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The south coast of RN has dunes, lagoons, coconut trees, beaches with cliffs and a sea that, protected by stretches of coral, forms pleasant natural pools at low tide.

This is the typical landscape of the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte, with easy access by the Rota do Sol (RN-063), a road that runs along the coast from Natal to Pipa, passing through pleasant urbanized beaches, such as Pirangi do Norte and Sul, or more deserted, such as Búzios, Barra de Tabatinga, Guaraíras, Tibau do Sul, Madeiro and Curral.

Those who prefer to go straight to the famous Pipa beach, the best access is via the BR-101 highway.

The region encompasses the municipalities of Parnamirim and Nísia Floresta, this one with a rich handicraft, as well as Tibau do Sul and Canguaretama, a city where the old Cunhaú Mill, active in the first half of the 17th century, and the village of Vila Flor, with 18th century houses, are located.

Videos about the “south coast of RN”

Tourist spots and beaches of the south coast of RN

BARRA DE TABATINGA 

Barra de Tabatinga is a must-see in Barra de Tabatinga on the south coast of RN, or simply on Tabatinga beach, is the visit to the Mirante dos Golfinhos, located on a cliff.

With luck, it is possible to see – when the tide is high – dolphins having fun and giving quick shows in the water.

Another attraction is the Lagoa de Arituba where it is possible to take a pedal boat and kayak ride. The preserved forest around the lagoon can also be seen during a quad bike ride.

A must-see is to take the opportunity to practice the adventure sports activity called zip-lining. In the lagoon, visitors can also enjoy the stalls with typical seafood dishes.

Despite being located only 45 km from Natal RN after the beach of Búzios, where the sea is rough, Tabatinga has in its lower part natural pools suitable for bathing formed by the reefs. There it is also possible to have lessons of hang gliding and paragliding due to the good speed of the winds and the cliffs.

In Natal we have a unique coastline, continue enjoying the wonders that await you here.

See the tourist map of Rio Grande do Norte

BARRA DE CUNHAÚ

Barra de Cunhaú is located 85 km from Natal RN on the south coast, Barra de Cunhaú belongs to the municipality of Canguaretama.

As the main waters are calm – due to the river flowing into the sea – those who arrive have the impression of being in front of a lagoon instead of the Atlantic Ocean.

The meeting of the river with the sea is essential for the existence of mangroves, the natural habitat of crabs – a dish much appreciated in the region.

The Cunhaú River and the entire coastline are ideal for practicing water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, jetskiing and water skiing.

There is also a Yacht Club, which encourages the practice and carries out recreational activities such as sailing or motorized boat trips. These activities strengthen local tourism.

Barra de Cunhaú is known for the breeding of shrimp in captivity – an activity called carciniculture. Sought by those who want peace and quiet, if the visitor wants a little hype can check out the neighboring beach of Pipa, 8 km away, via ferry.

BAÍA FORMOSA

Baía Formosa is the only bay in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, the city-beach Baía Formosa lives up to its name.

It is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the state and is located 94 km from Natal RN, heading towards the South Coast by BR 101.

Even though it is one of the most sought after places on the coast of the State, Baía Formosa retains a quiet and calm air, and has fishing as a commercial activity.

Visitors cannot leave the city without first checking out and taking a walk through Mata Estrela – the largest Atlantic Forest reserve in Rio Grande do Norte.

With almost two thousand hectares preserved by the sea, Mata Estrela is home to many endangered species of Brazilian fauna and flora.

Another request, for those who are or are not superstitious is to dive into the waters of Lagoa de Araraquara, nicknamed Lagoa da Coca-Cola due to the dark color of its water, which does not influence its purity and quality. The natives believe that the waters of this lagoon have medicinal and rejuvenating powers.

Baía Formosa is also composed of the beaches of Sagi, Farol, Perobas and Barreirinhas. A singularity of the beautiful bay is that during the year the cliffs that compose it change color.

