Have you ever heard of Natal in Brazil? Well, while the south steals a lot of the spotlight for the best places to visit in Brazil, there are so many incredible places to explore in the north, especially in Rio Grande do Norte.
I first visited Natal in 2017 to visit one of my friends that I made working on cruise ships, and after my first visit I fell in love. Ever since, I have visited a couple of more times, exploring new things each trip!
In this article we're going to share all of the best things to do in Natal, Brazil, how to get around, and everything else you need to know to have an epic trip. Let's dive right in!
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Where is Natal in Brazil?
Natal is the capital city of Rio Grande do Norte. It is located along the coast of Brazil, all the way in the north west corner of the country.
Natal is located in the north east corner of Brazil.
How to Get to Natal in Brazil
Natal in Brazil has its own airport, which is around 30 km west of the city, and around a 45 minute drive. We always fly direct to Natal, but there are also a few other options that you can look at if the flights for your dates seem too expensive.
Joao Pessoa is the next closest airport, lying 175 km south of Natal. The other two further options are Fortaleza and Recife. While they require a long bus ride or a rental car, often these airports have more flight options than Natal or Joao Pessoa.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Brazil". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly to. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for each destination!
Search for a flight to or near Natal in Brazil:
How to Get to Natal from Joao Pessoa
The airport of Joao Pessoa is 175 km south of Natal, and there are three options for getting from the Joao Pessoa airport to the city of Natal. You can either bus from Joao Pessoa to Natal, rent a car at the Joao Pessoa Airport, or take a direct shuttle from Joao Pessoa Airport to Natal.
Take a Bus from Joao Pessoa to Natal
The bus from Joao Pessoa to Natal takes around 3 hours, and leaves from Rodoviaria de Joao Pessoa. This station is located closer to the city center, which is about 25-30 minutes east of the airport. So if you get bus tickets, you'll have to get a taxi to the station first.
Rent a Car from Joao Pessoa
If you are flying back out through Joao Pessoa, then renting a car will be better because it will give you more flexibility and save you time, but if you plan on leaving from Natal or continue traveling up the coast of Brazil, then taking a bus will probably be the better option.
Get a Shuttle from Joao Pessoa to Natal
If you don't want the hassle of renting a car, or having to take a taxi to the bus terminal, you can also book a direct shuttle from Joao Pessoa Airport to Natal.
How to Get to Natal from Recife
The ride to Natal from Recife is between 5 and 7 hours, depending on the time of day and the traffic situation. There are a variety of buses from Recife to Natal, from early in the morning, or an 11:55 pm overnight bus that arrives to Natal at 5:20 in the morning. If you are planning on traveling back to Recife after, then a good option could also be to rent a car from Recife airport.
How to Get to Natal from Fortaleza
The last time that we were in Natal, we wanted to visit Jericoacoara, so we took an overnight bus to Fortaleza. The seats reclined all the way back, and the ride was very spacious and comfortable. Not only that, but it saved us money by not having to pay for an extra night at a hotel!
Fortaleza has a lot more flight options than Natal does, so flying to Fortaleza and then taking an overnight bus to Natal may end up being a much more budget-friendly option. Overnight buses from Natal can be booked right in the station, or you can get bus tickets online in advance to make sure you don't risk the buses becoming fully booked.
Entry Requirements for Brazil
Whenever traveling to a new place, it's important to know the requirements for visiting the country. Here are a few of the things you need to know for visiting Natal, Brazil.
Visa Entry Requirements for Brazil
US citizens used to need a visa to visit Brazil, but now it is no longer necessary, and all you need to visit is your passport.
Other countries that are exempt from needing a tourist visa in Brazil include Andorra. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, The Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
People that are a part of the Mercosur region don't need to bring their passport in order to visit Brazil, and they just need to bring their ID card. The countries that are included in the Mercosur region are Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Covid Entry Requirements for Brazil
Brazil is one of the few countries in the Americas that still require you to either be vaccinated or to bring a negative Covid-19 test result. Masks aren't required in many places, except for passing through security in the airport. Make sure to carry a mask with you (even if it's just for a few minutes that you'll need to wear it), because if not you'll have to purchase one.
