Rio Grande do Norte

One of Brazil’s tiniest and least populous states, Rio Grande do Norte is a mecca for worshippers of sun and sand. Aside from its inevitably fair weather, this northeastern state boasts non-stop sand dune beaches, which can be navigated – “with emotion” (for thrill seekers) and “without emotion” (for those who don’t want sand in their faces) – by dune buggy as well as by Jeep. The small, but over-developed capital, Natal, has its share of beaches; the attractive, but über-touristy Ponta Negra is popular with the gringo set. However, the real draws lie south – in the international hipster/surfer hotspot that is Praia da Pipa – and north, ...

One of Brazil’s tiniest and least populous states, Rio Grande do Norte is a mecca for worshippers of sun and sand. Aside from its inevitably fair weather, this northeastern state boasts non-stop sand dune beaches, which can be navigated – “with emotion” (for thrill seekers) and “without emotion” (for those who don’t want sand in their faces) – by dune buggy as well as by Jeep. The small, but over-developed capital, Natal, has its share of beaches; the attractive, but über-touristy Ponta Negra is popular with the gringo set. However, the real draws lie south – in the international hipster/surfer hotspot that is Praia da Pipa – and north, where seclusion rules in spots such as São Miguel do Gostoso and Galinhos.

About the Expert

Michael Sommers is the author of Moon Brazil and Moon Rio, as well as the blog Thrill of Brazil. He has been living in Salvador, Brazil since 1999.