Barreta Beach – NÍSIA FLORESTA 

Praia de Barreta is located 85 km from Natal RN on the south coast, Barra de Cunhaú belongs to the municipality of Canguaretama. As the main waters are calm – due to the river flowing into the sea – who arrives has the impression of being in front of a lagoon instead of the Atlantic Ocean.

The meeting of the river with the sea is essential for the existence of mangroves, the natural habitat of crabs – a dish much appreciated in the region.

The Cunhaú River and the entire coastline are ideal for practicing water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, jetskiing and water skiing.

There is also a Yacht Club there, which encourages the practice and carries out recreational activities such as sailing or motorized boat trips. These activities strengthen local tourism.

Barra de Cunhaú is known for the breeding of shrimp in captivity – an activity called carciniculture. Sought by those who want peace and quiet, if the visitor wants a little hype can check out the neighboring beach of Pipa, 8 km away, via ferry.

BÚZIOS BEACH – NÍSIA FLORESTA

Búzios beach is located 23 km from Natal, on the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte, between the beaches of Pirangi do Sul and Tabatinga. It belongs to the municipality of Nísia Floresta, which is the pseudonym of one of the most notable writers born in Rio Grande do Norte – Dionísia Gonçalves Pinto.

It is among the favorites of Natal to enjoy the summer period, and is famous for the strength of its waves and winds which calls for more caution when bathing, and draws the attention of surfers and fans of windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also has beautiful dunes and the small Rio Doce.

On the seafront visitors will find several stalls for meals. On the main avenue a leisure option is the Big Blue Water Park with swimming pools, water slide, playground and restaurant.

With time left over for cultural tours, it is also interesting to go to Nísia Floresta to visit the famous Baobá planted in 1877, the Mother Church, the old train station, the Engenho Velho and the mausoleum of Nísia Floresta.

CAMURUPIM BEACH – NÍSIA FLORESTA 

The beach of Camurupim is about 30 km from Natal on the south coast, Camurupim belongs to the municipality of Nísia Floresta – pseudonym of a feminist and renowned writer born in Rio Grande do Norte, Dionísia Gonçalves Pinto. Marked by the presence of reefs that form natural pools, the beach is ideal for calm and safe bathing.

At low tide a tip is to know the interior of a cave between the reefs called Pedra Oca – it is possible for a person about 1.60 meters to stand inside.

Camurupim also has two water parks: Parque dos Tubarões and Pontal Parque Aquático. In addition to the Arituba Lagoon, where it is possible to take rides on swan-shaped pedal boats and kayaks.

You can also get to know the preserved forest around the lagoon through a quad bike ride. Even cooler is to take the opportunity to practice the zip line. In addition to these attractions, there are stalls with typical seafood dishes to satisfy the curiosity of tourists.

CACIMBINHAS BEACH – TIBAU DO SUL

Cacimbinhas Beach is located between the municipality of Tibau do Sul and the praia de Pipa, in the southern part of the RN coast, Cacimbinha beach is a mandatory stop for those interested in paragliding – the jump is made from the top of the cliffs.

It is possible to go down to the seaside by a long staircase, and what you will find is a quiet place, more reserved, without many visitors.

In the waters of Cacimbinhas beach, kitesurfers enjoy the sport, but the sea is only safe for the most experienced because of the constant winds. Nearby you can find the beautiful Pousadas in Pipa.

PRAIA DE COTOVELO – PARNAMIRIM

Praia do Cotovelo is located after the beach of Ponta Negra, Cotovelo is 15 km away from Natal RN and belongs to the municipality of Parnamirim. Its public is generally formed by local vacationers.

The cliffs give charm to the beach that attracts those who prefer to enjoy the calm of the sea to rest, and the restaurants by the sea.

From the elbow you can also see the cliffs that gave name to the first Rocket Launch Base in Latin America – Barreira do Inferno. Named so because the cliffs by the sea are red and resemble the color of fire.

