Natal & Fernando de Noronha Natal The land of the sun and the sea. More than 300 days of sun a year, a average temperature of 26 degrees and beautiful beaches inviting to leisure. Just turning 400 years old, this beautiful city, leaned over on the Atlantic Ocean, keeps an interesting mixture of civilization and nature. White dunes framed by coconut trees, clear waters full of lobsters, typical rafts crossing the sea. A land of peaceful and hospitable people, where living is, above all, a gratifying experience. Located in the Brazilian Northeast, 2.625 km from Rio de Janeiro and 297 km from Recife, Natal is today a modern city. Its almost 700 thousand inhabitants enjoy excellent urban infrastructure.
Attractions Alberto Maranhão Theater The Alberto Maranhão Theater is located at Praça Augusto Severo, in Ribeira District, Natal. It was registered by the State Patrimony in 1985. In the beginning of the current century, Ribeira was the main cultural and commercial center of the city, with its theater standing as a sign of progress. Its construction began in 1898. It was inaugurated on March 24, 1904, under the name of Teatro Carlos Gomes. Up on its facade, a sculpture made by French Mathurin Moreau was placed, symbolizing " the Art ". In 1910, the building was totally redone by architect Herculano Ramos. The works lasted for almost two years. Finally, on July 19, 1912, architect Herculano Ramos delivered the new building to the governor of the time, Alberto Maranhão. With art nouveau elements, the building exhibited a recherché façade, with five gates melted in Paris.
Angicos Angicos, home of some distinguished personalities of the State, is 178 km away from the capital, on the left margin of Pataxó River. Its hot dry climate, with rains in the summer and autumn periods, presents an annual average temperature of 28ºC. The vegetation, in spite of the climatic conditions, is diversified. Its main attraction is Pico do Cabugi, the most important natural monument of the State. It is the only extinct volcano in Brazil still preserving its original form. Located on the margins of highway BR-304, it is the geographical center of the State, approximately 600-meter-high. It’s around 20 million years old. There is a trail that, after a 2-hour walk, takes to the top, from where one can get a wonderful view of the sea, 80 km away. Other attractions: the Public Market, from 1932; the Railway Station, from 1933; the Monument of the XX Century, built in the turn of the century. And, not less interesting, José Teodório's dams: Cribeirais and New Angicos. The religious architecture highlight is São José dos Angicos Head Church, built in 1849. Among the main popular festivities are: the Festa do Padroeiro São José, celebrated during 10 days, from March 10 to March 19, and the Festa da Emancipação Política, celebrated on October 24. There’s also, during the second fortnight of May, the traditional vaquejada. Apodi
Assu
Barra do Cunhaú
Cajueiro
Câmara Cascudo
Camurupim Beach
Caraúbas
Carnival
Culture and Folklore
Dunes Park
Formosa Bay
Genipabu
Mãe Luiza Lighthouse
Maracajau
Martins
Nísia Floresta
Parnamirim
Patu A small town built at the foot of Serra do Lima, Patu is located in the mountains, an area of agriculture and cattle raising. Its greatest attraction is Serra do Lima, one of the most religious places of the Northeast. The Sanctuary is formed by two churches, one on the ground level, with the mortal remains of the priests that belonged to it, and another on the first floor, with a conical architecture in Gothic style. The base is made of granite and the tower is covered with colored tiles, where a beautiful carillon is. A granite altar, installed outside of the church, allows the accomplishment of outdoor masses. Another great attraction of the area is the House of Stone. The 9 km walk through the ecological trail that takes to Cruzeiro de São Sebastião, with its beautiful view and natural swimming pools formed by the rains, is an excellent option for camping and swimming. The main popular parties are Padroeira Nossa Senhora das Dores, on September 15; and, from September 7 to 15, the Festa da Cultura, with painting exhibitions, books, concerts and gymkhanas.
