Natal

Travel Guide

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

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 colorful 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 Center 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 center retains a seductive charm. Attend a dance recital or play in the historic air-conditioned Alberto Maranhão TheaterOpens 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 kilometers) 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 which includes a sandy beach, a coastal town 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

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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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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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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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 Nordeste might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Midway Shopping Mall and Dunas Arena.

Nordeste
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
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)
Good option in Natal
"We stayed there twice. Fist time 4 nights- 1st floor area D. I Didn’t like that area. Close to the kitchen so it was a little warm and smelly. Not in the room though. Good food. Good service. Second time, 1st floor area B. Soo much better. It’s a beautiful hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Serhs Natal Grand Hotel & Resort
Kristie Resort

Kristie Resort

4 out of 5
Av Engenheiro Roberto Freire, 5464, Natal, RN
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Natal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Noisy construction next door."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Kristie Resort
Vila do Mar by GoldMen Hospitality

Vila do Mar by GoldMen Hospitality

4 out of 5
Via Costeira 4233, Parque das Dunas, Natal, RN
The price is P6,116 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P6,116
P6,422 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Natal. Enjoy 4 outdoor pools, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Ponta Negra Beach and Dunes Park are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (25 reviews)
"Recomendo. Comidas excelente e bebida a vontade."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Vila do Mar by GoldMen Hospitality
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.
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! (394 reviews)
"Very clean property, really good food and drinks and the staff were amazing!! I will definitely go back."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Coral Plaza Apart Hotel
Residence Vespucci

Residence Vespucci

2.5 out of 5
Rua Francisco Gurgel, 1140, Ponta Negra, Natal, RN
Book a 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (75 reviews)
"First what I liked. The room was spacious (in fact two bedrooms) with a balcony overlooking the ocean that wraps around the unit. Beds were comfortable, the shower was nice too, and free parking was available. Second what I did not like. No toiletries, no blankets, just thin sheets, towels were not ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2024

Residence Vespucci
Apart Hotel Serantes

Apart Hotel Serantes

3 out of 5
Rua Silvino Meira E Sa Bezerra, 130, Ponta Negra, Natal, RN
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Natal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ponta Negra Beach and Morro ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (135 reviews)
"Cobblestone road, horrible"

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2023

Apart Hotel Serantes
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.

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