State of Rio Grande do Norte trip planner

Rio Grande do Norte Holiday Planning Guide

Strategically significant because of its position on the northeastern tip of the continent, the relatively small State of Rio Grande do Norte packs a big punch when it comes to good beaches and picturesque sand dunes. A State of Rio Grande do Norte tour inevitably leads visitors along the nearly 500 km (310 mi) long coastline, peppered with lagoons fronted by natural reefs and backed by sandy dunes and cliffs. State of Rio Grande do Norte tourism thrives largely because of this appealing coastline, but the region also boasts a lush interior of mangroves and unspoiled rainforests, tailor-made for nature-lovers and adventure seekers.

Places to Visit in Rio Grande do Norte

Destinations in Rio Grande do Norte

Natal: A safe, tourist-friendly destination offering expansive beaches and buzzing nightlife, this mid-sized city stands out as a must-visit spot during any Rio Grande do Norte holiday.

Praia da Pipa: It's all about the beach at this warm, scenic, and welcoming surfer town, considered by many who visit it to be the real highlight of Rio Grande do Norte.

Tibau do Sul: Once a collection of sleepy fishing villages, this picturesque coastal district now hums with tourist activity as visitors embark on a range of adventures, such as surfing, trekking, and rappelling.

Nisia Floresta: While its eponymous town sits inland, the main attractions of this district hug the coast, with its impressive cliffs and relaxed, scenic beaches standing out as some of the highlights of Rio Grande do Norte tourism.

Popular Rio Grande do Norte Tourist Attractions

Dunas de Genipabu: Explore these undulating sand dunes, located in an environmental conservation zone, and see the landscape literally changing before your eyes as the wind skims sand off the dunes' surface.

Ponta Negra Beach: The city's most popular beach curves gently south until it forms a hook shape, at which point the famous "bald hill" sprouts, cutting an appropriately Brazilian-waxed line through the forested foreshore.

Pirangi Cashew Tree: Perhaps the most fascinating gem of Rio Grande do Norte tourism, this immense cashew tree has spread its roots so far that it appears to constitute an entire forest, while in fact it's a single tree that has grown "sideways" instead of vertically.

Reis Magos Fortress: Perched on the very tip of a small peninsula jutting out into the ocean, this castle--shaped like a five-pointed star--once played a crucial role in protecting the city against naval invasions.

Parrachos de Maracajau: Not only does this network of coral reefs boast a vibrant marine ecosystem, but its excellent accessibility from the city makes it one of the most popular attractions in Rio Grande do Norte.

Dolphins Bay: Backed by striking, colorful cliffs, this naturally protected bay lives up to its name, with schools of dolphins often popping in to visit.

Pipa Beach: Scores of attractive holiday houses and hotels line this popular beach, which shares its name with the town just a bit farther inland.

Madeiro Beach: Admire the colorful, pink-hued cliffs that protect this secluded beach, whose squeaky white sands and warm, inviting waters make the perfect addition to any Rio Grande do Norte itinerary.

Chapadao Hill: Climb to the top of this hill to enjoy one of the best vantages you'll get during your Rio Grande do Norte vacation--you can take excellent photographs over the beach and out into the horizon beyond.

Amor Beach (dos Afogadas): Offering something for everyone, this unspoiled beach attracts surfers with its smooth, rolling waves, while kids and those feeling less energetic can relax in sheltered rock pools and admire the marine life scurrying below.

Planning a Rio Grande do Norte Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in Rio Grande do Norte with Kids

The state's wealth of beach resorts and emphasis on outdoor activities means your family will have a blast no matter where your Rio Grande do Norte itinerary takes you.

Start in the capital, Natal, where the kids can burn off their excess energy with a plethora of beach-related activities.

Just be conscious that, after the sun goes down, the city's tourist-focused nightlife can get raucous and might create an inappropriate atmosphere for young children.

If this is the case, take your Rio Grande do Norte vacation south to Praia da Pipa, where the kids can take their first surfing lessons, or simply run amok on the expansive beaches.

Things to Do in Rio Grande do Norte with Kids

As you'd expect from a small coastal state, beach-related activities dominate the list of family-friendly attractions in Rio Grande do Norte.