Pedra Grande It is told in the history books that this small town, 126 km away from Natal, was the stage of the first Portuguese exploratory expedition in Brazilian lands, in 1501. The name “Pedra Grande” comes from the solid rock formation that can be seen from the sea. Here you can find comfortable lodging services during the whole year. Praia do Marco offers good restaurants. You still have the option of bars and snack bars, many of them at the beach. Visit the Lagoa Boca do Campo, Morais' and Lagedo’s caves. The landscape is worthwhile. Ponta Negra District has the most famous urban beach in Natal, with modern facilities.
Ponta Negra District has the most famous urban beach in Natal, with modern facilities, bars, restaurants and houses.
Reis Magos Fort Forte dos Reis Magos, protecting Potengi River's mouth as an imposing guardian, is the most important historical monument in Natal. Older than the city itself, it started to be built on January 6, 1598, Santos Reis day. It was nothing more than a typical military installation of the XVI century, a fragile warranty of safety for the Portuguese, in constant combat against French and Indians. Its current shape, reminding a five-tipped star, appeared only in 1614, on the project of military architect Francisco Frias de Mesquita. Ended in 1628, the new fort stayed little time in the hands of the Portuguese. In 1633, it was conquered by the Dutchmen of Western Índias’ Company, changing its name to Keulen’s Castle. The Dutch domain in the area lasted two decades and, during that period, the Fort served not only as a defense installation, but also as prison for Brazilians and Portuguese prisoners and guesthouse for celebrities like Prince Maurício de Nassau. Today, besides being the main tourist attraction in Natal, the fort shelters a museum with an important collection on the colonization of Rio Grande do Norte.
Ribeira Neighborhood One of the most traditional places in Natal is “Bairro da Ribeira”: the train of our childhoods, the inquietude of the harbor with its ships and horizons, transporting men and hopes up and down Potengi River's waters. On the other side of the river, among the hills, Redinha Beach, insinuating and daring, hiding dreams under the meekness of its waters. In Ribeira, the sunset bursts in all colors. The proximity to the mangrove always reminds of cachaça (sugar cane brandy), cold beer, jukebox , fried fish with tapioca. At the piers, fishing boats and the pungent smell of shellfishes and fish. Old buildings, old grocery stores - constructions full of history resisting time and man’s insensivity. Tavares de Lira’s wharf, the mouth of the river of the old " canguleiros " - how Ribeira’s inhabitants are called, the stone of the rosary, the dredges stuck in time. And the gamboas, hiding places for fish, sea-horses and mysteries that only the most astute fishermen can tell. Ribeira used to be the place of the old cabarets, of the “cheerful” women that carried fugitive loves and sacrifice remains in their souls. Its alleys are famous (the "Quarentena", confined in its sore spots and poor landscape), the bars named after some South American countries (Peru, Venezuela, Chile), the old Rua das Virgens, the port unions Marks left by the history of life. Ribeira is immense and grandiose in its history, traditions, landscapes and mysteries.
Rio do Fogo 86 km away from Natal, it is little explored. Its tourist potential is yet to be discovered, with reefs, cliffs and ideal conditions for the practice of the submarine fishing. A few meters from the beach, on the margins of Punaú River, the scenery is so beautiful that a famous chocolate commercial was shot there. In the gastronomy field, highlights for the sea food dishes. The river, the view of the sea from the dune and the hike up to the villa of fishermen is worth any sacrifice. Zumbi's Beach, next to Punaú, also has excellent camping and fishing sites, besides the access to the exotic Beach of Pititinga.
Santo Antonio Church Santo Antônio’s Church, also known as Igreja do Galo, was built in the XVII century, gathering several architectural styles. Next to the Franciscan Convent, it shelters the Sacred Art Museum – with religious paintings and objects from the last four centuries. No doubt, a historical icon of town, which must be visited.
São Miguel do Gostoso 104 km away from the capital, São Miguel do Gostoso is a town full of history and of hospitable people. A villa of fishermen whose beaches - with special highlight to Ponta do Santo Cristo - are practically untouched . The beautiful sunset gives an idea of the virgin nature of the area. Staying at the charming lodges is an opportunity to relax like you’ve always dreamed of. Bars, restaurants and snack bars offer typical food from São Miguel do Gostoso. Fish and other sea food take over the scene. Hiking along the beach, resting in a hammock and fishing are ideal for those in need of recharging the batteries.
