Rannat ja luonto Natalissa

Beaches and Nature

Natal’s landscape is defined by a mix of Atlantic forest, massive sand dunes, and coral-fringed beaches. This selection covers the iconic Morro do Careca dune in Ponta Negra and the historic shores near the 16th-century Forte dos Reis Magos. It also includes the city’s environmental protection zones (ZPA) that preserve vital dune ecosystems, alongside inland green spaces like the Bosque das Mangueiras and the historic Praça André de Albuquerque, which marks the city’s founding point.

olliethebastard / CC BY 2.0

A

Ponta Negra

Ponta Negra is a beach and neighborhood located in the Brazilian city of Natal, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte.

B

Praia do Forte

Located at the mouth of the Potengi River, this beach is home to the 16th-century Forte dos Reis Magos and features natural pools formed by reefs during low tide.

C

Praia dos Artistas

A central urban beach that served as a social hub in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by its rocky shoreline and proximity to the historic center.

D

Praia do Meio

Situated between Praia dos Artistas and Praia do Forte, this beach is known for its wide sandy stretch and the Iemanjá statue, a local cultural landmark.

E

Praça André de Albuquerque

Located in the Cidade Alta district, this historic square marks the birthplace of Natal. It contains the Marco Zero monument and is adjacent to the old Metropolitan Cathedral.

F

Parque da Árvore Baobá

A public park centered around a massive baobab tree with a 12-meter circumference. Local lore suggests this tree inspired Saint-Exupéry during his visits to Natal.

G

ZPA 01 - Campos Dunares Pitimbu, Candelária e Cidade Nova

An environmental protection zone preserving a vast area of sand dunes and native Atlantic Forest vegetation across the Pitimbu and Candelária neighborhoods.

H