Just beyond Cotovelo beach is the famous Pirangi beach which houses the largest Cashew Tree in the World on its main street. This tree is over 100 years old and continues to expand and bear fruit. For visitation a symbolic fee is charged.

Tourists can also climb a wooden palanque that is taller than the tree and enjoy its canopy from above.

LAGOA DE GUARAÍRAS – TIBAU DO SUL

Lagoa de Guaraíra is a lagoon with calm waters that reflects all the beauty of Tibau do Sul beach, on the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte, before Pipa beach.

Although it was once a lagoon of only fresh water, today, due to the encounter with the sea, it is also composed of salt water. There you can take boat trips, motorboat, canoe, kayak and even banana-boat.

Guaraíras, besides being used for fishing, and being essential for the state’s shrimp farming, has an extensive mangrove area. On the seafront there are several stalls offering typical coastal cuisine.

If you can wait to see the sunset there, you will not regret it.

LAGOA DE CARCARÁ – NÍSIA FLORESTA 

Lagoa do Carcará is located on Tabatinga beach, which belongs to the municipality of Nísia Floresta. Little known, with clean, warm and transparent waters you can see the bottom with the clear sands.

Although it is difficult to get there, do not give up. On the way there you will meet the Papary Mill that offers tourists a tasting of Papary and Vila Imperial handmade cachaças – produced on site. you can also buy them on site.

To have fun in Lagoa do Carcará you can practice windsurfing, kayaking or pedal boats.

The lagoon is part of a little known tourist route called “Roteiro das Águas”, of the “Lacuste Bonfim” system, which is composed of several other lagoons: Redonda, Boágua, Arituba, Alcaçus, Ferreira Grande, Urubu and Carcará. If you enjoy a lagoon is worth checking, is 50 km away from Natal RN.

PRAIA DE MALEMBÁ – GEORGINO AVELINO

Malembá is located 38 km from Natal RN, on the south coast of the state, between the beach of Barreta and Tibau do Sul. Even close to Tibau do Sul, and receiving many tourists who arrive or leave it, Malembá belongs to the municipality of Georgino Avelino. The beach is deserted, so its natural beauty remains almost untouched. The sea is calm, with weak waves and reefs.

Famous for being a kitesurfing spot, due to the strong winds, Malembá is also sought after by those who want to enjoy its dunes and take a buggy or quad ride, practice sandboarding and skibunda. Access to the beach is via the ferry crossing from Tibau do Sul.

You can also get there by the beachfront, for those who come from the city of Natal, by buggy or tractor cars.

To have fun in Lagoa do Carcará you can practice windsurfing, kayaking or pedal boats. The lagoon is part of a little-known tourist route called “Roteiro das Águas”, of the “Lacuste Bonfim” system, which is composed of several other lagoons: Redonda, Boágua, Arituba, Alcaçus, Ferreira Grande, Urubu and Carcará. If you enjoy a lagoon is worth checking, is 50 km away from Natal RN.

PIRANGI DO NORTE E SUL – PARNAMIRIM 

Pirangi do Norte beach is separated from Pirangi do Sul beach by the Pirangi River. It is located on the south coast of RN, 22 km from Natal, and is the beach most frequented by vacationers. The sea is suitable for swimming.

It is on the beach of Pirangi that is the largest cashew tree in the world. The centenary tree has ten thousand square meters of canopy and is still fruiting. You can see it for free as you pass through the center.

A symbolic fee is charged to enter and walk through its branches. You can also climb a wooden palanque, higher than the Cajueiro, and see all its green beauty and the ocean from above.

Pirangi beach also has a famous boat trip, carried out by the Tourist Complex, which is in front of the Cajueiro, called Marina Badauê.

The schooner ride to the beaches of Pirangi do Norte and Sul, Búzios and Cotovelo is very popular with excursions.

