Natal, Brazil: travel guide
The City of the Sun, with dunes, beaches and buggy rides on the sand
"City of the Sun" — 300+ sunny days, giant dunes at Genipabu, spectacular cliffside beaches of Pipa, and some of Brazil's clearest Atlantic water.
About Natal
Natal is a sunny coastal city in Rio Grande do Norte, popular for its beaches, warm sea and wide range of outdoor activities. Praia de Ponta Negra, with the Morro do Careca dune at its end, is the main beach and a good place to see the evening.
The biggest experience is the dunes. Dune buggy rides at Genipabu cross shifting sand ridges and lagoons, and further down the coast Pipa has cliffs, coves and calm natural pools. The Forte dos Reis Magos, a colonial star-shaped fort at the mouth of the river, is the main historic sight.
Natal suits beach holidays and active travellers. The dry months, from roughly September to February, are the sunniest.
- Country
- Brazil
- Currency
- BRL
- Time zone
- America/Fortaleza
- Nearest airport
- NAT
Last updated
Top places to visit in Natal
Dunas de Genipabu
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Spectacular sand dunes along the north coast where buggy rides go over near-vertical dune faces. Lagoa de Genipabu has a famous camel photo spot. Best at sunrise.
Praia de Ponta Negra
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Natal's most famous beach — 4km with the iconic Morro do Careca dune at its southern tip. Calm waves, lined with kiosks, restaurants and accommodation.
Forte dos Reis Magos
Fort · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · entry R$12 (≈ ₹230)
Star-shaped 1598 Portuguese fort built on a coral reef at the mouth of the Potengi River — one of the first permanent buildings on Brazilian soil. Museum inside.
Things to do
- Sunset Buggy Tour of Natal Dunes Adventure · 4 h · from 120 per person
- Maracajaú Reef Snorkelling Nature · 5 h · from 150 per person
Where to stay in Natal
Hotels
- Villa Ponta Negra 4-star · BRL 280 to BRL 680 per night
Where to eat
- Mangai northeastern-brazilian, buffet · about BRL 55 per person
- Camarões northeastern-brazilian, seafood · about BRL 80 per person
- Taverna Pub bar, pub, snacks · about BRL 45 per person
Getting to Natal
Airport: Natal (Gov. Aluízio Alves Intl) (NAT)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Ride Hail
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Overpriced Buggy Extras
Genipabu dunes departure point
The base price is low but buggy drivers charge separately for sandboard rental, camel photos, soft drink "stops" that are mandatory and tip for assistant. Final cost is 3x quoted price.
How to avoid it: Ask for the all-inclusive price before departing. Confirm what is included/excluded. Use operators listed on Setur-RN website.
More in Brazil
Frequently asked questions about Natal
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Natal?
- The highest-rated places in our Natal guide are Dunas de Genipabu, Praia de Ponta Negra, Forte dos Reis Magos.
- How do I get around Natal?
- Ways to get around Natal covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Ride-hailing app, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Natal?
- Scams reported to us for Natal include Overpriced Buggy Extras. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Natal?
- The nearest airport to Natal has the code NAT.