Galinhos: A Hidden Paradise on the North Coast of Rio Grande do Norte
Galinhos is a true hidden paradise on the north coast of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
This small community is known for its unspoilt beaches, stunning dunes and quiet atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a refuge from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.
In recent years, Galinhos has emerged as a new tourist destination due to its private beaches and unspoilt landscape.
Main attractions
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Galinhos no RN - Guia Turismo05:52
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The town’s main attraction is Praia do Farol, home to the iconic Galinhos Lighthouse.
Situated on a peninsula, Galinhos covers an area of 342 km² and is home to around 2,300 inhabitants, surrounded by dunes, salt marshes, mangroves, beaches and a river.
Local transport and adventure
Transport in Galinhos includes charrettes, buggies and the curious donkey taxi.
The boats leave from the village of Pratagil and in just 10 minutes you’ll reach this enchanting destination, giving you the feeling of being in a place where tourism has not yet arrived.
The history of the name Galinhos
The name “Galinhos” has a curious origin. In the past there was a lot of fishing for roosterfish, especially the small ones called galinhos.
The discovery of the Galos beach, where the big roosterfish were caught, gave rise to the famous expression: “Today we fish for small roosters, tomorrow we’ll fish for big roosters”.
Beaches
- Praia de Galinhos: A long, quiet beach, perfect for relaxing in the sun and enjoying the calm sea.
- Galos Beach: Less crowded and even quieter, with calm waters and stunning views.
Galinhos lighthouse
Built in 1931, the Galinhos lighthouse guides navigation in the region and is located at a strategic point for admiring the most beautiful sunsets.
A small mistake in the construction resulted in poor lighting, which led to renovations that have given the lighthouse a unique appearance.
Mangrove: Nursery for marine life
The Galinhos man marsh is rich in biodiversity, serving as a nursery for crayfish, oysters and birds such as the white and blue heron. Amidst the vegetation is a huge white mountain where salt is extracted directly from the seawater.
Tours not to be missed
- Diving in natural pools: One of the most recommended excursions is diving in the natural pools at Ponta do Farol. To get there, you need to hire a mule, which is the only way to get there. Once there, you can relax and watch a spectacular sunset.
- Buggy ride through the dunes: For a more comfortable experience, a buggy ride is an excellent option. It takes visitors through the region’s stunning dunes and stops at the impressive salt pans.
- Boat Trip: In canoes or larger boats, the boat trip is an incredible way to explore the region, including the blue lagoons between the dunes.
- On one side the river, on the other the sea: The small village of Galos offers a unique experience where you can walk from the river to the sea in just a few minutes. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a day of relaxation.
- Wind Farm: The giant wind turbines of the Galinhos Wind Farm are an attraction in themselves. With 71 wind turbines, the area is ideal for sports such as kite surfing, which takes advantage of the strong winds.
How to get there
To get to Galinhos from Natal, visitors should take the BR-406 motorway.
The journey takes about 2 hours (170 km) to the town hall car park, where cars must be left. From there, access is only by boat or 4×4 along the beach.
Rio Grande do Norte Tourist Guide
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