Natal is my favorite city of the four major northeastern Brazilian cities (Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador), because it seems the cleanest, safest and most visually stimulating them all.
While Salvador reigns supreme as the culture capital, Natal is undeniably the epicenter of an endless supply of ridiculously beautiful beaches.
If you look at a map of Natal Brazil and the surrounding area, there are literally hundreds of beaches to choose from. Look.
I only had a few days to meet the city so I divided into two equal parts of relaxation and adventure.
On day one I explored a few of the beaches within Natal’s city limits, including the popular Ponta Negra beach just south of the city.
I road all the way up through downtown Natal to Fort dos Reis Magos to check out the beaches on the other end of the city.
The urban beaches were clean and small sand dunes and offshore reef added a cool landscape.
After a relaxing first day, I decided to take a dune buggy tour into the famous sand dunes just outside Natal.
I was picked up from my hostel by a local guide and a few other traveler friends and we headed into the sandy unknown.
It was a full day filled with off-roading, zip-lining, lounging and swimming.
Natal is definitely a place I’d like to spend more time getting to know. Next time I’d like to try my hand behind the wheel of one of these dune buggies myself.
Read all about the Dune Buggy Adventure in Natal
Watch Episode #7 Natal Beaches & Buggies via YouTube (as well as the other episodes).