Natal in Rio Grande do Norte

Natal was founded on Christmas Day, 1599 and first christened Santiago; it was later renamed ’Natal’, which is Portuguese for Christmas. It was also briefly called New Amsterdam after the Dutch occupied it in 1633. The city’s most famous landmark is the star-shaped Forte dos Reis Magos (Three Kings Fort), while the city’s most popular beach, with a wide variety of hotels, bars and restaurants, is Ponta Negra.

The city became a major US and Allied base during World War II and was used as the major hub for shipping supplies from the US across the Atlantic to Africa and up into Europe or other areas of conflict. Many ex-servicemen have fond memories of their time in Natal!

Many of the attractions of Natal, however, are outside the city. Fifty miles to the south is Pipa, a laidback, relaxed beach resort and ecological reserve. It is made up of a number of attractive beaches, including Praia de Amor, which is known for its dolphins. Just as popular is the more peaceful Tibau do Sul.

Between Pipa and Natal is what is known as Barreira do Inferno, Brazil’s space centre and rocket launch pad.

Attractions to the north of Natal include the famous giant sand dunes at Praia do Genipabu that attract visitors who explore and play in beach buggies amongst the massive dunes.

Fortaleza

With a coastline of over 350 miles (570 kilometres) of mostly unspoiled sandy beaches, Ceará, especially the coastal region close to Fortaleza, has been a popular holiday destination for Brazilians for many years!

Fortaleza is the seventh most populous metropolitan area in Brazil, with nearly 3.6 million inhabitants. It is the closest of the major Brazilian cities to Europe, and flight time between Lisbon and Fortaleza is around seven hours.

To understand Brazil’s size, that is not much longer than the flight time between Porto Alegre in the south of Brazil and Fortaleza to the north!

Two of the most popular destinations in Ceará for European visitors are Canoa Quebrada and Jericoacoara. Canoa Quebrada, located 113 miles (182 kilometres) east of Fortaleza, was once a sleepy fishing village, but is now better known for its bohemian lifestyle and laidback bar and restaurant scene. Buggy tours are a popular option and take visitors along the relatively deserted beaches to hidden away bars and giant dunes backed by red sandstone cliffs.

A trip to Jericoacoara is an adventure in itself as the village is not accessible by regular vehicles, at least not during the final part across the dunes where buggies and 4x4 vehicles must be used. The village, located over 186 miles (300 kilometres) west of Fortaleza, is basically a few sand streets lined by simple houses. Accommodation is either truly rustic or sophisticatedly charming, and the same is true of the bars and restaurants.