São Rafael Small rural town, São Rafael is 220 km away from the capital and has as its main attraction the Archaeological Ranch of Lajes Formosas. Area of rich ecosystem, where a lot of species of animals like the leopard cat, the wild cat, foxes, preás, raccoons, mocós, armadillos and birds like “asa branca”, red headed vulture, “acauã” and others, inhabit. A great number of granite rocks, some of them presenting primitive inscriptions of great historical value, approximately 5.000 years old, showing hunts and human illustrations. Natural pools with up to 3 meters of depth, keep a great amount of fossils of prehistoric animals. Prainha is another beautiful and refreshing attraction, used as a leisure area. From Prainha, the view is at least unusual: the church tower of the old city submerged by the barrage. The place offers ship rides and fisheries, kiosks with food and drinks. The most important party in town is of “Nossa Senhora da Conçeição”, celebrated from November 27 to December 8.
Tibau do Sul Tibau do Sul, 80 km away from Natal, is a paradisiacal place. There, you find Atlantic forest spots, the beautiful Guaraíra Pond and its exuberant mangroves, beaches of lukewarm and clear waters, frequented by dolphins, and spectacular observatories on the top of the cliffs. The famous Praia da Pipa, chosen as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, offers a cosmopolitan night, with tourists from all over the world. The town has one of the largest and best infrastructures in the State. There are countless lodging options, with several hotels, lodges and chalets in varied styles, where charm is the predominant characteristic. The variety and the good taste are also extended to gastronomy. By drawing people from all over the world, the town developed this mixed cuisine, besides the typical and delicious sea food The access by the highway provides exotic and beautiful landscapes. It is worthwhile knowing Pipa’s Ecological Sanctuary and taking a ship ride through the mangroves of Guaraíra Pond. Rafts allow the crossing of the pond with vehicles (4x4 or jeeps), providing access to several beaches.
Touros Registered in the History of Brazil as one of the first colonial marks, Touros is 106 km away from Natal, and stands out for its bay of calm waters and the grandiose Lighthouse, 65 m high, considered one of the largest in Latin America. The “Ponta do Calcanhar” is one of the closest points to Africa. Highway BR101 begins right there, and is extended to the rest of the country. Lodgings and nice chalets offer moderate prices and rustic lodging. In the summer, the city receives many visitors. To assist to the tourists' demand, Touros offer several gastronomic options, from the most typical to the most refined dishes. The carnival in Touros is one of the liveliest in Rio Grande do Norte, with a lot of beach, sun and beautiful people. Take the opportunity to visit the Lighthouse (which has a beautiful view), the Lagoa do Boqueirão and the replica of the Colonial Mark, at the beginning of highway BR-101, besides the beaches of exuberant vegetation.
