Rio Grande do Norte truly is the land of the sun!!! This is the state of white sand beaches, dunes, coconut trees, and peace and tranquility. A place to relax and admire the beautiful scenery. Here, summer lasts all year long and the heat is eased by a constant breeze. With a coast that extends for 399 km (250 mi.), this state can offer calm beaches, with natural pools formed by reefs.

Rio Grande do Norte also offers beaches for great surfing and beaches that are almost deserted, with dunes and coconut trees.

NATAL
The neoclassic architectural style, brought to Brazil by the Artistic Mission, was prevalent throughout the entire 19th century, leaving some significant contributions, which can still be visited, in Rio Grande do Norte and especially in Natal. The 20th century brought with it the progress resulting from the Industrial Revolution. The city of Natal was ahead of the Brazilian Modernist Movement, when it created the first Urban City Plan in the country with the development of the Cidade Nova (through Resolution No. 15 of 12/30/1901) in the boroughs of Tirol and Petrópolis.

The city plan was created by architect Antonio Polidrelli. In 1902, the creation of the Harbor Construction Commission launched the development of the Ribeira borough.

In 1929, Giacomo Palumbo, appointed by then Mayor Omar O'Grady, developed a Systematization Plan for the Expansion of Natal. During World War II, Brazil was under state of war and the state of Rio Grande do Norte, due to its strategic geographical location, was chosen by the American military for the installation of an air base. Natal was then known as the Trampolim da Vitória (Trampoline to Victory).

Natal has been growing steadily since then. The city was expanded with the opening of new wide avenues and the creation of new boroughs. The coastal highway was developed and several comfortable hotels were constructed alongside it. And everyday new buildings are being constructed. The great number of tourists visiting Natal brought the city to the level of a Regional Tourism Pole.

In Rio Grande do Norte you do not have to wait for summer time, since everyday is a summer day in the Brazilian northeast. This constant summer attracts over 500,000 tourists every year from all over the world. Most of the tourists come from southern Brazil, and they do not mind the long 3,000 km (1,800 mi.) trip by car or by bus in precarious roads, or the long flight. All they know is that a deliciously cold coconut water will be waiting for them under the shade of the thousands of coconut trees along the beautiful pristine beaches of Rio Grande do Norte.

CENTRO DE TURISMO (Tourist Center)
After its restoration by the Instituto de Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional - IPHAN (the Brazilian Institute for Historic Preservation) the Tourist Center, also known as Casarão (Big House) became a center for the development of art and culture. Its installations were adapted to include tourist services, arts and crafts stores, art galleries, a theater, a restaurant, a nightclub, a bar, a coffee shop, etc. From the Tourist Center you can also enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the urban beaches.

FORTE DOS REIS MAGOS (The Three Wise Men Fort)
The Fort was the first landmark for the conquest of Rio Grande do Norte, and it is located near the place where the Potengi river meets the Atlantic Ocean.

In 1638, Prince Maurício de Nassau stayed at the fort, along with Franz Post, the first artist to paint the fort. Heroes such as Felipe Camarão and the leader of the Brazilian Republican Movement of 1817, André de Albuquerque, also stayed at the Forte dos Reis Magos.

PONTA NEGRA
Located approximately 14 km (9 mi.) south of downtown Natal, Ponta Negra beach is formed by a small 3-km wide bay (1.8 mi.).

To the north, surfers can find an open beach with strong waves. To the far south, the many fisherman rafts and Morro do Careca (a 120-meter high dune) form one of the most beautiful post cards of Brazil.

GENIPABÚ
Located in the northern part of the state, the Genipabu beach is a post card for the region, known worldwide. Those of you who are more adventurous can explore its beautiful sand dunes by dune buggy, and those who prefer a more romantic and peaceful time, can do it by camel.

The beach also offers good infrastructure, with bars and restaurants, where you can savor the delicious local cuisine.

BARREIRA DO INFERNO
This is a rocket launching facility and meteorological station. The construction of the Barreira do Inferno installations started in 1964 near Ponta Negra beach, 17 km (10 mi.) from downtown Natal, occupying an area of approximately 5 km2 in size, with 30 buildings of modern architecture, paved roads, and an efficient lighting system.

These facilities store rockets, and have fuel tanks and ramps for the launch of several types of rockets. There is also a sophisticated meteorological station, as well as a station for launching research balloons. Barreira do Inferno also has tracking and telemetry radar installations. For this reason Natal is called the "Space Capital of Brazil". This is the first rocket launch base in South America and the fourth most important base in the world.

CAJUEIRO DE PIRANGI (Cashew Tree of Pirangi)
The cashew tree of Pirangi sends off from its main trunk branches that, instead of growing up, as in most trees, seek the soil as if they were roots. In order to give an idea of the size of this gigantic tree, which now reaches 7,000 m2, it is bigger than 70 normal-sized cashew trees. It age is estimated at 100 to 110 years.

PRAIA DE PIPA (Pipa Beach)
Pipa Beach is a wonderful piece of the northeastern coast: a place of great natural beauty, with crystal clear waters, high cliffs, and many coconut trees. Here you will find nature at its best. In the northern part of the beach, a small bay with warm waters attracts many dolphins for an afternoon of play.