Rio Grande do Norte is a less-traveled Brazilian state, yet one that boasts almost immeasurable natural beauty. It has over 249 miles (400 kilometers) of superb coastline, peppered with beach after beach framed by dramatic sand dunes. Rio Grande do Norte is a place to enjoy dune buggy tours, surf in rolling waves and swim in natural pools. This is one of Brazil’s more undeveloped states, where the people make a living through tourism, sugar plantations and cattle farming.
Begin your vacation in Natal, the state capital which has beautiful beaches, such as Genipabu Beach, on its doorstep. Get a view over the city at the star-shaped Forte dos Reis Magos, which dates back to the late 1500s. Join one of the exhilarating buggy tours that traverse the undulating dunes of Parque das Dunas. You can try sandboarding and zip lining, swim in a lagoon and spot exotic wildlife in this park as well.
Running between Natal’s dunes and the ocean is the 6.2-mile (10-kilometer) long Via Costeira. Rent a bike and travel along this coastal road from the city center to Ponta Negra. Relax at the waterfront bars and watch surfers at Ponta Negra Beach.
More beaches sit within a short drive from Natal. Learn to surf, spot dolphins and experience the nightlife at Pipa. Get off the tourist trail at Baia Formosa and admire the world’s biggest cashew tree at Pirangi Beach. Go snorkeling in the crystal-clear pools and pristine reefs of Maracajaú. Touros and Ponta do Mel are other beach towns worth visiting.
Rio Grande do Norte’s interior has intriguing landmarks. Visit the fairytale-like Castelo Zé dos Montes and the huge religious monument called the Statue of Santa Rita of Cascia. Wander the pretty streets of Mossoró, the first Brazilian city to abolish slavery. Celebrate a less touristy carnival at Caico.
Natal is the major transport hub for Rio Grande do Norte and its tour operators arrange excursions to most of the state’s attractions. The consistent sunshine makes this a year-round destination and a great alternative, or complement, to the ever-popular state of Bahía.
