Rio Grande do Norte is a state in northeastern Brazil, on the South American continent. Its defining feature is its long coastline, where the Atlantic meets wide beaches and a landscape shaped by sand dunes. For a visitor, the state is first and foremost a coastal destination, and the mood of a trip tends to follow the shoreline.
What the state offers
- Extensive coastline, with beaches stretching along much of the state's edge.
- Sand dunes, which give parts of the scenery a distinctive, open character.
- The city of Natal, the state capital and the main gateway for most visitors.
Planning a visit
Natal is the natural base. From there, the coast and dunes are a short way off, so a stay in the capital lets you combine city time with days spent on the sand and the sea. Because the state is large and its beaches run for considerable distances, it rewards a little planning: choose the stretches you most want to see and allow travel time between them.
If you enjoy open landscapes, long walks along the water and the slower rhythm of a coastal region, Rio Grande do Norte is a good choice in northeastern Brazil. Settle on how many days you have, then decide how much of the coast you want to cover.