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Local Adjustments for Natal in Brazil
Whenever traveling to a new destination there are certain things you may need to adapt to such as the language, electrical outlets, or the tipping culture. Here are some of the local adjustments to keep in mind when traveling to Natal, Brazil.
What Language is Spoken in Natal, Brazil?
The official language in Natal, as well as the rest of the country, is Portuguese.
Currency Used in Brazil
The currency used in Brazil is the Brazilian Real. Currently (April 2024) the exchange rate is 5.18 Brazilian Real to every 1 USD or Euro.
Most places in Natal accept credit cards for payment, so you won't have to carry too much cash on you. We do suggest having a bit of cash for people selling things on the beach, or for activities such as boat rides.
Electrical Outlets in Natal, Brazil
Brazil uses the same electrical outlets as Europe, which are for plug types C and N. The country operates on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60Hz.
Does Natal in Brazil Have Potable Water?
Overall the water in Brazil really isn't suitable to drink from the tap. We suggest buying big bottles of water and then refilling your own water bottle.
Tipping in Natal, Brazil
The tipping culture in Natal is similar to other areas of Brazil, which is on average an extra 10%.
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Things to Do in Natal, Brazil
Now that you know almost everything you need to know about the basics of visiting, here are the best things to do in Natal, Brazil.
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Hit the Beaches
There are no shortage of beaches in Rio Grande do Norte, and Natal is home to many of them! Long stretches of golden sand, turquoise waters, and palm trees line the coast, making Natal in Brazil a great beach destination.
There are a ton of beaches, many of which you can find tables and chairs with umbrellas for shade, as well as fresh coconuts, snacks, and souvenirs being sold by local vendors.
Tabatinga Beach
One of our favorite beaches that is outside of Natal is Tabatinga. It has a few beach clubs for relaxing and grabbing a bit to eat, as well as natural pools formed by the rocks in the ocean. This is where our friend has her beach house, and is somewhere you'll find more locals than anything.
Tabatinga is a great beach that is outside of Natal.
Another thing that we love about Tabatinga is that there is an area of cliffs above the beach where you can have a picnic or enjoy the sunset.
Jenipabu Beach
Just north of the city, crossing the bridge out of Natal is the beach town of Jenipabu. It has beautiful turquoise waters, long stretches of sand, and plenty of amenities and tours offered along the beach and the area around it.
Janipabu is a great beach destination just north of Natal.
Morro do Careca
This is one of the closest beaches to the center of Natal that is on our list of favorite beaches in Natal. It is unique because there is a huge sand dune that slides right into the ocean, making it a distinguishable location to check out.
The beach offers a bunch of fun water activities, such as surfing or stand up paddle boarding, making it the perfect place to spend a beach day.
Take a Picture at the Natal Sign
While this isn't normally something at the top of our list, you can't help but take a photo in front of the colorful letters of the Natal sign right next to the beach.
In addition, there is a set of colorfully painted stairs right across from it!
Browse the Artisan Market
Want to grab something to bring home to your family and friends? Head to the artisan market where you can find local crafts and souvenirs! It is located right in the heart of Natal's Ponta Negra, and is easy to reach by foot from the beach.
Explore the Lagoons
Another wonderful landscape that scatters the area of Natal in Brazil are a number of lagoons. Typically they are found with full beach clubs including hammocks, tables, chairs, umbrellas, food, drinks, and more. They are the perfect place to swim and relax. Here are a few of them to add to your list.
Lagoa de Arituba
This lagoon is located south of Natal, and makes for a perfect place to check out if you are heading to the other beaches south of the city such as Pipa Beach.
Lagoa de Jacuma
Located in the dunes of Jacuma, this lagoon is packed full of fun activities like zip lines, slides, and sand boarding!
Lagoa de Jenipabu
This lagoon is located right inside the dunes of Jenipabu. We took a tour here, but you can also easily walk up to it from the beach of Jenipabu. It has a swing at the top, and beautiful views of the lagoon below. It is one of the few lagoons that you only admire from a distance, rather than relaxing or swimming inside.
Lagoa de Jenipabu is one of the lagoons you can only admire from above.
Lagoa Guarairas
This is another great lagoon that is located in Tibau do Sul. Unlike many of the other lagoons, it is huge and has a tons of different areas that you can access. It's a great place to experience the sunset, or to hang out at one of the trendy beach clubs in the evenings.
