Natal, Brazil
Natal is a city located on the East Coast of Brazil at the mouth of the Potengi River. It is a beautiful natural area that remains well-preserved and it is a prime location for a beach adventure for you and your family. NASA reports that the air in Natal is the cleanest on the continent of South America, so getting up in the morning in Natal and taking a full breath of air is a wonderful way to start the day.
Natal has many beaches, and some of them are more populated but if you desire tranquility in a beach setting this is available to you as well. Many consider the Barra de Cunhau to have the best beaches in the area, with white sand and clean surf it is like something out of a postcard picture. It is actually a village with lots to do, and if you go there make sure to visit the turtle sanctuary to observe these animals in a natural setting.
All around the city is the Dune State Park. Close to the city there are 10 meter high sand dunes that you can explore either by buggy or by camel. These are areas that will make you feel like you are on a different planet, how the dunes seem to go on forever, touched only by the winds. Also make sure to stop and see the Pirangi cashew tree. It may sound funny to go all that way to see a tree, but this is not a tree like any other. It is more like a forest than a tree, and it is the largest cashew tree in the world. Brazil is a world of extremes and this is a curious example of that.
When you are in Natal be sure to make time to check out the Forte dos Reis Magos. It is a fort that was built in the seventeenth century to protect the area from approaching armies. It is a glimpse into the history and architecture of a time long ago. It has been well kept since it was built and stepping up to it you feel like you are part of the past and you become connected to the structure and the area. If you spend any amount of time in Natal you will understand why people wanted to protect the area; it is one of the most majestic and pristine locations you are likely to see in your lifetime.
Despite the fact that the natural beauty of Natal has been preserved so well, the people there are no strangers to tourists and they are friendly and accommodating to them. In the hotels and restaurants you will find that they are very helpful and they will give you tips about where to go and what to see. One of the nice things about Natal is that it is not the bustling metropolis that a place like Rio de Janeiro is, so you won’t see the crime that you would in those areas. You are not nearly as likely to have your pocket picked in a place like Natal, but it has the incredible beaches that you will find in the bigger cities, only with fewer people on them.