Discover the best beaches in Potiguar
Listing the best beaches in Natal is no easy task, but we’ve selected some of the most popular and some quieter ones so that you and your family can make the most of your vacation. We’ve included busy urban beaches and paradisiacal hideaways on the outskirts of the city. With beautiful landscapes, crystal-clear waters, white dunes and plenty of peace and quiet, these beaches offer experiences for all tastes.
Ponta Negra
Ponta Negra beach is Natal’s most famous, located in the south zone, and it’s easy to recognize it by the city’s postcard, Morro do Careca – an imposing dune that frames the southern end of the beach. About 4 km long, Ponta Negra is ideal for walks at sunset or family outings. Avenida Erivan França, parallel to the beach, is full of bars, restaurants, craft galleries and stores that guarantee a complete experience for visitors. At night, the area becomes a meeting point for those who enjoy forró, live music and lively nightlife.
Genipabu
Genipabu, just 25 km north of Natal, is known for its majestic dunes and freshwater lagoons that create an exotic, almost oasis-like look. The beach is famous for its buggy rides, where tourists can choose between an adventure “with emotion” or a quieter one, “without emotion”. In addition to the buggy rides, the local cuisine and typical handicrafts enrich the experience, making Genipabu an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Rio Grande do Norte.
Maracajaú
Located in a fishing village, Maracajaú preserves its original charm, with rafts, white sand and coconut palms that make up a paradisiacal setting. The highlight is diving in the parrachos, coral reef formations about 7 km from the coast. At low tide, these natural pools offer an incredible diving experience, with a rich marine biodiversity that enchants beginners and experienced divers alike.
Pipa Beach
The famous Pipa Beach, 85 km from Natal, in the municipality of Tibau do Sul, is one of the most popular in the Northeast and enchants visitors from all over the world. With its stunning beaches and lively nightlife, Pipa is the perfect destination for those looking for natural beauty and fun. In addition to its crystal-clear waters and cliffs, the town has a vibrant gastronomic scene and an alternative atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of visitors.
Barra do Cunhaú
South of Natal, approximately 80 km away, Barra do Cunhaú is a hidden gem. When you arrive, you are faced with a landscape that combines coconut groves, mangroves, rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. The beach offers stretches of calm sea and areas of good waves, ideal for surfing. About 5 km long, the area is perfect for water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and water skiing. The local mangrove swamp is a rich ecosystem, home to oysters, crabs and various other species.
