Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, is a vibrant coastal city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Known for its paradisiacal beaches, Natal is home to stunning spots like Ponta Negra Beach, where the iconic Morro do Careca rises against a backdrop of golden sands and calm waters. It’s no wonder the city is often referred to as the Brazilian Caribbean, with its crystal-clear waters and marine life making it a great place for water activities like snorkeling and diving at Parrachos de Maracajaรบ or exploring the natural pools during low tide.
A visit to Natal wouldnโt be complete without a thrilling dune buggy ride through the famous sand dunes of Genipabu, one of the city’s primary attractions. This adventure offers a unique experience, from racing down the dunes to relaxing at the serene Genipabu Lagoon. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, a camel ride through the dunes or a zip line plunge adds an extra thrill. For nature lovers, Parque das Dunas, the second-largest urban park in Brazil, provides a peaceful escape in the heart of the city, where you can take in the rich biodiversity of the region.
Beyond its natural attractions, Natal has a rich history and cultural heritage to explore. You can visit historical sites like the Forte dos Reis Magos, which overlooks the Potengi River, and the Cรขmara Cascudo Museum, where the cityโs past comes to life. And if youโre in the mood for a day trip, the beautiful beach town of Pipa, with its breathtaking coastline and charming village, is just a short drive away. Whether you’re here for outdoor activities, historical monuments, or simply to relax by the beach, Natal is the perfect place for an unforgettable getaway.
Below I’ll detail the best places for you to visit, including the best views, the best places to take photos for Instagram, and the best places to eat that typical dish. Come with me on this incredible adventure in Natal!
Genipabu Beach
Genipabu Beach was ranked in 2023 by Tripadvisor as one of the top ten beaches in Latin America. Known for its stunning dunes and warm, calm waters, this beach has become famous for its exhilarating buggy rides. The expansive dune park will surprise you with lagoons that feel like hidden oases!
Get ready to snap beautiful photos of colorful buggies against the white dunes and capture the traditional jangadas (fishing boats) returning from their morning catch. While you’re at it, indulge in delicious seafood dishes featuring fish and crustaceans at the simple beachfront stalls.
Don’t forget to stay refreshed with some ice-cold coconut water and enjoy swimming in the serene waters while soaking in the breathtaking views of Genipabu Beach.
Buggy Ride
Taking a buggy ride is the best way to experience the beauty of Genipabu Beach, and itโs hands down the most exciting option for exploring everything this area has to offer. Youโll cover miles of dunes and coastline, a full-day adventure thatโs tailored to your preferences. And the best part? The ride is customizable based on your adrenaline level!
The driver will ask you a fun question: โWould you like the ride with or without thrills?โ You can either opt for a more leisurely trip or, if you’re up for some excitement, go for the heart-pumping ride that includes steeper inclines and faster speedsโall perfectly safe, so you can relax. Just a little heads-up for those with heart conditions: you might want to choose your adventure accordingly!
Sandboarding or โEsquibundaโ
You might already be familiar with sandboardingโitโs like snowboarding but on dunes. You glide down the sandy slopes using a board. Esquibunda, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like sliding down the dunes while sitting on a board. Donโt underestimate it thoughโthis is still a thrilling adventure, and you might end up rolling down the dunes! But donโt worry, itโs a safe and fun activity that guarantees plenty of laughs, whether youโre going solo, with a partner, family, or friends.
“Aerobunda” โ Ziplining from Dunes to Lagoon!
Genipabu Beach also has its own zipline known as “Aerobunda”, which takes you on a thrilling ride from the top of a dune down to Jacumรฃ Lagoon. Itโs an experience full of fun and adrenaline, and the prices are quite affordable, similar to sandboarding and esquibunda. While the buggy ride may be a bit more expensive, especially with rising fuel costs, itโs still worth every penny for an unforgettable adventure.
Moving Dunes
Did you know that Rio Grande do Norte is home to “moving dunes”? These dunes shift due to the strong winds in the more desert-like areas of the state. When planning your visit, you can ask a local tour agency to include a stop at the Moving Dunes or speak directly with one of the buggy drivers for a more personalized and budget-friendly trip.
This mix of rich culture, adrenaline-pumping activities, and natural beauty makes Genipabu Beach one of the best places to visit in Natal. Whether you’re in the mood for adventure or just relaxing by the water, itโs the great spot for a full day of unforgettable memories.
Historic Center
The Historic Center of Natal is located in the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Covering an area of approximately 201,278 mยฒ, it includes 150 buildings of various architectural styles, such as colonial, neoclassical, art-deco, and modernist. This area encompasses the neighborhoods of Cidade Alta and Ribeira, along with parts of Tirol and Petrรณpolis, which are some of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. These areas reflect the early centuries of Brazilian history, highlighting key aspects of Portuguese colonization.
The center is known for its narrow streets, a typical feature of the irregular urban layout found in Portuguese colonial cities, still preserved today. There’s also the well-known Beco da Lama, a traditional bohemian spot in Cidade Alta, which began on Rua Dr. Josรฉ Ivo and eventually spread to neighboring streets. This area has been embraced by the local community as a piece of Natal’s historical heritage.
