Natal

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Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, is a city on the Atlantic coast, known for its beaches.

[edit] Understand

Natal was first settled in the 1500s, but unlike other Northeastern capitals, it did not quite benefit from the economic boom resulting from the region's sugar cane production. Instead it grew moderately and more organizedly, burgeoning on the state's cattle-raising activities and salt and oil extraction.

During World War II the city hosted a U.S. military base established there because of its strategic position as the easternmost point on the Atlantic. Nowadays Natal is becoming a popular tourist destination with Brazilians and foreigners alike, offering gorgeous beaches and a few good hotels and restaurants.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By Plane

The region is served by Augusto Severo International Airport (Aeroporto Internacional Augusto Severo) 20Km far from Natal's center. There are numerous direct flights from most important Brazilian capitals, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Fortaleza, Salvador, Belo Horizonte and Brasilia. Other cities are connected through other composite flights. All regular international flights comes from Europe, especially from Lisbon (through the Portuguese Company TAP) and Madrid (through the Brazilian company BRA). Other numerous charter flights come from Europe throughout all the year.

[edit] By bus

Natal's bus station is way off on the southern edge of town, while the beaches are up north. So if you're planning to stay on the beaches, it's a long ride, through the city center and onwards.

[edit][add listing] See

  • Forte dos Reis Magos, the star-shaped fort at the northern tip of the beach, was built in 1598.
  • Sunset in Potengy River (Pôr do sol no rio Potengy) The river stays a few meters away from the downtown of the city and the sunset is really wonderful to see. It's near the Army base and there are some ships on the river.
  • Museum Câmara Cascudo It's in city downtown and have lots of stuff about the region's culture and folklore. Good for who want meet the "soul" of the people.
  • Zumbi beach (to the North) - Only by Buggy - One day trip.
  • Genipabu beach (to the North) - Only by Buggy - Half day trip.
  • Barra de Cunhaú beach (to the South) - Only by Buggy - One day trip.

[edit][add listing] Do

Natal's urban beaches stretch for several kilometers, each section having its own name. From the north, there's Praia do Forte, Praia do Meio, and Praia dos Artistas. Next, towards South, there is a stretch of 10 km called Via Costeira, where the best hotels (4 and 5 star hotels only) of Natal, and little more than that, are located. Then, in the Southern end of the city, there is Ponta Negra, the most famous beach, and Morro do Careca (Bald head Hill), the best known landmark of Natal.

Most tourists visiting Natal hire a buggy with a driver and travel along the coast, both North and Southwards. The coast of the State of Rio Grande do Norte affords a rare combination of dunes, lagoons, falesias (rocky plateaus with abrupt edges) and vegetation; combine that with sunny weather, friendly people and good prices, and it's easy to understand why Natal is a growing destination for tourists from all over the World.

The Toa Toa Boat Cruise at the Potengi River to watch the sunset is a must! You will see the city from different angles, pass through historical places and neighborhoods, mangroves, river beaches, while enjoyning a beautiful sound track in English and Portuguese. You can see pictures and make reservations at ToaToa Passeios.com [1]

[edit][add listing] Eat

Plenty of seafood restaurants with outdoor seating can be found along the beaches. Restaurant: Camarões novo; the translation is Shrimps "new". Are two restaurants with the same name. Look for the more recent and enjoy a very good food with a white wine!

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Most tourist lodging is concentrated on Ponta Negra Beach.

[edit] Budget

  • Albergue Lua Cheia (Albergue da Bruxinha), Rua Dr. Manoel A. B. de Araújo, nº 500 Praia de Ponta Negra, [2]. A purpose-built hostel. Nice facilities, excellent atmosphere. A pub downstairs. Dorm bed from R$ 33..  edit

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Stay safe

If visiting the Forte dos Reis Magos, it's highly recommended that you take a taxi there, and not walk along Praia Forte; recently there have been an increasing number of robberies and assaults of tourists along the beach, past the populated areas (actually, one should not walk to the Forte because it is far away - about 3 km - from the nearest hotel or bus stop). Official statistics show that Natal is the safest city among the Brazilian capitals. Pick pockets follow the tourists, but robbery is rare. The city is conscious of the importance of tourism, which causes the Government to invest heavily on ostensive security of the busiest spots.

[edit] Get out

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