Natal
Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, is a small city on the Atlantic coast, known for its beaches.
Culture and History
Natal was first settled in the 1500s, but unlike other Northeastern capitals, it did not quite benefit from the economic boom resulting from the region's sugar cane production. Instead it grew moderately and more organizedly, burgeoning on the state's cattle-raising activities and salt and oil extraction.
During World War II the city hosted a U.S. military base established there because of its strategic position as the easternmost point on the Atlantic. Nowadays Natal is becoming a popular tourist destination with Brazilians and foreigners alike, offering gorgeous beaches and a few good hotels and restaurants.
Travel to Natal, visa requirements
Buses to Natal
Natal's bus station is way off on the southern edge of town, while the beaches are up north. So if you're planning to stay on the beaches, it's a long ride, through the city center and onwards.
Natal attractions and sightseeing
- Forte dos Reis Magos, the star-shaped fort at the northern tip of the beach, was built in 1598.
- Sunset in Potengy River (Pôr do sol no rio Potengy) The river stays a few meters away from the downtown of the city and the sunset is really wonderful to see. It's near the Army base and there are some ships on the river.
- Museum Câmara Cascudo It's in city downtown and have lots of stuff about the region's culture and folklore. Good for who want meet the "soul" of the people.
- Zumbi beach (to the North) - Only by Buggy - One day trip.
- Genipabu beach (to the North) - Only by Buggy - Half day trip.
- Barra de Cunhaú beach (to the South) - Only by Buggy - One day trip.
City tours
Natal's urban beaches stretch for several kilometers, each section having its own name. From the north, there's Praia do Forte, Praia do Meio, and Praia dos Artistas. Next, towards South, there is a stretch of 10 km called Via Costeira, where the best hotels (4 and 5 star hotels only) of Natal, and little more than that, are located. Then, in the Southern end of the city, there is Ponta Negra, the most famous beach, and Morro do Careca (Bald head Hill), the best known landmark of Natal.
Most tourists visiting Natal hire a buggy with a driver and travel along the coast, both North and Southwards. The coast of the State of Rio Grande do Norte affords a rare combination of dunes, lagoons, falesias (rocky plateaus with abrupt edges) and vegetation; combine that with sunny weather, friendly people and good prices, and it's easy to understand why Natal is a growing destination for tourists from all over the World.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Plenty of seafood restaurants with outdoor seating can be found along the beaches. Restaurant: Camarões novo; the translation is Shrimps "new". Are two restaurants with the same name. Look for the more recent and enjoy a very good food with a white wine!
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
- Hotel Recanto do Mar, on the beach.
Stay safe
If visiting the Forte dos Reis Magos, it's highly recommended that you take a taxi there, and not walk along Praia Forte; recently there have been an increasing number of robberies and assaults of tourists along the beach, past the populated areas (actually, one should not walk to the Forte because it is far away - about 3 km - from the nearest hotel or bus stop). Official statistics show that Natal is the safest city among the Brazilian capitals. Pick pockets follow the tourists, but robbery is rare. The city is conscious of the importance of tourism, which causes the Government to invest heavily on ostensive security of the busiest spots.
Get out
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