Soaked in sunshine and surrounded by towering sand dunes, Natal stands at the edge of Northeastern Brazil closest to Europe. The capital of Rio Grande do Norte is one of the most attractive hubs on the Brazilian coast - besides having plenty of attractions of its own, the city is your gateway to the state's intriguing coastline, which boasts gems such as Tibau do Sul, Praia da Pipa .
Natal's long, clean beaches, fun nightlife and events - especially Carnatal, the off-season Carnival - and great hotels attract families with kids, singles and couples looking for a romantic getaway.
The city is a great place for tweens and teenagers, who can enjoy surfing, sand surfing, kitesurfing and snorkeling. Buggy rides are a must-do in Natal. One of the most attractive rides goes north to Genipabu, with amazing sand dunes and transparent ponds.
Head south and you're entering dolphin watching territory. Praia da Pipa, 85 kilometers to the south, is one of the top dolphin watching destinations in Brazil.
Natal History
Named "Christmas" and founded by Portuguese colonizers on December 25, 1599, Natal was once within territory occupied by the Dutch. Forte dos Reis Magos, a fort built in 1598, was taken back by the Portuguese in 1654. The fort is open to visitors and it's worth a tour, not only for its impressive architecture and historic significance, but also for the amazing ocean views.
During World War II, Natal played an important role in Brazil's support of the Allied forces against the Axis, as a strategic air base. Supposedly, Brazilian forró dates back to "for all" parties held during the American presence in the area.
Natal Beaches
Whether you go north or south, you'll find plenty of beautiful sand dunes and lagoons on Natal beaches. Genipabu, to the north, is one of the best-known attractions along this stretch of the northeastern coast of Brazil.
Things to Do in Natal
Forte dos Reis Magos is a can't-miss attraction, not only for its historic value but also for the view of the Natal coast you can soak in from its parapet.
Other fabulous photo opportunities await tourists who brave the 150 steps leading to the top of Farol de Mãe Luiza.
Natal has well-preserved historic buildings. Palácio Felipe Camarão, which houses the city administration, dates back to 1922. See art exhibits at Pinacoteca do Estado at Palácio Potengi (1873) and visit late 19th-century Theatro Alberto Maranhão.
Centro de Turismo, a historic construction listed as a National Heritage Site, is another place you shouldn't miss. Besides having several shops which sell all kinds of attractive crafts and souvenirs, Centro de Turismo hosts Forró com Turista (www.forrocomturista.com.br), one of the best forrós in town.
Even if you don't want to dance forró, you're likely to enjoy walking around the Centro in a balmy Natal night and take in the wonderful vibes of this festive get-together which takes place every Thursday at 10pm.
Alto de Ponta Negra is another nightlife hotspot in Natal. Taberna Pub Medieval, inside the Lua Cheia is really popular. So are Rastapé, which has regional music, and Salsa Bar, famous for its capoeira.
Carnatal
Natal has great Reveillon and Carnival, but no other event is as famous as the city's micareta, or off-season Carnival. Carnatal (December) is a top event featuring many of the bands which play elsewhere during Brazil Carnival - in Salvador, for example.
Carnatal is a fantastic option for travelers who want the best of all worlds: enjoy the wild fun of Carnival not long before Christmas and New Year's events in Brazil.
Where to Eat in Natal
Most of the best restaurants are in Ponta Negra, Petrópolis and Tirol.
Have at least one meal at Mangai, a famous regional food restaurant with locations in other Brazil cities. Piazzale Italia by the Gomes family of chefs serves outstanding Italian food. For the best prawns, go to Camarões Potiguar. Mingle with the locals at Praia da Redinha, where the signature treat is ginga com tapioca.
One of the best loved eateries in Natal, Casa de Taipa (55-84-3219-5798) recreates a rustic Brazilian home. Lots of colorful handicrafts for sale make it one of the most picturesque places in Brazil to eat tapioca.
Where to Stay in Natal
Barreira d’Água and Ponta Negra concentrate the greatest number of hotels in Natal. But there are lots of options on other beaches as well.
Some of the top hotels in Natal are on Barreira d’Água: the Serhs Natal Grand and the Ocean Palace Beach Resort & Bungalows are examples of what the string of hotels along Via Costeira has to offer.
Natal Safety Issues
Like many other large cities in Brazil capitals, Natal has safety issues. The area around Ponta Negra, with busy nightlife and lots of stores, has its share of thefts and robberies. Have fun, but watch your surroundings.
Natal's history as part of a broader Brazil reality as sex tourism land is particularly strong along the beach in Ponta Negra. Although the city has been actively engaged in the fight against child sex tourism in Brazil, the problem is still evident and that's all the more valid for adult sex tourism.
Prostitutes - women and transvestites - are likely to cross the traveler's path sometime in the Natal nightlife.
However, families usually have a great time in Natal. Local hotels have an excellent leisure infrastructure, daytime outings are awesome and the city's restaurants are packed with families and kids.
