
See
Praia do Meio
Praia do Meio is a fairly ordinary urban beach with reefs and a lot of people getting drunk. When the tide is right, the water forms large pools behind…
Guidebooks
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