Natal

Right in the center of the Northeast, on the easternmost tip of South America, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte begins the transition of the landscape from the tropical exuberance to the immense sands, dunes partially covered with vegetation, and the somewhat more arid and desert landscapes of the coastal states of northern Brazil.

Playa Ponta Negra en Natal

photo by onlyice - CC 2.0 by

Only 5 degrees from the equator, Natal stands out as a guarantee of sunshine and good weather during most of the year. This medium capital of 700,000 inhabitants does not have much to highlight in terms of beaches in its urban sector. Praia dos Artistas , Praia do Meio and Praia do Forte are the central beaches of Natal's urban coastline, and are characterized by being small, with reefs and rock formations near and over the coast. They are usually the beaches frequented by the inhabitants of the city. In Praia do Forte is the Forte dos Três Reis Magos , this fort, the main historical attraction of the city, originally built in 1558 as a means of protection against the French and Dutch invasions tempted by the richness of rubber, is the first building in the city and currently houses a historical museum.

Duna en Genipabú - Natal

photo by Ana Patricia Almeida - CC 2.0 by

Located to the south of the city and some distance from the center, is Praia de Ponta Negra , which is by far the most beautiful of Natal, is distinguished by the Morro do Careca : a 120-meter high mountain of sand partially covered by vegetation, which until the beginning of this decade it was possible to climb to appreciate a view of the entire length of the beach. It is currently forbidden to climb the Morro, since local ecologists warned that the dune was being reduced due to the multitude of tourists who climbed it daily, either to contemplate the view of Praia de Ponta Negra , or to access the almost deserted beaches located a couple of kilometers down behind the Morro do Careca towards the sea.

Fuerte de los 3 Reyes Magos

photo by Caio R N Pereira - CC 2.0 by

In the Ponta Negra beach you can also find most of the inns and a huge number of bars and restaurants on the beach.

Playa Ponta Negra en Natal

photo by ricardor - CC 2.0 by

Outside the Municipality of Natal about 20 kilometers(in the neighboring municipality of Extremoz ) but an essential part of the attractions of Natal due to its proximity, is the Genipabú beach. This beach is highlighted by its immense dunes that, unlike the dune of the Morro do Careca , is accessible to tourists, not only for them to climb it, but also so that they can cross them on rides with buggies ; and even practice sandboard from them.

During the first fortnight of December a carnival is held outside of the time in Natal that attracts a lot of tourists.

How to get there

Via Aérea you reach the Augusto Severo International Airport, this small airport is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center, receives flights from the main cities of Brazil.

By land it is accessed from the south by the BR-101 and from the North from Fortaleza by the BR-304 highway.
 
There are buses from the main cities of Brazil.

The company Viação Nordeste links some of the main cities in the Northeast region, including Fortaleza, Natal and João Pessoa.

Distances and Travel Time by Bus:

From João Pessoa: 180 Km - Approximately 3 hours.
From Recife: 288 Km - Approx 5 hours.
From Fortaleza: 533 km - Approx - 9 hours.
From Salvador de Bahia: 1126 km - Approx - 17 hours.
From Rio de Janeiro: 2,645 Km - Approximately 45 hours.
From São Paulo: 2956 km - Approx 50 hours.

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