It lasts two and a half hours and has a stop for snorkeling in parrachos de Pirangi, an extension of reefs, where it is possible to see small fish that inhabit the corals.

The tour takes tourists to other beaches in the region and to the natural pools of transparent waters of Pirangi, which is 800 meters from the coast. Enjoy and take a dip!

In addition to the natural attractions, for being one of the most famous beaches to enjoy the summer, the city of Parnamirim holds every year in Pirangi a great carnival that brings together different bands attracting the public to the main street. Plan to enjoy all this on your next visit to Natal RN.

MADEIRO BEACH – TIBAU DO SUL 

Madeiro beach is very visited by curious people who want to see dolphins with the naked eye and those who want to catch their first waves. On the beach there are stalls that offer boards for rent, and you can also hire the services of instructors, who will give you tips and guide your first steps under the waves.

The beach, which is a bay, has a unique beauty. To get to the seaside, you have to go down a particularly large wooden staircase, surrounded by local vegetation. But the physical effort is compensated by the view you will have of the region, with colorful cliffs and coconut trees.

One option to get to Ponta do Madeiro beach – if you are at Pipa beach – is to take a walking trail from the Ecological Sanctuary – an area of preserved Atlantic Forest with trails that will give you direct contact with nature. The trail will end at a staircase that leads down to the beach.

SAGI BEACH – BAÍA DE FORMOSA

Sagi Beach is located 115 km from Natal RN, after Baía Formosa. It is the last beach on the south coast and borders the state of Paraíba.

The border between the states is marked by the Guajú River – dark and warm waters. The fact that it is far from the capital makes Sagi an almost untouched beach. There is a dune called “No Limite”, which you can climb and enjoy the beautiful landscape that separates the two northeastern states.

Sandboarding is practiced in the dunes of Sagi. In addition, you can take raft trips along the Guajú River, visit the mangrove swamp, and take a mud bath – the mud is taken from the mangrove swamp and rubbed all over the body, as it is believed to have rejuvenating properties. Sagi is a beach for those who want to enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Sibaúma Beach – TIBAU DO SUL

Sibaúma Beach is located 90 km from Natal RN on the coast, Sibaúma beach is the last of the municipality of Tibau do Sul.

Unlike the other beaches belonging to this municipality, which are well known. Sibaúma has the peculiarity of being an extensive, deserted beach, and still being a fishing village.

However if you are on the beach of the kite, it is only 10 minutes away.

CRAFTWORK OF NÍSIA FLORESTA

The municipality of Nísia Floresta, 43 kilometers from Natal, with access by RN-063 or BR-101, stands out for the large shrimp of its homonymous lagoon and, mainly, for its handicrafts.

The Campo de Santana Labyrinth Association brings together 24 women who meet every afternoon to produce the labyrinth, the famous northeastern lace woven on a wooden frame using traditional techniques.

They supply the association’s shop window and also take orders from the capital, making towels, table runners and even dresses (Rua Deodécio Anselmo, 11).

The Association of Lace Makers of Alcaçuz, in turn, is formed by 23 women who make bobbin lace, weaving pieces with varied and surprising motifs – pineapple, church door, raindrop, among others (Rua Projetada, s/n).

At Cachaça Artesanal de Alambique Papary you can taste and buy cachaça in a mill environment, in a cozy orange house.

The drink is produced at Fazenda Brasileira Augusta, whose stills can be visited by appointment (RN-063, s/n, Fazenda Brasileira Augusta, Timbo, 7 km from Nísia Floresta).

PIPA BEACH – TIBAU DO SUL

Pipa, district of Tibau do Sul, is a destination for those looking for beautiful beaches and nightlife. The natural beauty is due to the cliffs and the clear sea, with rough stretches and calmer ones.

The movement is due to the vast offer of restaurants, bars, cafes, stores and inns that spread through the streets of the old fishing village, discovered just over twenty years ago by surfers.

