About Natal
Natal is a Brazilian municipality and the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, located in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Situated 2,227 kilometers from Brasília, the federal capital, it is the second smallest Brazilian state capital in area, covering an area of approximately 167 km2 (64 sq mi). With just over 750,000 inhabitants (2022), it is the most populous municipality in its state, the eighth in the Northeast, and the 24th in Brazil. The Greater Natal, composed of thirteen other municipalities in Rio Grande do Norte, has more than 1.5 million inhabitants, making it the fourth largest urban agglomeration in the Northeast and the nineteenth largest in Brazil.
Places to visit in Natal
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Forte dos Reis Magos
Historic · 3 mi from centreA star-shaped Portuguese fort from the late 1500s built at the mouth of the Potengi River, the place where Natal was founded. Time your visit for low tide, when the approach across the sand is easiest.
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Ponta Negra
Beach · 6 mi from centreNatal's best-known beach and neighborhood, with calm water, a busy boardwalk, and plenty of hotels and restaurants. Walk to the southern end for the classic view of the huge Morro do Careca dune.
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Morro do Careca
Nature · 7 mi from centreA tall sand dune rising straight out of the sea at the end of Ponta Negra beach and the symbol of the city. Climbing it is not allowed, so enjoy it from the beach and the nearby lookouts.
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Genipabu
Nature · 6 mi from centreA coastal area north of Natal famous for giant shifting dunes, freshwater lagoons, and dune buggy rides. Book a buggy tour with a licensed driver and decide upfront whether you want a gentle or thrilling ride.
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Cashew of Pirangi
Nature · 14 mi from centreOften called the world's largest cashew tree, this single tree spreads over an area the size of a city block south of Natal. It pairs well with a stop at the nearby beaches of Pirangi.
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Natal Dunes State Park
Park · 2 mi from centreA large protected area of Atlantic forest and dunes right inside the city, crossed by shaded walking trails. Several trails require a guide, so arrive early and register at the visitor center.
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Pipa Beach
Beach · 32 mi from centreA lively beach village about 80 km south of Natal, known for red cliffs, sheltered coves, and dolphins that often swim close to shore. Check tide times, since some coves are reachable only at low tide.
Things to do in Natal by type
23 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 12 experiences Barra de Cunhaú Beach -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 11 experiences Buggy Litoral Norte - Genipabu
- Over 6 hours 9
- 1-3 hours 2
- Families 2
- Youth 2
- Couples 2
- Senior 2
- Private 3
- Small group 3
- Shore excursions 3
Top experiences in Natal
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 23 available.
Maracajau Parrachos Reef – Mask and Snorkel Swim
From $107 per adult
São Miguel do Gostoso Beach Tour
From $75 per adult
Explore the City of Joao Pessoa with Sunset on Jacare Beach - Full-Day Tour
From $69 per adult
City Tour of Natal and South Coast
From $36 per adult
Where to stay in Natal
Popular hotels in Natal, out of 127 properties you can book.
Wish Natal
From $471 per night
GoldMen Vila Do Mar Natal
From $47 per night
SERHS Natal Grand Hotel & Resort
From $147 per night
Hotel Majestic Ponta Negra Beach WorldHotels Elite
From $120 per night
Rede Andrade Comfort
From $45 per night
Rede Andrade Bello Mare
From $23 per night
Golden Tulip Natal Ponta Negra
From $102 per night
Brisa do Mar Beach Hotel
From $33 per night
Praiamar Arena
From $102 per night
Yak Beach Hotel Natal
From $36 per night
Wyndham Natal Pitangui Praia
From $76 per night
Natal Praia Hotel
From $38 per night
Best time to visit Natal
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Natal is November, when average daytime highs are around 86°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Natal weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 86° 75° 88%
- Thu 22 Oct 85° 75° 82%
- Fri 23 Oct 86° 75° 78%
- Sat 24 Oct 86° 77° 27%
- Sun 25 Oct 87° 76° 14%
- Mon 26 Oct 87° 76° 6%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Brazilian real (BRL)1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05
- Language
- Portuguese
- Calling code
- +55
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/FortalezaUTC−3
- Capital
- Brasília
Upcoming public holidays in Brazil
- All Souls' DayDia de Finados
- Republic Proclamation DayProclamação da República
- Black Awareness DayDia da Consciência Negra
- Christmas DayNatal
- New Year's DayConfraternização Universal
- Good FridaySexta-feira Santa
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Natal
These are the airports closest to central Natal. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- NAT Greater Natal International Airport11 mi (18 km) from the city centre
Getting around Natal
(As of June 2021) a bus ticket in Natal is R$4 and you don't need a bus card. Without a bus card you don't need to find a way to get and to recharge it. With a bus card it's possible to get a second bus without paying if this is done in less than one hour after the first one.
By car
Renting a car may be convenient if you, as many visitors, plan to use Natal as a base for day trips outside the city. Even the beaches at the neighbouring municipalities of Parnamarim and Extremoz are complicated to reach using public transport.
By buggy
You may explore the coast on the beach rather than a road, by hiring the service of a dune Buggy driver. You can book a vehicle or join a group. You may find services that are cheaper than others, but be aware of unlicensed drivers; accidents caused by unskilled buggy drivers sometimes occur.
Natal travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Natal?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Natal is November, when average daytime highs are around 86°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Natal?
January is usually the warmest month in Natal, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 72°F (22°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 180 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Natal?
Greater Natal International Airport (NAT) is the closest airport, about 11 miles (18 km) from the centre of Natal.
What currency is used in Natal?
Natal uses the Brazilian real (BRL). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05.
What time zone is Natal in?
Natal uses the America/Fortaleza time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Natal?
(As of June 2021) a bus ticket in Natal is R$4 and you don't need a bus card. Without a bus card you don't need to find a way to get and to recharge it. With a bus card it's possible to get a second bus without paying if this is done in less than one hour after the first one.
What are the best places to visit in Natal?
Top sights in Natal include Forte dos Reis Magos, Ponta Negra, Morro do Careca and Genipabu. A star-shaped Portuguese fort from the late 1500s built at the mouth of the Potengi River, the place where Natal was founded. Time your visit for low tide, when the approach across the sand is easiest.
What are the top things to do in Natal?
Popular experiences you can book in Natal include Maracajau Parrachos Reef – Mask and Snorkel Swim, São Miguel do Gostoso Beach Tour and Explore the City of Joao Pessoa with Sunset on Jacare Beach - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 23 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Natal?
The most popular types of experiences in Natal are day trips & excursions (12), outdoor activities & adventure (11), art & culture (1) and city tours (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Natal?
Popular areas for hotels in Natal include Natal, Praia Ponta Negra and Genipabu. Well-reviewed options include Wish Natal and GoldMen Vila Do Mar Natal.
How many hotels can I book in Natal?
Destina Holidays currently lists 127 properties in and around Natal, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