Lagoa Guarairas has trendy beach clubs along the lake.
Lagoa do Rio Pratagy
This is another great lagoon that includes hammocks, and has plenty of food and drink options near Patangui. It's a popular stop for dune buggy tours, although of course you can also go on your own.
Lagoa das Pedras
Lagoa das Pedras is a great lagoon for those that want to enjoy crystal clear waters, with less crowds. While many of the lagoons are have the majority covered by beach clubs, this lagoon is a bit more natural with a lot of open room to swim and relax.
Lagoa de Alcacruz
This lagoon will make you feel like you've teleported to the Caribbean. With light blue waters and fun beach clubs with hammocks in the water, this was one of our favorite lagoons in Natal.
Lagoa de Pitangui
This lagoon is located inside the town of Pitangui, which is a popular beach town north of Natal. At the lagoon you can find restaurants lined up with hammocks, chairs, tables, and umbrellas. The water is warm and perfect for relaxing and having a few beers.
Check Out Cachoeira de Pitangui
While you're checking out Lagoa de Pitangui, there is also a small waterfall nearby. While it's not a crazy impressive waterfall, it is a really nice area to hang out in nature. There are chairs and tables in the water, and you can get fresh lobster and cold drinks served to you while cooler off from the Natal heat.
Visit the Fort
While the city itself of Natal doesn't have a ton of things to see in terms of historical value, it is home to a large fort located on the beach! Founded in 1599, it was the first milestone in the city, and can be visited from 8 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday.
If you have a drone you can appreciate the views of the fort from above that form the shape of a star!
Explore the Dunes
Natal is known for its large dunes, and you can actually find a number of them in the area! The giant sand dunes usually sit high over nearby beaches, and are so much more than mounds of sand. Many of the sand dunes have lagoons inside, and touristic attractions and activities such as sand boarding, zip lining, and even waterslides!
The Jenipabu dunes are some of the best dunes in the area.
Take a Dune Buggy Tour
The best way to explore the sand dunes in Natal is by doing a dune buggy tour, where locals ride around the dunes letting you enjoy a fun ride, and stopping in several locations.
Two of the most popular areas to take these tours are in Jenipabu and Pitangui. I've done both, and although I really enjoyed each one, I think that Jacuma had a bit more to offer, but is a bit further away.
Dune buggy tours can be one hour, or you can sign up for a full day tour. We love the idea of doing a full day tour, so that you can get more bang for your buck. Some of them stay around Natal, and some other tours you can sign up to do the entire coast, including some incredible nearby beach towns.
Dune buggies tours can be taken at many of the beaches.
Jenipabu Dune Buggy Tours
Jenipabu tours start from the beach, and take you to two different sand dunes- the moving ones, and the static ones. The first stop is at the top of the sand dunes, giving you amazing views of Natal.
Then the driver will take you to a lagoon with a swing, a viewpoint over the beach, and an area withe some cute photo opps and a tiny sand boarding station.
Here are a few excursions you can sign up for in advance to enjoy the dunes of Genipabu:
Pitangui Dune Buggy Tours
Pitangui is a bit further away (past Jenipabu), but it offers a variety of activities. Similar to other dune buggy tours, you'll be taken for a ride up and down the dunes, and it will include several stops.
Some of the stops include sand boarding, zip lining, and gift water slides on top of the dunes! If you're an adventure seeker, then it's definitely worth making your way to Pitangui.
Relax at a Luxury Beach Club in Pureza
Pureza was once a town of poverty and a place no one ever visited. However, after crystal clear waters were discovered, this place was transformed into a series of luxury retreats. Now the waters are surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and cabanas where you can spend the day enjoying upscale food and cocktails, while dipping in the pristine waters.
These clubs offer day passes, which you need to reserve in advance. They are pretty pricey, but definitely a unique thing to experience for those that want a special thing to do while in Natal.
Some of the top day clubs you can attend are Tao Paradise, Shui Brasil, and Paraiso das Aguas.
Check Out the Space Center
If you're heading south to see some of the great things to do outside of Natal, you can easily tack on the Natal Space Center to your list of things to do. This former rocket launch base is now a museum, and a fun place to pop in and learn about the different equipment that they still hold.
