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Taking a vacation in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, is a fantastic choice for those seeking a mix of stunning beaches, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Strong winds, sun, dunes, beaches, cliffs and the friendliness of the people of Rio Grande do Norte accompany visitors along the coast.

The history of Rio Grande do Norte begins just one year after the discovery of Brazil.

In 1501, the squadron of Gaspar Lemos touched the then coast of Touros (today the nice town of São Miguel do Gostoso) and there he planted the landmark of possession of the Portuguese Crown, the so-called Marco de Touros.

But the effective occupation of the region took almost a century, due to the resistance of the Potiguares Indians – “shrimp eaters” in Tupi – and French invasions.

With the help of men from Pernambuco and Paraíba, Portugal retook the land and, in 1598, began construction of the Forte dos Reis Magos.

The embryo of the city of Natal, the fortress was built to protect the main access to the lands of Natal: the Potengi River.

Well preserved to this day, the fortress is a pleasant visit when passing through the capital – both for its historical value and for the great viewpoint for the city’s landscape that emerges in front of a sunny and seductive coastline of white sands that fills the view, growing, to the west, in long strips towards the border with Ceará and, to the south, towards the lands of Paraíba.

Movable or fixed dunes of pink or beige tones, agitated or semi-deserted beaches, as well as the many lagoons complete the charming and varied range of natural beauties of the entire coast, which can be explored in pleasant buggy rides along the beach sand.

In the interior of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the rich culture of the people who explored the arid territory has resisted the changes imposed by time, and the Portuguese influence and indigenous heritage are still preserved.

In small Acari, surrounded by mountains, you can go hiking and observe the unique landscape, which includes rock inscriptions.

The artisanship is also prominent in the interior, especially in Caicó.

Currais Novos, in turn, keeps the tradition of the quadrilhas festival during the June festivities.

See the tourist map of Rio Grande do Norte

Videos – Tourist attractions in RN

Get to know the tourist spots of RN, such as Apodi, Natal, Touros, São Miguel do Gostoso, Pipa, Timbau do Sul, Ponta Negra, Genipabu etc…

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Polos e Pontos Turísticos do RN06:11

Praias e Lagoas do RN

7 Passeios Imperdíveis em NATAL e Região07:36

Principais Pontos de Turismo do RN

Roteiro de 6 dias em Natal e arredores08:32

Rio Grande do Norte

1. Tourist Attractions

Rio Grande do Norte is a state full of natural, historical, and cultural wonders. With its stunning beaches, impressive dunes, coral reefs, historic cities, and breathtaking landscapes, RN offers an unforgettable experience for all types of tourists.

Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, culture, or a mix of everything, Rio Grande do Norte is the ideal destination.

1. Natal

• Ponta Negra Beach: The most famous beach in Natal, known for the iconic Morro do Careca, a 120-meter tall dune.
• Forte dos Reis Magos: A historic fortress built by the Portuguese in 1598.
• Parque das Dunas: The second largest urban dune reserve in Brazil.
• Genipabu: Famous for its dunes and thrilling buggy rides.

2. Pipa

• Pipa Beach: Known for its cliffs, vibrant nightlife, and dolphin sightings.
• Dolphins Bay (Baía dos Golfinhos): Ideal for spotting dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Love Beach (Praia do Amor): Popular with surfers and known for its heart-shaped rock formation.
• Chapadão de Pipa: A lookout with spectacular coastal views.

3. São Miguel do Gostoso

• Tourinhos Beach: Known for its rock formations and stunning sunsets.
• Maceió Beach: Great for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
• Xêpa Beach: Central location with good tourist infrastructure.

4. Baía Formosa

• Sagi Beach: The last beach before the border with Paraíba, known for its tranquility.
• Mata Estrela: A reserve of Atlantic Forest with lagoons and trails.
• Lighthouse Lookout (Mirante do Farol): Offers incredible panoramic views of the region.

5. Maracajaú

• Maracajaú Reefs (Parrachos de Maracajaú): Coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving.
• Maracajaú Beach: Quiet with clear waters, great for swimming.
• Ma-noa Park: A water park with various attractions for all ages.

6. Galinhos

• Galinhos Beach: Accessible only by boat or buggy, known for its tranquility.
• Galinhos Lighthouse: Offers panoramic views of the region.
• Boat Tours: Explore mangroves and sandbanks.

7. Barra do Cunhaú

• Barra do Cunhaú Beach: Great for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
• Cunhaú River and Sea Confluence: Scenic beauty and biodiversity.
• Mangroves: Ecological trails and bird watching.

8. Serra de São Bento

• Pedra da Boca: A rock formation ideal for climbing and trails.
• Roncador Waterfall: Great for swimming and relaxing.
• Lookouts: Offers panoramic views of the region.

9. Martins

• Casa de Pedra: A cave with interesting rock formations.
• Canto Lookout: Panoramic view of the Martins Mountains.
• Pinga Waterfall: Great for swimming and picnics.