Begin with a tour of the sand dunes at Dunas de Genipabu, where the kids can encounter a landscape quite different from anything they've seen before.

Next, take the plunge and go snorkeling at Parrachos de Maracajau, allowing the little ones to explore an underwater world teeming with vibrant, colorful marine life.

Take a break from the beach and head to the historical Reis Magos Fortress, an iconic castle that will spark the kids' imagination.

Finally, show the family a natural phenomenon they'll never forget at Pirangi Cashew Tree, the world's largest cashew tree.

Tips for a Family Vacation in Rio Grande do Norte

With generally warm weather, welcoming locals, and well-developed tourist infrastructure, you shouldn't have any problems during a family trip to Rio Grande do Norte.

Stick to tourist hotspots for the best chance of finding family-friendly accommodations, and reserve your room well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Pack a healthy supply of sunscreen and insect repellent while preparing for your Rio Grande do Norte vacation--you and your kids will be spending a lot of time in the great outdoors.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in Rio Grande do Norte

Cuisine of Rio Grande do Norte

Tropical cuisine dominates the state's menus, and you'll be in for plenty of fresh, tasty treats during your Rio Grande do Norte holiday.

Unsurprisingly, the coastal state enjoys an abundance of fresh seafood, with shrimp, lobster, octopus, crab, and all manner of fish making a regular appearance in local dishes.

The state is also known for its production of tropical fruits, such as melons, mangoes, and cashews, as well as its large cacao industry.

During your trip to Rio Grande do Norte, you can find the largest range of local and international dishes in Natal, with restaurants catering to both locals and tourists.

Shopping in Rio Grande do Norte

Tradition and modern convenience converge during a shopping vacation in Rio Grande do Norte, with a range of large shopping malls complementing small-scale souvenir shops.

Start in Natal, where you can find an array of international brand names at shopping centers like Midway Mall.

Continue on your Rio Grande do Norte itinerary to Praia da Pipa, where you'll find a range of smaller, independent stores selling souvenirs, artworks, and locally made handicrafts catering specifically to tourists.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Rio Grande do Norte

Interesting Facts About Rio Grande do Norte

* The state has had many colonial influences in its past, including French, Dutch, and Portuguese

* Tourism in Rio Grande do Norte represents the state's biggest industry, with petroleum and agriculture also important to the local economy

* According to NASA's data, Rio Grande do Norte has the second cleanest air of any region in the world, after Antarctica

Holidays & Festivals in Rio Grande do Norte

A trip to Rio Grande do Norte provides opportunity to take part in festivals celebrated across the country, as well as some specific local events.

Despite being out of season, the "Carnaval" celebration in Natal has a reputation as one of the most raucous in Brazil, with festivities taking place during November or December.

If you visit Rio Grande do Norte around June 24, you can celebrate Saint John's Day, which marks the traditional European summer solstice across the northeast of Brazil. Of course, the irony is that in Southern Hemisphere countries like Brazil, this summery occasion actually falls during the middle of winter.

Useful Rio Grande do Norte Travel Tips

Climate of Rio Grande do Norte

Rio Grande do Norte's proximity to the Equator brings with it the usual tropical weather in coastal regions, with inland areas experiencing a semi-arid, drought-riddled climate.

No matter what time of year you plan your Rio Grande do Norte vacation, you can expect hot, humid weather with daily high temperatures around 30 C (86 F) along the coast.

These areas experience heavy rainfall throughout the year, although you'll get some respite during the dry season between September and January, which serves as the best time to visit Rio Grande do Norte.

Head farther north and inland, and you'll see an enchanting, desert-like landscape of sand dunes, with hot temperatures but very little rainfall.

Transportation in Rio Grande do Norte

Getting around on your Rio Grande do Norte vacation will be fairly easy, with the state's relatively small size and popularity with tourists resulting in a decent transportation network.

Natal offers the best onward connections, with private bus services to most other destinations in Rio Grande do Norte.

You can also make use of the well-maintained network of highways by renting a car and touring the state under your own steam.

You won't be able to get around by train on your Rio Grande do Norte itinerary--the state's railway services were privatized in 1998, with long-distance services no longer operating.