Founded on Christmas Day in 1599—hence the name—Natal is Brazil’s “City of Sun,” a breezy Atlantic capital where dunes tumble into warm waters and colonial history meets beach culture. The star-shaped Forte dos Reis Magos guards the mouth of the Potengi River, while Ponta Negra’s Morro do Careca dune anchors an iconic skyline.

Beyond its postcard beaches, Natal opens the door to spectacular day trips: the rolling sand seas of Genipabu, the dramatic cliffs of Pipa, and the crystalline natural pools of Maracajaú. You’ll taste Northeastern classics like carne de sol with manteiga de garrafa, paçoca de pilão, and the beloved beach snack ginga com tapioca at Redinha.

Expect over 300 days of sunshine, steady trade winds—great for kitesurfers—and warm seas year-round. Pack strong reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a light rash guard; bring a card and a bit of cash for dune fees and beach kiosks. Flights arrive at Greater Natal International Airport (NAT), about 45–60 minutes from Ponta Negra.

Natal

Natal delivers a near-perfect coastal rhythm: mornings in natural pools, afternoons under coconut palms, and evenings of forró and fresh-caught seafood. The city stretches along the Via Costeira, a 10-km ribbon of sand and protected dunes linking urban beaches to resorts.

• Top sights: Ponta Negra Beach and Morro do Careca, Forte dos Reis Magos, Parque das Dunas trails, Redinha Market, Genipabu dunes, Pirangi’s world’s largest cashew tree, and day trips to Pipa and Maracajaú.
• Dining highlights: Camarões (legendary shrimp and seafood), Tábua de Carne (regional grills), Casa de Taipa (creative tapiocas), Paçoca de Pilão (Pirangi staple), and beachside kiosks for caipirinhas and grilled fish.
• Fun fact: The “Maior Cajueiro do Mundo” spreads over a city block—up to 8,500 m² of shade from one sprawling tree.

Where to stay (bookable now):

• Serhs Natal Grand Hotel & Resort — A resort between Ponta Negra and Areia Preta with oceanfront pools and family-friendly amenities.
• Ocean Palace Beach Resort & Bungalows — A landmark on the Via Costeira with multiple restaurants and a prime beachfront setting.
• Pousada Castanheira — Intimate guesthouse a short stroll from Ponta Negra’s sand; perfect for a quieter stay.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com – Natal and VRBO – Natal.

How to get there: Fly into NAT (Greater Natal International). From São Paulo or Rio, nonstop flights are ~3–3.5 hours; from Recife or Fortaleza, ~1 hour. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Airport to Ponta Negra is 45–60 minutes by taxi or rideshare (often R$80–120 depending on time of day).

Day 1: Arrival, Ponta Negra Walk, and Sunset Welcome

Afternoon: Land in Natal and head to your hotel on the Via Costeira or in Ponta Negra. Shake off the flight with a barefoot stroll along Ponta Negra Beach toward the Morro do Careca dune—photogenic from every angle (the dune itself is protected; no climbing).

Evening: Dinner at Camarões Potiguar (try the shrimp-in-moranga pumpkin or a moqueca potiguar) or beachside at Old Five for grilled fish, caipirinhas, and toes-in-the-sand vibes. Nightcap options: Taverna Pub (a quirky medieval-themed bar with live music) or forró at Rastapé if it’s a show night.

Day 2: City Tour, Fortress Views, and Camurupim Pools (Full Day)

Get oriented on a panoramic city-and-beach day that combines history with natural pools on the south coast. Expect stops along the Via Costeira, lookouts by the Forte dos Reis Magos, the craft-filled Centro de Turismo, Pirangi’s “world’s largest cashew tree,” and time to swim at Camurupim’s reef-sheltered lagoon.

Book: City Tour in Natal with Camurupim Beach - Leaving Natal (typ. 7–8 hours; great for first-timers).

Lunch idea: In Pirangi, try Paçoca de Pilão for carne de sol, macaxeira (cassava), and its namesake paçoca dish. Bring a light rash guard for sun, and a little cash for small vendors along the route.

Day 3: Genipabu Dunes by Buggy—Thrills, Lagoons, and “Esquibunda” (Full Day)

Today’s all about the north coast’s sandscapes. Cross the Potengi River toward Redinha Beach (sample the local classic ginga com tapioca—fried fish with tapioca), then hold on as credentialed bugueiros roll over Genipabu’s dunes. Cool off in freshwater lagoons and try “esquibunda” (sandboarding) or “aerobunda” (zipline into the water) at Jacumã or Pitangui lagoons.

