Explore the best settings for your physical activity in the City of the Sun
Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, is a city full of natural beauty and pleasant weather almost all year round. For lovers of outdoor activities, such as running and hiking, Natal offers a number of places that provide not only sports, but also breathtaking scenery. Check out some of the best places to run and walk in the city.
Ponta Negra waterfront
Ponta Negra beach is one of Natal’s postcards and one of the best places to run or walk. With its long and well-kept promenade, you can enjoy the sea breeze while exercising. What’s more, the view of Morro do Careca, one of the city’s main attractions, makes the activity even more special.
The Ponta Negra promenade offers a wide, safe space for runners and walkers, with a complete infrastructure that includes benches for resting and public toilets. The promenade is busy both early in the morning and late in the afternoon, ideal times to enjoy the milder weather and the soft light of the sunrise or sunset. Along the promenade, you’ll find several spots for stretching, making the experience even more pleasant and convenient.
As well as sports, the region is known for its vibrant nightlife and gastronomic offerings. After a run or walk, you can take the opportunity to visit the bars and restaurants on the seafront, which serve everything from traditional snacks to elaborate dishes from the Potiguar cuisine. The presence of hotels and inns in the region also makes it easy for tourists who want to keep up their exercise routine during their trip.
For those who prefer a more challenging route, beach sand offers a natural alternative. Running or walking on the sand requires more physical effort, providing a more intense workout. The breathtaking view of Morro do Careca in the background and the relaxing sound of the waves complete the experience, making it unique and memorable.
Dunes Park
Parque das Dunas is a nature reserve in the heart of Natal’s urban area, perfect for those seeking closer contact with nature. It has several trails that vary in difficulty and are ideal for both light walks and more intense runs. In addition to the trails, it is possible to walk and run inside the park or along the ring road, which is ideal for practicing physical activities.
In addition to being a destination for physical activity, Parque das Dunas also has a research center where studies on the local fauna and flora are conducted, a nursery for growing native plants, many of which are used for reforestation, and a vegetation display unit, dedicated to exhibiting the different types of vegetation found in the region. The Pau-Brasil amphitheater is a space for cultural and educational events, while the Folha das Artes is dedicated to exhibitions and artistic activities. The park also has an artificial lake, a beautiful spot for relaxing and observing nature, and a playground for children, with toys and areas to play.
Coastal route
The Via Costeira is a highway that connects several of Natal’s urban beaches and offers a cycle path along its length. It’s a great option for those who enjoy long runs or walks with breathtaking views of the sea. This panoramic route of approximately 10 kilometers stretches through a protected area, bordered by dunes and native vegetation on one side and the sea on the other, providing a unique and inspiring setting for those who practice physical activities.
Along the Via Costeira, you’ll find various access points to the beaches, allowing you to vary the route and include stretches of sand in your runs or walks. The Via Costeira is especially attractive for those looking for longer, continuous routes, without the interruption of intersections or traffic lights, allowing for a steady pace and a more fluid experience. The well-signposted cycle path, separated from vehicle traffic, provides safety and comfort for runners, walkers and cyclists alike.