10. Caicó

• Santana Cathedral: An imposing church in the city center.
• Santana Island: Leisure area with pools and event spaces.
• Caicó Handicrafts: Famous for its lace and embroidery.

11. Mossoró

• Lauro da Escóssia Historical Museum: History and local culture.
• Arts Station (Estação das Artes): Cultural center with exhibitions and events.
• Tibau Beach: Near Mossoró, known for its cliffs and tranquility.

12. Lajes

• Cânion dos Apertados: Rock formation with trails and impressive views.
• Pedra do Sapo: Natural lookout with panoramic views.

2. Cultural and Historical Attractions

• Historic Center of Natal: Natal, the state capital, has an interesting historic center with attractions like the Fortaleza dos Reis Magos, a 16th-century Portuguese fort, and the Ribeira district, featuring colonial architecture and cultural events.
• Carnatal: The largest off-season carnival in Brazil takes place in Natal, offering visitors the chance to experience the energy of a Bahian-style carnival in a different and well-organized setting.
• Local Handicrafts: Rio Grande do Norte is rich in handicrafts, with highlights including lace, embroidery, ceramics, and items made from natural fibers. Craft markets, like the one in Natal, are great places to buy unique souvenirs.

3. Nature and Ecotourism

• Parque das Dunas: Located in Natal, this park is the largest urban forest reserve of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. It offers ecological trails, picnic areas, and a peaceful escape from the city.
• Parrachos de Maracajaú: Known as the “Brazilian Caribbean,” Maracajaú features crystal-clear natural pools where you can snorkel and dive, observing a wide variety of colorful fish and coral.
• Barra de Cunhaú: A perfect destination for ecotourism lovers, featuring rivers, mangroves, and trails that provide a deep connection with nature.

4. Delicious Cuisine

• Seafood: Potiguar cuisine is rich in seafood, with typical dishes like fish stew (moqueca), garlic shrimp, and the famous fish baked on a tile (peixe na telha).
• Carne de Sol: Another typical dish is carne de sol (sun-dried beef), usually served with green beans, manioc (cassava), and rice cooked with milk.
• Tapioca and Couscous: Throughout the city and on the beaches, it’s easy to find stalls and restaurants serving tapioca and couscous, traditional foods of the Northeastern Brazilian breakfast.

5. Favorable Climate

• Rio Grande do Norte enjoys warm, sunny weather most of the year, making it an ideal destination for beach vacations. With average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C (77°F and 86°F), you can enjoy the sun and sea in any season.

6. Tourism Infrastructure

• The state offers quality tourism infrastructure, with a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to cozy inns. Additionally, there are many restaurants, bars, and tourist services, such as tour agencies that organize trips to the main attractions.

7. Accessibility

• The Natal International Airport (Governador Aluízio Alves) makes the state easily accessible, with direct flights from several Brazilian capitals and some international cities. From Natal, it’s easy to reach other destinations in the state via well-maintained roads.

8. Diversity of Activities

• Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurer seeking adrenaline, or someone who just wants to relax on a paradisiacal beach, Rio Grande do Norte offers activities for all tastes. From dune buggy rides, kite and windsurfing in São Miguel do Gostoso, to a quiet boat trip to see dolphins in Pipa, there’s always something new to discover.

9. Tourism reports about Rio Grande do Norte

• The routes of architectural and cultural interest of Cidade Alta and Ribeira, in Natal.
• A journey through the life and work of folklorist, historian and ethnographer Luís da Câmara Cascudo, with a memorial and house in Natal.
• The beaches facing Ceará, among them Touros, São Miguel do Gostoso, Gatinhos and Ponta do Mel, reached on buggy rides.
• The pleasant and well-structured beaches of the south, such as those of Pipa, in the district of Tibau do Sul.
• The dams, the mountains, the festivals, the food and the archaeological sites of the sertão potiguar.
• Pipe village or Pipa beach is among the main attractions of RN
• Meet the best of the Northeast in the warm white sand waters of Natal
• Tourist Route along the north coast of RN – Genipabu, Gostoso and Touros
• Galinhos has natural beauties still little explored
• Maracajaú: The Brazilian Caribbean with Crystal Clear Waters
• São Miguel do Gostoso has beautiful beaches and sports
• Santa Rita de Cássia is the patron saint of the city of Santa Cruz in RN
• Barra do Cunhaú is a destination for those who enjoy extreme sports and nature
• Praias e Lagoas de Nísia Floresta RN
• The Seridó of RN has unique beauty of the semi-arid landscape and rich culture
• Fernando de Noronha has the largest concentration of dolphins on the planet

10. WHEN TO GO TO

For the beaches, at any time of the year. In summer (from December to February), the cities are crowded and prices go up.

In the months of June and July, to participate in the festivities of São João, in the Seridó region, enjoy the typical dances of the quadrilhas and taste the delicacies of the June festivities.

Travel Guide to Rio Grande do Norte Tourism

Rio Grande do Norte – History and Main Tourist Sites