Natal: +55 84 3206.6676 / 3206-0890
Natal: +55 84 3206.6676 / 3206-0890
Brazil is a multicultural country. Because of the way it was colonized, the country suffered many influences, particularly European and African. This blend rendered the population rather peculiar. Each region of this extensive tropical area has its particularity, whether in its gastronomy, climate, vegetation or in the beauty of its inhabitants. We have plenty of diversity. And hospitality too. The latter is a particular trademark of one of Brazil’s regions: the Northeast. With wonderful beaches and warm weather, visitors often describe it as a true paradise.
And it is exactly in one of the Northeast’s most beautiful states, Rio Grande do Norte, that L’AUTO RENT A CAR’S main office is located. Get to know a little more about the city of sun…
Passion for Natal is a near unanimity among Brazilian and foreign visitors alike. The city has attractions both for those who want fun and excitement and for those who would rather some peace and quiet. 
But it is certainly the empathy of its population, which is formed by more than 50% young people who love to party, that is the most remarkable experience for those who get to know the appeals of this unforgettable destination packed with unrivaled natural beauties. Best Season From November to February, the city is effervescent with attractions, at a temperature around 30°c. The excitement includes everything from a film festival to Carnival. After that, it calms down and gets a little less expensive, but no less interesting, with temperatures hovering around 27°c in the air and in the warm waters of the Atlantic. And it only rains on a few days in June and July.
In addition to swimsuits, sandals, caps and sunglasses, bring high-SPF sunblock. If you want to brave it out in the wilderness, don’t forget sneakers, light and loose clothes and a sombrero-style hat.
A study carried out by NASA showed that people who live in Natal breathe South America’s purest air. Meanwhile, a study done by the Organization of Iberian-American States for Education revealed Natal has the lowest rate of homicides among Brazil’s biggest cities.
By car: The BR-101 highway connects Natal to João Pessoa, Recife, Maceió, and Aracaju. From Fortaleza, access is via BR-116, to Boqueirão do Cesário (CE), and then on BR-304. By plane: The Augusto Severo airport (phone: +55 84 3644-1000) receives flights coming both from the main Brazilian capital cities and Europe. In the high season, there are an average of 30 domestic flights per day and 25 international ones per week. By coach: Buses arrive from most Northeastern and Southeastern cities at the Bus Station (phone: +55 84 3232-7310).
Of the nearly 2 million tourists that visit Natal each year, 30% are foreigners, most of whom Portuguese nationals. But the city also welcomes Dutch, Spaniards, Argentines, and Scandinavians. Although after their stay, most of them go back home in awe, many never leave: they fall in love for the city and stick around. There are currently some 4,000 foreigners living in Natal and neighboring towns legally. Source: Guia Quatro Rodas RN 2008.
Known as the world’s biggest out-of-season carnival, Carnatal has been taking place since 1991 and brings together the best musicians from Bahia. There are several “trios elétricos” (meaning, literally, ‘electric trios’) that are followed by thousands of paraders who dance and keep pace to the "axé" rhythm. The festivity is always held during the first week of December.
Typical Northeastern events, the Vaquejadas bring together “cowboys” who compete for prizes riding their horses. These events are marked by Forró shows that attract thousands of people who like to dance to this type of music, which is typical of the region.
The first rocket launch base in Latin America, the Barreira do Inferno (literally ‘Hell’s Barrier’) gets is name because it sits on the top of a very high red cliff. Nowadays, the base carries out space research and welcomes previously scheduled visitors.
This “genetic aberration” (according to scientific research) is one of the most beautiful and fascinating trees in the world. With a crown measuring 8,400 square meters, this cashew tree produces as many as 60,000 cashews per harvest. There are souvenir shops and guided tours at the site.
Located 85 km from Natal, the Pipa Beach is a must for anyone in search of adventure during the day and excitement at night. Elected by the ‘Guia 4 Rodas’ magazine as one of Brazil’s ten most beautiful beaches, the Pipa Beach blends the beauty of the bays and cliffs with infrastructure, charming inns, handcraft shops, bars, and restaurants. It is famous for its trekking in the Ecological Sanctuary, for being the Mecca of Rio Grande do Norte surfers, and for its “caliente” nightlife, frequented by tourists from all over the world.
Genipabu BeachThe Genipabu Beach is a mandatory stop for tourists who like buggy rides. The beautiful dunes pack strong emotions: lakes with “aerobutt” and “skibutt,” daring buggy driver maneuvers, and dromedary rides. There are several restaurants and an amazing view at the site, which is one of Rio Grande do Norte’s coastal postal cards.
Compared to the Caribbean and to Tahiti by international magazines, the beach has a set of corals on its coast called “Maracajaú Parrachos,” which are a beautiful view for those who like to dive and observe the marine fauna and flora or simply to swim, using the platform installed some 7 km off the coast and reachable by speedboat.
Magi King FortThe Magi King Fort is a strong contender, with the “Morro do Careca,” for the position of the most recalled Natal post card. A landmark of Portuguese colonization in the State, it started being built in 1598 and was occupied by the Dutch between 1633 and 1654. It is located near the Atlantic Ocean and the Potengi River mouth. In addition to its history, the beauty of the Fort and of the view one has from it are unique.
It is impossible to visit the southern coast beaches without first stopping to savor the Pium Fair’s tropical fruit. There, you will find delicious options such as: mangaba, ciriguela, ice cold coconut milk, mangos, jambo, pitomba, among others.
Located in one of Natal’s most traditional districts, Ribeira, Chile Street is famous for its nightclubs, which attract different types of people.
A true oasis in the middle of the wonderful Genipabu Beach dunes. With its crystal-clear, calm waters, the lagoon is perfect to relax in.
Located downtown natal, this is one of the city's most beautiful squares. It concentrates a major diversity of snack bars around it and it is the gathering place of young Natal natives.
The biggest soccer stadium in Rio Grande do Norte, the Machadão is located in Natal, at Av. Prudente de Morais, 5121, Lagoa Nova, near the “quatrocentário” viaduct. In addition to being home to Rio Grande do Norte soccer championship games, it is home to Brazil Cup matches too. It can seat 32,000 fans.
Augusto Severo International AirportLocated in Emaús, Parnamirim (18 km away from Natal), this is currently Rio Grande do Norte’s biggest airport. It is capable to handle 1.5 million travelers a year. It is also used by the BANT (Natal Training Air Base), one of the Brazilian Air Force’s main fighter pilot schools (FAB). The airport is the only one in the Northeast to receive charter flights from Scandinavia.
Rio Grande do Norte’s Jerked Beef – The genuine Rio Grande do Norte jerked beef is different from the others particularly on account of its side dishes: “d’água” or “sertão” stuffing, milk rice, green or cowpea beans, fried or cooked manioc, basic salad (lettuce, tomatoes and onions) and bottle butter. This combination gives it an unforgettable flavor.
Cuscus with chicken – This dish is made out of cooked corn bran and filled with vegetables and cooked chicken. It is delicious. Green or cowpea beans – Served with “d’água” stuffing and jerked beef, this is a typical Northeastern dish. Anyone who tries it will never forget it. Note: The city has good infrastructure, and excellent restaurants that dish-out the best of the local and even of the international gastronomy. The best restaurants are located in Petrópolis, Ponta Negra, Lagoa Nova, and on the Pirangi Beach, among others. A few of the most famous restaurants are: Camarões, Âncora Caipira, Buongustaio, Mangai, Guinza, and Galo do Alto.