Galinhos in Rio Grande do Norte has emerged as a new tourist destination due to its deserted beaches and the preserved landscape of the region.
Its main attraction is Praia do Farol along with Farol de Galinhos.
The municipality of Galinhos in Rio Grande do Norte is located on a peninsula, an arm of land that extends over the sea in an area of 342 km², with about 2300 inhabitants, surrounded by dunes, salt marshes, mangroves, beaches and a river.
Tourist Map of Galinhos in RN
Located 170 km from Christmas, on the north coast of that northeastern state, these rustic villages have carts and buggies as the only transport options, lagoons that turn into natural pools between moving dunes, isolated beaches that come and go at the tide, mountains of salt that streak the horizon of the local salt flats and a mangrove that serves as the setting for gastronomic boat tours.
Like Areia Branca and Mossoró, in the western part of the state, Galos and Galinhos are tourist destinations in the Costa Branca Polo, an itinerary marked by the typical vegetation of the caatinga, multicolored dunes, cliffs, extensive deserted beaches and one of the largest productions of salt in Brazil.
And as cars do not enter the village of Galos and must be parked in a parking lot in Pratagil, from where the boats that sail for 10 minutes to the region leave, the feeling is always that of landing in a place where tourism has not yet arrived.
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Origin of the name of the City of Galinhos
In the past, a lot of cockerel fish was caught, but the small ones, called roosters. Later, they discovered the beach of Galos, where the high-rise cockerelfish, the large cockerelfish, were also fished.
So it was: 'today we're going to fish for the roosters, tomorrow for the big roosters.
Sights of Galinhos in RN
You can even say that Christmas, Pipa e Sao Miguel do Gostoso are the most popular tourist destinations in Rio Grande do Norte, but if you're looking for something different in northeastern lands, Galinhos and the neighboring district of Galos are your next destination.
Galinhos Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built in 1931, this construction guides navigation along the coast of the region and is located in a strategic position to watch the most beautiful sunset, at Praia do Farol, in Galinhos.
Due to a small error in the calculation of its construction, the lighting was impaired by a balustrade on the balcony, and there was a need for renovation and thus, the Lighthouse acquired a distinct and unique appearance in its genre.
In addition to the boat and buggy, another popular means of transport in Galinhos is the “donkey taxi”. The trip to the lighthouse, along the beach, takes just over an hour. The script is not suitable for those who have back problems, as it rocks a lot.
Mangrove has Abundant Fauna and Flora
The mangrove, which is present in most of this coast, is the nursery of crabs, oysters that attach themselves to the roots of the mangrove, forming large clusters and birds, such as white and blue herons.
Amidst the vegetation, there is an immense white mountain that differentiates itself in the landscape.
Salt is extracted directly from sea water. The sea water is thrown into a giant channel and after three months, when everything has evaporated, the salt is harvested.
In this state are salt crystals, or salt cocada, it looks like snow.
It is in this super salty water that you can find a different fish, the batfish.
He has rough skin and keeps two paws in the middle of the mangrove.
The mangrove region is also very rich in seahorses, of countless colors and sizes.
Heading towards the Dunes Park, the visitor discovers other species in need of protection: crabs lost in the dunes. “They get lost, wanting to return to the mangrove swamp and they can't.
This is the breeding period, the crabs' walking period. Most here are females, so they're all lost in the dune.
Tours in Galinhos
Dive in natural pools
One of the tours that we recommend in Galinhos is to take a dip in the natural pools at Ponta do Farol, with clear, warm waters. To get there, you need to hire a mule, the only form of travel available.
Upon arriving at Ponta do Farol, you can dive, relax and watch the wonderful sunset that this paradise presents to us.
On the way there, you can take the opportunity to get to know the Cooperative of Crafts, which has pieces of decoration, lace and embroidery made right there by the local artisans. Along the way, it is also possible to see fishermen's houses and their respective rafts, which make the scenery even more idyllic.
We also recommend the carriage ride along the shore, with a route that goes from Galinhos to the neighboring village of Galos.
The return of the tour can be done on the other side of the shore, which takes us to the lighthouse of Praia de Galinhos.
Buggy ride to the dunes
Another option, for those who want something a little more comfortable, is to take this buggy ride.
Despite being more expensive, the Tour has a longer itinerary, taking us to the beautiful dunes of the region. It is also worth taking the boat trip across the inlet, better known in the region as a river.
The Tour is unforgettable and takes us to the dunes, passing through the impressive salt marshes and giving tourists a break to bathe in the waters of the lakes that form amidst the dunes, formed by rainwater.
Boat ride
Whether done in canoes that invade the mangrove swamps or in larger boats to visit the region of Salinas and Dunas do Capim, the boat trip in Galos is the best option to explore the region.
Whether done in canoes that invade the mangrove swamps or in larger boats to visit the region of Salinas and Dunas do Capim, the boat trip in Galos is the best option to explore the region.
Due to the high levels of salinity and rough seas, local beaches do not always excite outsiders.
But that doesn't matter when bluish lagoons of warm water are formed between dunes, such as the displayed Duna do Capim, an attraction that serves for fresh water baths during buggy rides.
On one side the river and on the other the sea
In Galos, it is possible to go from the river to the sea in just a short walk.
The option of bathing in calm waters near the Duna do André or bathing in the warm waters of the Sea of Galos are right there, right on your doorstep.
Galinhos and the neighboring district of Galos are located on a narrow peninsula 500 meters wide and become an island when the tide is high. And the feeling is that you will always be the only one to step foot there, with a population of 400, in Galos, and 1.200, in Galinhos.
Eolico Park
The wind farm's giant weather vanes draw attention.
Three years ago, wind turbines began to occupy the Capim Dunes, in Galinhos. There are a total of 71 wind turbines distributed in two wind farms.
The wind in Galinhos is very strong, reaching 40 km/h, it is excellent for practicing sports, such as kite surfing.
In addition to the boat and buggy, another popular means of transport in Galinhos is the “donkey taxi”. The trip to the lighthouse, along the beach, takes just over an hour. The script is not suitable for those who have back problems, as it rocks a lot.
Whoever can, enjoy the landscape and delight in the sunset in the late afternoon.
When tiredness hits, the tip is to rest in one of the hammocks available on the balconies of the rooms, offered by the inns in the city.
Because of the salt water, they usually have mineral water for a more refreshing bath. Even so, those who do not need the attractions of a big city fall in love with Galinhos.
Galinhos is wonderful, it's paradise. Tourists need to be willing to walk, to get to know.
How to get to Galinhos
To get to Galinhos, from Natal, tourists need to take the BR-406.
It is a 2-hour drive (170 km) to the City Hall parking lot, where cars are parked.
From this place forward, it is only possible to go by boat or 4×4 car along the beach.
To get there, it is necessary to leave the car in the parking lot near the town of Pratagil and take a ferry to cross the river that leads to the town of soft sand streets.
There, a fleet of donkey carts leads to the beach, a point of sand that advances towards the sea of intense blue and surrounded by a lighthouse and two small lakes that only appear from September to March.
Galinhos, Northeast and Bahia Tourism and Travel Guide
