Altough the city has a history much older then Brazil's average, it lacks an historical centre. Visitors come for it´s beaches, and there are coming more and more every year. Natal is Brazil's latest hotspot, with crowds from all over the world looking for fun and sun on the beaches. However, before going out in search of the sun on the beaches, dunes and coconut groves that stretch the length of the coastline of Rio Grande do Norte, it is well worth visiting a few monuments in order to get a better understanding of this region that was so fiercely fought over by the Europeans.
Startingpoint should be without any doubts the Fortaleza dos Reis Magos (Three Kings' Fortress), proudly standing at the mouth of the River Potengi, at the edge of the city. This remarkable remnant of colonial times is the birthplace of Natal and has been constructed by the Portuguese in 1598. to defend Natal from the Dutch invasion. Despite the Portuguese efforts, the Dutch took over control of forte and the area for some decades, during their ocupation of North East Brazil.

The fortress is surrounded by a star-shaped wall. On the one side, strong waves crash against the rock on which the fort is built. On the other, the beach and reefs form a gigantic, natural aquarium, a paradise for snorkling.
Another construction dating from that period is the ancient Metropolitan Cathedral that was inaugurated in 1599 and recently restored. The Albert Maranhão Theatre built in 1898 and registered by the state Historical Heritage, is an example of architecture from the colonial era, together with the church of St. Anthony, built in the eighteenth century.

The city beaches are protected by reefs, creating small ponds with low tides, perfect for snorkling. Further south, dunes take over from concrete and are beaches are flanked by natural dunes. About 10 km south of the city centre lies "Ponta Negra", one of Brazils primary charter destinations, with pousadas, hotels, bars and restaurants along a huge open bay. The worlds most photographed dune, the morro careca (bold mountain), makes the picture in Ponta Negra complete.
North from Natal one finds tiny fishing villages with a relaxed atmosphere and beautifull beaches. The most famous are Genipabu and Cotovelo.

About 85 km south of Natal lies Praia da Pipa, a former fishermans village, "discovered" in the 70th by surfers for its outstanding waves and tranquil ambiance. Since then Praia de Pipa has become one of the most popular destination in Brazil's North East. Nature has gifted the area with endless sandy beaches lined with coconut trees, natural pools, dunes and high cliffs from where one can spot dolphins and turtles during hig tide. The village is covered by the Atlantic at one, and a lagoon at the other side. At night local bars guarantee great fun, with its cosmopolitan crowds giving themselves up to the rhythms of the regional "forro" to the beats of techno "forro".

Natal is, together with Recife a gateway to the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, with direct flights to the volcanic islands in the Atlantic.

There is no such thing as the best season in which to visit Natal because it is summertime all year round. Three hundred and sixty five days of sunshine and an average annual temperature of 26º C make Natal a highly privileged city.