One of the most iconic buildings in the Historic Center is the Theatro Alberto Maranhรฃo, along with the Solar Bela Vista and the Church of Our Lady of Presentation (the Old Cathedral). Additionally, two monuments within the area have been individually listed as heritage sites by IPHAN: the former Government Palace and the Sobradinho. The Zona Histรณrica also features the new Memorial of Justice Vicente Lemos, which tells the history of the Potiguar judicial system.
Since 2008, the city has hosted an annual event known as the “Historic Walk of Natal”, aiming to reconnect both locals and tourists with the city’s rich history. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s most significant monuments and historic streets through an engaging walking tour.
Forte dos Reis Magos
Forte dos Reis Magos stands as a key landmark in the history of Brazil’s coastal fortifications. It’s one of the most significant, beautiful, and well-constructed forts along the Brazilian coastline, with construction dating back to the late 16th century. This fort also marks the founding of the city of Natal.
Its story began as a response by the Portuguese and Spanish crowns to external threats, particularly from French pirates who were illegally trading Brazilwood. This led to the decision to build a fort and establish a colony nearby.
In 1597, during the Iberian Union, the Governor-General of Brazil, D. Francisco de Souza, organized an expedition to expel the French. It was also decided that a fort would be built at the mouth of the Potengi River, with a city to follow. Feliciano Coelho, the Captain-General of Paraรญba, and the governor of Pernambuco were tasked with founding the colony and constructing the fort. Manoel de Mascarenhas Homem, Captain-General of Pernambuco, led 12 ships by sea. In contrast, Feliciano Coelho de Carvalho and Jerรดnimo de Albuquerque led 350 men, along with 900 indigenous people and enslaved individuals, by land.
Construction began on January 6, 1598, using traditional methods with materials like wood and mud from the mangroves. The initial design was entrusted to Father Gaspar de Samperes, a Jesuit priest and architect who had worked as an engineer in Spain. However, the current structure was redesigned by Engineer Francisco Farias de Mesquita in 1614. Mascarenhas Homem laid the cornerstone, and from there, construction never stopped.
The colony was established after the fort’s completion, and it was named Natal because the Portuguese fleet arrived in Rio Grande do Norte on Christmas Day.
The fort played a crucial role in defending Brazilian territory during the colonial period. However, in December 1633, it fell to a Dutch invasion force of around 2,000 men aboard 16 ships. The fort was renamed “Castelo Keulen” after that.
So, when you visit Natal, don’t miss the chance to take a stunning photo for your Instagram at Forte dos Reis Magos!
Parrachos de Maracajaรบ
The Parrachos de Maracajaรบ tour is easily one of the top favorites among tourists visiting Natal. It all starts with a convenient transfer from your hotel in Natal to Maracajaรบ Beach, located about 65 km away. From there, the adventure really takes off as you hop on a speedboat or catamaran and head to the parrachosโnatural pools formed during low tide, about 7 km offshore. If you love nature, this is truly a can’t-miss experience, especially on a clear, sunny day.
The water here is incredibly clear and inviting, perfect for spotting all sorts of marine life, colorful fish, and coral reefs, as well as enjoying a refreshing dip. Since the tides shift daily, itโs best to plan your visit during low tide (which happens around the full and new moons), when the pools are at their shallowest and most spectacular.
Tour operators usually give you the option to travel from Maracajaรบ Beach to the pools by speedboat or catamaran. While the catamaran offers a more relaxed and comfortable journey, Iโd recommend going by speedboatโitโs faster, and youโll get more time to explore. Once you reach the parrachos, thereโs a floating platform in the middle of the ocean where you can rent snorkel gear, grab a drink, or snack on some light bites.
The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, but if youโre feeling a bit more adventurous, you can opt for a deeper dive with an oxygen tank. And for first-timers whoโve never dived with a tank before, thereโs a chance to experience a โbaptism,โ where a professional will guide you through your first scuba dive.
Back at Maracajaรบ Beach, youโll find a few restaurants and beach clubs where you can unwind before or after your tour. There are also ATV rides available to explore the nearby dunes. During my visit, we spent some time at Manoa Park, a charming water park with pools and a restaurant. After enjoying the park, we took a speedboat out to the natural pools, where we spent about an hour. Unfortunately, the weather wasnโt on our sideโit was cloudy, and we even got caught in a bit of a storm, which put a damper on things. Still, the overall experience was great. We booked our tour with Natal Vans, and despite the weather, everything went smoothly.
Tip: Tides are constantly changing, so itโs a good idea to check the tide charts ahead of time. Low tide is the best time to visit the parrachos since the pools are shallower and even more stunning during those periods.
Wrapping Up
In summary, if you’re looking for a destination that combines rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Belรฉm and Natal in Brazil should be at the top of your travel list.
Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets of Belรฉm, exploring its lush rainforests, or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Natal’s beaches, you’ll find yourself immersed in the unique charm of Brazil.
Visiting places like Forte dos Reis Magos in Natal or enjoying the Parrachos de Maracajaรบ gives you a glimpse into the country’s fascinating past and breathtaking landscapes. From discovering hidden gems in colonial towns to experiencing the thrill of adventure tours across dunes and lagoons, Brazil offers endless opportunities to be amazed and inspired.
So pack your bags and come see for yourself what this incredible country has to offer. You wonโt just be visiting a placeโyouโll be creating memories and uncovering the heart and soul of Brazil in ways you never expected. Whether itโs your first time or you’re returning, thereโs always something new and captivating to discover here.