Book: Buggy Tour To Genipabu (tell your driver if you want the famous “com emoção?”—with extra thrills).

Evening back in town: Refuel at Tábua de Carne for regional grills and sun-dried beef, or at Farofa d’Água for a lighter seafood spread. Treat yourself to tapioca crêpes at Casa de Taipa for dessert.

Day 4: Trails, Fortress Stories, and Forró Night

Morning: Start under the canopy at Parque das Dunas (Bosque dos Namorados entrance) for short nature trails among coastal Atlantic Forest—great birdlife and shade. Coffee and pão de queijo afterwards at Gosto de Pão bakery in Ponta Negra.

Afternoon: Explore Forte dos Reis Magos, a 16th-century star fort offering tidal flats and city views. If you’re a space buff, detour to the Barreira do Inferno rocket base museum (Parnamirim) for Brazilian space history; families love the small outdoor rocket garden. Alternatively, visit the Pirangi Cashew Tree if you didn’t see it on Day 2.

Evening: If it’s Thursday, the classic Forró com Turista at the Centro de Turismo pairs live bands with an easy dance lesson—everyone’s welcome. Dinner picks: Pinga Fogo (popular per-kilo buffet with plenty of regional dishes) or sunset bites and caipirinhas along the Ponta Negra boardwalk.

Day 5: Pipa Beach Day—Cliffs, Coves, and Dolphins (Full Day)

South along the BR-101 lies Pipa, famed for ochre cliffs, pocket beaches, and frequent dolphin sightings. Walk the overlook at Chapadão above Praia do Amor, descend to Baía dos Golfinhos at mid-to-low tide, and swim in calm coves around Tibau do Sul.

Book: 1 Day Tour to Pipa Beach / RN - Departing from Natal / RN (transport + expert route; plan on 10–12 hours).

Lunch in Pipa: Try O Tal do Escondidinho (regional comfort plates) or a beach-view spot in the town center for grilled fish, açaí bowls, and fresh juices. Head back with a golden-hour stop above Praia do Madeiro if time allows.

Day 6: Maracajaú’s “Brazilian Caribbean” Reefs (Full Day)

North of Natal, shallow reefs create brilliant natural pools at low tide—the famed Parrachos de Maracajaú. Snorkel over coral gardens, float in bath-warm water, and relax at a beach club between boat times. Check tide tables when booking; the clearest conditions match the day’s lower tide window.

Book: Discover Underwater Beauty: Explore Maracajaú's Parrachos Reef (typically 8–10 hours including transport).

Evening: Back in Natal, keep it casual: share a pizza at Cipó Brasil (Ponta Negra) or browse the boardwalk kiosks for tapioca sweets, caipifrutas, and grilled queijo coalho with molasses.

Day 7: Crafts, Last Swim, and Departure

Morning: Souvenir hunt at the Centro de Turismo, a former 19th-century jail turned craft complex where each cell hosts a different artisan—look for lacework, cashew nut sweets, and ceramics. If time allows, take one last swim at Ponta Negra or a seaside coffee on the promenade.

Afternoon: Check out late if available, then transfer to the airport for your flight home. Compare times and fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Where to eat and drink throughout the week (quick hits):

• Breakfast/Coffee: Gosto de Pão (bakery classics), beachside tapiocas at Casa de Taipa, açaí bowls and fruit smoothies along Ponta Negra.
• Lunch: Camarões (seafood staples), Pinga Fogo (per-kilo buffet with lots of regional salads and moquecas), Redinha Market for ginga com tapioca.
• Dinner: Tábua de Carne (carne de sol and sides), Farofa d’Água (lighter seafood), Old Five (sand-in-your-feet dining).
• Nightlife: Taverna Pub (live sets), Rastapé (forró shows), Forró com Turista (Thursdays at the Centro de Turismo).

Booking your stay: Lock in your base near Ponta Negra or the Via Costeira: Serhs Natal Grand Hotel & Resort, Ocean Palace Beach Resort & Bungalows, or cozy Pousada Castanheira. Browse all options on Hotels.com or VRBO.

In a week you’ll collect the greatest hits of Brazil’s Northeast: fortress ramparts, silvered dunes, cliff-backed coves, and reef-clear pools—plus plates of shrimp and the rhythm of forró under the stars. With smart day trips and easy beach time, Natal makes sunshine the theme and the sea your constant companion.