Located 82 kilometers from Natal, Pipa wakes up late (stores don’t open before 11 am) and sleeps late (bars stay open until dawn).

But it’s not all hustle and bustle: next to busy stretches, such as Pipa beach, there are deserted strips of waterfront, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, such as Praia das Minas.

In high season, tourists can see the folkloric group of Master Geraldo Cosme, the only representative of the region of coco-de-zambê (folk dance accompanied by the sound of drums), which performs in hotels in Pipa and Tibau do Sul.

Located in the center, Pipa beach has the best infrastructure and is usually crowded in high season. Large natural pools of warm water appear over the reefs at low tide.

PRAIA DO AMOR – TIBAU DO SUL

Praia do Amor is located in the municipality of Tibau do Sul, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Neighboring Praia de Pipa and Praia dos Afogados, it is considered excellent for surfing.

The name of the beach, which is isolated by high cliffs, comes from a large heart-shaped cliff.

The nearby Praia do Amor got its name because the strip of sand appears to form a heart.

Both at Praia do Amor and the nearby Praia do Moleque, further south, low tide causes shallow pools to emerge over the reefs and rocks, from where it is possible to observe fish, octopuses and crustaceans. At high tide, there are stretches good for surfing.

Access to these beaches is via a staircase carved into the cliffs that frame them or on foot from Pipa beach.

On the little frequented Praia das Minas, surrounded by high cliffs, the wildest landscape, with strong sea, is reached by a precarious staircase on the cliffs.

ECOLOGICAL SANCTUARY OF PIPA

In the private area of 120 hectares of preserved Atlantic forest there are twelve short and signposted trails, with varying levels of difficulty. On the way to the Sanctuary, you can see trees (cashew and muricis, among others) with species identification tags.

It is recommended to use repellent during the hikes. The Caminhos dos Piratas trail is one of the most difficult, with a wooden staircase descent to Madeiro beach (you should return from the beach before 4 pm, as the gates of the Sanctuary close at 5 pm).

Passeio da Peroba is a path that borders the cliffs of Ponta do Madeiro and gives access to the Mirante das Tartarugas, which, on the right, overlooks the placid Bay of Dolphins – where you can watch the passage of gray dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis) – and, on the left, to the Madeiro cove. Road Goianinha-Pipa, km 23, Praia de Pipa, Tibau do Sul.

BUGGY RIDE TO PARAÍBA

The buggy ride from Pipa to Sagi, a beach on the border with Paraíba, departs from Chapadào, 110 high on the cliffs, and offers a beautiful view of the sea, the beaches of Amor, Moleque and Minas.

From the Ponta do Cabo Verde, an end of land in the shape of a barrel (or a kite) – that’s why the beach has that name – the route is made through the sand to the beaches.

The first is Sibaúma, which is long and has a calmer sea. Then cross the ferry over the river Catu to the beautiful beach of Barra de Cunhaú. Another ferry over the Curimataú River leads to Coqueiros Beach, an extensive white sandy beach full of coconut trees and with calm seas.

Approaching Formosa Bay, you can again see stretches of white sand surrounded by cliffs and rocks. There is a stretch of calm water, protected by reefs, and a more agitated stretch, suitable for surfing, as well as a small port and a viewpoint to the bay and its boats and to Praia dos Coqueirais.

It is through Formosa Bay that you can access Mata Estrela, the largest remnant of Atlantic forest in Rio Grande do Norte, with 2039 hectares that include restinga vegetation, dunes and lagoons such as Coca-Cola, dark in color, as well as genuine specimens of brazilwood.

Nearby is the narrow, dark-water Sagi River, where you can take a swim and enjoy the mangrove forest. If you’re lucky, you may see the Xuxu manatee, which has earned its name from its many appearances in these waters. On the other side of the river is the bay of Traição, already in Paraíba.

Tourism and Travel Guide for the South Coast of RN and the Northeast of Brazil