Natal Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cotovelo Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach
Natal showing a bay or harbour, boating and skyline
Natal featuring a marina and boating
Ponta Negra Beach showing general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people
Cotovelo Beach showing general coastal views, surf and rugged coastline

Admire the shifting sand dunes and swaying palm trees that loom over the warm, blue-green ocean in this picturesque region.

Pristine beaches and an intriguing Portuguese colonial past make Natal special. In this fascinating city spot dolphins, encounter an immense cashew tree and walk across one of Brazil’s largest cable bridges. Drift lazily off the beaches along the eastern coast for spectacular views of forested hills.

Sunbathe on Pirangi BeachOpens in a new window, which is divided into two parts by its eponymous river. Go snorkeling to see colourful fish and wander along the pier on the northern section of the bay. Take a short walk northwest to the Pirangi Cashew TreeOpens in a new window, which entered the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest. Take a guided tour of the one-tree forest to discover the original trunk among the maze of branches.

The Pirangi sites lie on the edge of the ParnamirimOpens in a new window commune on Natal’s southeastern outskirts. See its Barreira do Inferno Launch Centre and visit the local market for food and handicrafts.

Feast on the region’s delicacies, which frequently involve shrimp and lobster. Beach towns such as Barra do CunhaúOpens in a new window and PipaOpens in a new window base their economies around shrimp, served in many restaurants overlooking the ocean. Go surfing in the shadow of cliffs at Cotovelo BeachOpens in a new window and visit the scenic Baía FormosaOpens in a new window and Genipabu BeachOpens in a new window.

Natal’s historic centre retains a seductive charm. Attend a dance recital or play in the historic air-conditioned Alberto Maranhão TheatreOpens in a new window, which has a pleasing pastel façade. Visit the nearby Natal City Hall and Teatro Riachuelo.

The city is on the northeastern tip of Brazil in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Fly to Aeroporto Internacional de Natal and drive east for 18 miles (30 kilometres) to get here. Cross the vast Newton Navarro BridgeOpens in a new window, which has excellent views of the star-shaped Fort of Three KingsOpens in a new window. Get around the city by bus, taxi or buggy.

Note that Natal is Portuguese for Christmas. It was founded on December 25, 1599. Natal is known across the globe for its pristine sandy havens, excellent seafood and extraordinary cashew tree.

Where to stay in Natal

Ponta Negra Beach showing a coastal town, a sandy beach and a skyscraper

Ponta Negra

Unique features of Ponta Negra include the seaside views and bars. Make a stop by Ponta Negra Beach or Morro do Careca while you're exploring the area.

Ponta Negra
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Via Costeira

5/5(1 area review)

Via Costeira is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Dunes Park and Ponta Negra Beach.

Via Costeira
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Tirol

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Tirol. You might want to make time for a stop at Midway Shopping Mall or Dunes Park.

Tirol
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Praia do Meio

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Praia do Meio. You might want to make time for a stop at Meio Beach or Handicrafts Fair of Artists Beach/Meio Beach.

Praia do Meio
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Lagoa Nova

You'll enjoy the parks and shopping in Lagoa Nova. You might want to make time for a stop at Dunas Arena or Natal Shopping Center.

Lagoa Nova
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Nordeste

While there might not be top attractions in Nordeste, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Midway Shopping Mall and Dunas Arena.

Nordeste
Rede Andrade Bello Mare
Rede Andrade Bello Mare
3 out of 5
Av. Eng. Roberto Freire, 4917, Praia de Ponta Negra, Natal, RN
The price is AU$52 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
AU$52
includes taxes & fees
5 Mar - 6 Mar
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Natal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (734 reviews)
"There are only 12 parking spots."

Reviewed on 13 Jan. 2025

Rede Andrade Bello Mare
Rede Andrade Bello Mare Comfort
Rede Andrade Bello Mare Comfort
4 out of 5
Rua Pituba, 3165, Praia de Ponta Negra, Natal, RN
The price is AU$57 per night from 7 Mar to 8 Mar
AU$57
includes taxes & fees
7 Mar - 8 Mar
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Natal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (541 reviews)
"It is perfect for beach activities."

Reviewed on 8 Dec. 2024

Rede Andrade Bello Mare Comfort
Serhs Natal Grand Hotel & Resort
Serhs Natal Grand Hotel & Resort
5 out of 5
Avenida Senador Dinarte Mariz 6045, Via Costeira Ponta negra, Natal, RN
The price is AU$284 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
AU$284
includes taxes & fees
11 Mar - 12 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Natal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Place is very nice! They definitely need some improvements in the gym area. Very nice staff. Everyone was really accommodating, specially Edwin, Souza, Stefany and Vanessa. Food was really good but they definitely need to make some adjustments. Lines were huge for breakfast and lunch stations. They ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jan. 2025

Serhs Natal Grand Hotel & Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Economy HOTEL
Economy HOTEL
2 out of 5
8976 Av. Praia de Ponta Negra, Natal, RN
Stay at this aparthotel in Natal. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Ponta Negra Beach and Craft Fair of Ponta Negra are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
Excelente
"Lugar excelente. Otimo custo benefício, próximo à tudo em ponta negra. Muito bom. Recomendo."

Reviewed on 17 Feb. 2025

Economy HOTEL
Coral Plaza Apart Hotel
Coral Plaza Apart Hotel
4 out of 5
Rua Francisco Gurgel, 9005, Ponta Negra, Natal, RN
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Natal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ponta Negra Beach and Artesanato Villarte ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (369 reviews)
"I loved the location right on the beach and the wonderful customer service by all staff. They really work to help English speakers have a great experience. During one of the rare rain storms the restaurant and several other common areas leaked. I’m sure they’ll fix that."

Reviewed on 2 Dec. 2023

Coral Plaza Apart Hotel
City Studios Housi Natal by Carpediem
City Studios Housi Natal by Carpediem
3 out of 5
Av. Coronel Estevam, 1139, Natal, RN
Stay at this 3-star condo in Natal. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sao Pedro Church and Alberto Maranhão ...
City Studios Housi Natal by Carpediem
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Natal

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
0
5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Marta

Friendly service , beautiful beaches good food