Natal Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Natal showing a bay or harbour, boating and skyline

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 Beach, 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 Tree, 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 Parnamirim 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 Cunhaú and Pipa base their economies around shrimp, served in many restaurants overlooking the ocean. Go surfing in the shadow of cliffs at Cotovelo Beach and visit the scenic Baía Formosa and Genipabu Beach.

Natal’s historic centre retains a seductive charm. Attend a dance recital or play in the historic air-conditioned Alberto Maranhão Theatre, 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 Bridge, which has excellent views of the star-shaped Fort of Three Kings. 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 Ponta Negra Beach and Dunes Park.

Via Costeira
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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 Dunes Park.

Lagoa Nova
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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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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
Paraíso Natal Hotel
Paraíso Natal Hotel
3 out of 5
Av. Governador Silvio Pedroza 34, Areia Preta, Natal, RN
The price is AU$34 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$34
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Natal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Artist's Beach and Handicrafts Fair of Artists ...
7.8/10 Good! (218 reviews)
"Malo por dónde se lo mire, se nota que se quedó en el tiempo, las instalaciones son viejas descuidadas, muchas no funcionan, la cama y sábanas re viejas, el desayuno muy básico, no tienen ni un ventilador en el comedor, tremendo calor cuando se desayuna, lo rescatable es la ubicación que caminando ..."

Reviewed on 13 Feb. 2024

Paraíso Natal Hotel
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$198 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
AU$198
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
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! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff and service is excellent. The facilities is quiet older than the pictures online. The view to the sea is perfect!"

Reviewed on 2 May 2023

Serhs Natal Grand Hotel & Resort
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$43 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$43
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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 and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (394 reviews)
"Localização muito boa, equipe do hotel muito prestativa"

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2024

Rede Andrade Bello Mare
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.
Forte dos Reis Magos apart-hotel
Forte dos Reis Magos apart-hotel
3.5 out of 5
Av. 25 de Dezembro, 525, Natal, RN
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Natal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Meio Beach and Tourism Center are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (7 reviews)
Se hospedem no Ayambta
"Muito boa as acomodações, quarto limpo, banheiro bom, uma vista ótima da praia, bem localizado, recepção 24hs e um cafezinho no balcão bem na entrada hehehe, elevadores funcionando perfeitamente além de uma piscina ótima pra relaxar ao chegar da praia, só uma observação que a atendente foi avisada ..."

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2024

Forte dos Reis Magos apart-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! (338 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
Residence Vespucci
Residence Vespucci
2.5 out of 5
Rua Francisco Gurgel, 1140, Ponta Negra, Natal, RN
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Natal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ponta Negra Beach and Craft Fair of Ponta Negra ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (43 reviews)
"Não pode ser considerado um hotel pois nem shampoo e condicionador existe. Muitos cabelos, até mesmo nos travesseiros. As fronhas não foram trocados.. Só existe um lençol branco para se cobrir e nada mais"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2020

Residence Vespucci
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
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4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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4/5 - Good

Marta
17 May 2019

Friendly service , beautiful beaches good food