Fernando de Noronha
With many paradisiacal beaches, very rich flora and fauna and incomparable landscapes, Fernando de Noronha is on the top of the list among the most visited and admired locations sought by tourists from Brazil and from all over the world. The archipelago's good environmental conditions have called the attention of environmentalists from the whole planet, so much so that the islands were granted the title of World Heritage of Humanity, granted by Unesco, in 2002. The Archipelago was visited for the first time around the year 1503, by Americo Vespuccio. It was invaded by French and Dutchmen, until the Portuguese, at last, took possession of it. Many historical sites show traces of these last colonizers: Vila dos Remédios, Vila da Quixaba, Parque de Sant'Ana and the ruins of the São Pedro do Boldró, Sto. Antônio, and N.Sª da Conceição Fortresses. With 21 islands, Fernando de Noronha stands over an area of 26 km². The main island, with that same name, is the only inhabited one, and the largest of all - it has 17 km². Part of it is occupied by the Fernando de Noronha National Marine Park, considered since 1988 an Environmental Protection Area (APA), with some 8 km². The purpose of that park is to protect the local fauna, flora and remaining natural resources. The park includes also all secondary islands. Its total area extends over 112,7 km², including its perimeter, with 60 km. It offers five predefined trails that may be visited after previous authorization given by Ibama (the Brazilian Environmental Protection Agency). The Archipelago hosts a population of approximately 2,100 people. Tourism is developed in a sustainable manner, offering the opportunity for a balanced encounter between men and nature in one of the most important ecological sanctuaries in the world. Noronha offer good infrastructure to service tourists: bank agency, police station, post office, tourism information office, hospital, Internet access, military police forces, a port, weather information, hotels and inns. In some inns, visitors have the chance to cohabit with local inhabitants, who have turned their humble houses into familiar or charming inns. Flora The predominant vegetation in Fernando de Noronha is composed of species typical of the Brazilian Northeastern arid vegetation, which loose their foliage during the dry season. In general, the local vegetation includes higher trees and bushes on the flatter surfaces. Between March and July, the island's vegetation is more exuberant, however during this period the possibility of heavy rains is considerably greater. Fauna In Fernando de Noronha there is a wide number of natural pools that allow for direct contact with the rich and exotic local sea fauna. The islands' waters are full of fish, sponges, algae, shellfish and coral reefs, among which the most abundant one in the archipelago, Montastrea cavernosa. At the Baía dos Golfinhos (the “Dolphins Bay”) belvedere, “rotator” dolphins can be observed in their natural environment. One of the most beautiful scenes in the island can bee observed every day during sunrise, when groups of dolphins enter the bay, into an area of calm and protected areas. Sea turtles may also be seen from November onwards, as they group on the water surface, when adult males compete for female partners, thus stating that specie's period of reproduction in the archipelago. The National Center for the Conservation and Care of Sea Turtles - better known as the TAMAR/IBAMA Project - since 1984 employs every effort to protect female turtles, eggs and reproduction locations and is constantly evaluating their population. These animals are protected according to the Decree that has established a prohibition on the capture, fishing and molesting of all species of turtles in Brazilian waters. The archipelago also hosts endemic species, animals brought about by man and, also, some migratory species.
Visitors should not forget that they must pay for an environmental preservation fee to the local administration - related to the number of days they spend on the island.
Accommodation There are some 70 small inns, ranked according to the level of comfort they offer. Many are inside old local inhabitant's houses, adapted to receive guests. They offer apartments equipped with refrigerators, TV and air-conditioner. Attractions Diving in Fernando de Noronha The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is one of the best places in the world for diving. The island's crystalline waters, with visibility of up to 50 meters host many species of fish, skate fish, sharks, turtles, eels, barracudas, dolphins, sponges and algae, including also rocky formations, coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Even those who do have any experience in diving can experiment the thrilling sensation of observing the local sea fauna in their natural habitat. At seashore on the beaches of Atalaia and Sancho Bay and at the natural aquariums formed by rocks at Porcos Bay, it is possible to see a wide range of colored fish.
Diving fees vary according to the time of the year. Divers must also pay for a special fee established by the government protection agency, IBAMA. Diving operators installed on the island supply transportation and all necessary equipment. For accredited divers, local operators offer a wide range of courses, but anticipated booking is recommended.
Main diving points
Shipwrecks At 64 meters deep, the Ipiranga war ship is considered the most preserved shipwreck in Brazil. The Greek ship "Eliane Estatatus" is under Sto. Antônio Bay, near the local port, at an 8-meter depth. Since it is quite close to the seashore, visitors can swim to visit it.
The Dois Irmãos Slab It is close to the Dois Irmãos cliff, in front of Porcos Bay. Diving there goes between 8 and 15 meters deep.
Cabeço do Sapata Cliff Huge rocky wall that reaches 40 meters deep into the ocean.
Iuais Slab with 23-meter depth.
Pedras Secas Cliff Set of rocks that extend from sea surface down to a 15-meter depth. The location offers an excellent visibility.
Frade Island A depth of 20 meters. It is located in front of Atalaia beach.