Have a Bite to Eat at the Food Trucks
If you're looking for a great local spot to hang out in natal, then the food trucks are an excellent place to go! With live music, plenty of seating, and a variety of food options, this is the perfect spot to hang out in the evening for a quick bite and to enjoy a nice atmosphere.
There is a great food truck park you can go to in the evenings.
Take a Quad Tour
Want to explore some cool spots in Natal adventure-style? Well, a quad tour may just be for you! Set out on an adventure riding quad with a group, where you'll stop at lagoons and dunes, and ride around until the sun sets. It's the perfect way to explore, and see some of the best spots in Natal.
Quad tours are super fun and bring you to different cool locations.
Here are a few quad tours that you can sign up for in Natal:
Check Out the World's Biggest Cashew Tree
Located in the suburbs of Natal in Brazil, Pirangi hosts the world's biggest cashew tree. Now you may be thinking- big deal right? Well, this tree has a circumference of 1,600 meters, which is the size of about 70 normal-sized cashew trees!
It has grown right in the middle of a highway, and continues to grow so much that the branches continue to cover a part of the road.
The cashew tree actually looks like a forest, and can be explored via a path underneath it. Located about 45 minutes south of Natal, it is the perfect place to stop if you plan on visiting some of the nearby beaches.
Natal has the world's biggest cashew tree.
Visit the Tree of Love
Located next to the beach in Maxaranguape, this tree is a popular spot for people to visit, especially on tours. Arvore do Amor (the Tree of Love) is unique because it has two large trunks that form one tree with its branches. It is believed to bring luck to your love life, and is a cute spot to take a picture.
Take a Day Trip to Rio do Fogo
Want to experience a true slice of paradise that is an easy day trip from Natal? Well, Rio de Fogo is definitely a place that you'll want to add to your travel bucket list. This sand bank boasts crystal clear waters, and is only accessible by boat.
Here you'll experience beautiful fish swimming around you, while waiters will be serving you cocktails served inside fruits. Rio do Fogo is truly a hidden gem of Brazil! Make sure to check out our article about what to expect while visiting Rio do Fogo!
Swim in a Coca Cola Lake
Surrounding Natal there are a couple of lakes that are pretty unique. They have waters that appear to be golden yellow to a deep brown color, which look exactly like Coca Cola!
Praia Prunau
This particular river is located right next to the beach. There is a beach club on site, and we were taken here on our tour that also went to Rio do Fogo. They have a slide, Zipline, and quad tours as well, and it is located about an hour north of Natal.
Lagoa de Araraquara
This lake we didn't get the chance to go to, as it is a bit further away. However, it is very similar to Prunau, and is also known as "the Coca-Cola Lake" by locals, lying hour and a half south of Natal.
This is a great stop to make if you plan on coming from Joao Pessoa, or plan to road trip a bit south of Natal in Brazil.
Take a Trip to Pipa Beach
Just 2 hours down the coast from Natal is one of the most incredible beach towns of Brazil. Pipa has great beaches, breathtaking cliffs, an adorably colorful town, and fun activities like paragliding, surfing, boat rides, and party boats. It's where locals flock for their vacations in the summer, and where many take a quick weekend getaway.
Want to learn more about the perfect trip to Pipa? Make sure to check out our Pipa travel guide that we've written!
Pipa is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway from Natal.
Don't have a car or a ton of time? Here are some organized tours that visit Pipa from Natal:
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Food & Drink in Natal, Brazil
Brazil is an enormous country, and there are is such a high variety of dishes that you can find throughout the country from top to bottom. In Natal, the cuisine has a lot of seafood, as it is a beach city, as well as plenty of tasty meats that you would find in other areas of Brazil.
Coconuts are plentiful, and super affordable, making them a staple for Natal as well, and you'll notice a lot of mandioca (a root vegetable similar to a potato) and rice based dishes, with thick sauces.
Brazilian Foods to Try
Favorite Places to Eat & Drink in Natal
Mangai
While normally buffets aren't something we're interested in, Mangai is a beloved restaurant in Natal. With a traditional feel, and an incredible amount of dishes, this is definitely not your average buffet. In Brazil they give you massive plate to fill whatever you want.
Rather than an all-you-can-eat style though, they weigh the plate. It's still a great bang-for-your-buck and the food is extremely tasty. This is a great way to try the various dishes of Brazil in just one sitting!