Meio Island Grouts and caverns at a depth of 15 meters.
The Northern Point of Land Huge cliff where diving reaches a depth of 42 meters.
Surfing 2-meter high waves with peaks up to five meters high, such as at Cacimba, Boldró, Ruro and Abrás Slabs, are sought by surfers from all over the world, especially from November thru April. Some stages of the National Surf Championship are held on Fernando de Noronha.
Beaches The most sensational thing about Fernando de Noronha is that all the island's beaches are very pretty and very well preserved. Local seawaters are of greenish blue tone and are incredibly transparent. Some of them include also some rocky formations. Below you will find a list with main beaches.
In the outside sea
Leão (“Lion”) Beach It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. It has a rock in the shape of a sea lions, hence the beach's peculiar name. Right in front of that beach visitors see the Viuvinha rock, a small island covered with birds nests. When waves hit against some of its rocky formations, it produces a jet of water. This beach is also the main egg-laying point used by sea turtles and, therefore, the beach is closed during some months of the year, from late afternoon to the next early morning, between January and June.
Sueste Bay It offers a peculiar characteristic in terms of oceanic islands: it has a marsh area. The sea there is quite free of larger waves. On the left side of the beach visitors find the ruins of the São Joaquim de Sueste Fortress.
Atalaia Local coral reefs form natural aquariums with rich sea life. Access to the beach is limited to a small number of people each day. It is necessary that visitors ask for a special permit at the Visitors Center in the National Park.
Buraco da Raquel (Cliffy Cavity) It offers natural pools along rocky formations. This is a place for pure and deep contemplation. Bathing is not allowed.
In the inside sea
Santo Antônio Bay The bay forms a natural port, where small ships can anchor, including those used for sightseeing tours. The bay also includes a shipwreck that attracts many divers.
Cachorro Beach It is located close to the Remédios Fortress. It has coral reefs and waves are low and pleasant.
Conceição Beach This beach is very popular among surfers during high tide. During low tide, seawaters are calm and proper for bathing. Being a long beach, it is good for those who appreciate long walks along the seashore.
Boldró Beach It also offers good waves for surfing during high tide. At the sea cliff visitors find the ruins of the São Pedro do Boldró Fortress, which are used as a belvedere.
Padre Cliff This is one of the largest beaches in the island, being around 1-km long. During summer it offers excellent waves for surfing of up to 5 meters high. It is surrounded by native forest.
Porcos Bay This beach has quite too many rocks and a narrow stretch of sand. Natural aquariums with colored fish its great attraction. But diving here is not allowed. In front of it, tourists can visit two huge rock slabs called "Dois Irmãos" (Two Brothers). The highest one holds the ruins of the São João Batista Fortress, offering a beautiful view of the turquoise-blue waters marked by dark cliffs. This peculiar scenario has led some to consider Porcos Bay as the most beautiful beach in Brazil. Access to the beach is available through trails.
Sancho Bay In terms of beauty, it rivals the neighboring beach of Porcos Bay. It is excellent for the practice of free diving, since it offers good visibility and diversity of marine fauna at a shallow depth. From its sea cliffs, visitors face one of the most beautiful views in Fernando de Noronha. This beach is also an egg-laying point for sea turtles, and so there are restrictions to access it from January to June, from late afternoon to the following early morning.
Boat tours This is the favorite tourists' attraction. Boats sail along the Inside Sea, offering an incredible view of beaches from the main island of Fernando de Noronha and also from the small islands surrounding it. On a lucky day, visitors may see dolphins swimming close to the boat. At Sancho Bay boats halt so visitors can go on a free diving spree.
Buggy tours Hoodless buggies are the most used vehicles in Fernando de Noronha. They are used as taxis or for tours around the island. Drivers, usually local inhabitants, may act as tour guides and may take visitors to the most beautiful places and to those least known corners as well.
Dolphins observation “Rotator” dolphins may be seen from the belvedere looking over "Baía do Golfinhos" (Dolphins Bay). There, they feed and reproduce. The best hour for observations is during the first hours of the day.
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