One of the most fun things to do in Paraty is to visit a Cachacaria.
Pao & Companhia
This is one of our favorite bakeries in Natal. It has a great variety of both sweet and savory options, and you can even get your own custom sandwich made. While it may not sound like anything special, places with high quality baked goods and sandwiches can be hard to come by in Brazil, so this is a true gem!
Food Trucks
The food trucks were one of our favorite places to eat in Natal. There are a ton of great options, but we personally recommend the truck with the crepes and the one with the shrimp-stuffed pineapple! (Just make sure to request that they devein the shrimp).
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Getting Around Natal in Brazil
Every time that we visit Natal we have our friend's car. We truthfully think that having a car is the best way to explore the area, as well as the safest. Renting a car in Natal can be done right at the airport, and allows you to easily experience the surrounding areas such as Pipa, Joao Pessoa, or other cool spots!
If you don't feel comfortable renting a car, then you can definitely rely on taxis or Ubers for the local activities, and get excursions for the places that are a bit further away. Also, dune buggy tours are the perfect way to experience the best that the area has to offer, and they come with a driver so you won't need a license or anything.
One of the most fun ways to explore Natal in Brazil is by buggy.
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Where to Stay in Natal, Brazil
The best area to stay in Natal is in the Ponta Negra area. This is the tourist area where you can find easy access to beaches, shops, and restaurants. To find a place to stay in Ponta Negra, simply refer to the map below:
Is Natal Brazil Safe to Travel?
Brazil can be a rather danger country, but it just means that you have to keep your whits about you. The main beach of Natal is definitely a bit shadier than other areas, so we suggest going a bit outside of town.
Always make sure to keep an eye on your belongings, and never walk around by yourself at night. Refrain from wearing anything flashy, and keep your belongings securely closed and next to you.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Natal in Brazil
Now that you know the best things to do in Natal, how to get around, and where to stay, here are a few other things to keep in mind while visiting.
Weather in Natal, Brazil
The climate of the north of Brazil is pretty tropical, and is hot and sunny year-round. From March to July is the rainy season, while the rest of the year is drier. The temperatures don't change much, and they average in the high 20's (Celsius) or high 80's (Fahrenheit).
Natal has year-round beach weather.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Natal?
Being that the weather doesn't change too much in Natal, there isn't ever a bad time to visit Natal. December to February is the summer in Natal, so this is when you'll find the most tourism in the city.
Since Natal means Christmas, it's no surprise that Natal is a great place to visit in December. Around the holidays you'll find the place festively decorated, as well as great firework celebrations and parades.
If you want great weather without the crowds you can visit right before or after the summer.
Packing For a Trip to Natal in Brazil
Here are some of the things that you should bring on your trip to Natal, Brazil:
- Sunscreen
- Aloe
- Towel
- Bathing Suits
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature well)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and doesn't sacrifice quality)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Case Mate waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
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Other Fun Things to Know About Natal in Brazil
Here are some random things to know about when you are visiting Natal in Brazil.
There are Wild Horses
One of the things that I was fascinated by the first time I went to Natal in Brazil is that there were horses right on the side of the road! Many are not domesticated and can be just found right in the wild.
You can find horses right off the side of the road!
Coconuts are Extremely Cheap
While places like Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis, and other popular beach cities down south charge 10-12 Real for each coconut, you can get them for a quarter of the price in Natal! The first time I went in 2017 they were actually just 1 Real, and now you can find deals of 2 for 5 Real along almost any of the beaches there, which is pretty much 50 cents US!
You Can Buy Beautiful Hammocks
Whether it's on the beaches or on the streets, hammocks are sold pretty much everywhere! Natal by far has the cheapest hammocks we've ever found throughout the Americas, and they are high quality and beautifully embroidered. We got our stunning hammock for just $25 USD, and you can find simpler ones even cheaper than that!
Natal is Rapidly Growing
Each time I visit Natal in Brazil it is more impressive! Tourism has been growing, there is a new airport, and the city keeps expanding. Make sure to check it out before it blows up and things start to get more expensive!
So are you ready to discover the beautiful Natal in Brazil? It's truly one of the most underrated areas of the country, and we're sure you're going to have just as much fun as we have every time that we visit.
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