The North Coast of Rio Grande do Norte: an unmissable 8-day itinerary

The northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte is known for its strong winds, sun, dunes, beaches, cliffs and the warmth of the local people, which visitors experience throughout the region.

This 8-day itinerary offers a complete immersion, allowing more time for contemplation and less time spent on transfers.

Videos about São Miguel do Gostoso, the Genipabu Dunes, Maracajaú, Maxaranguape, Porto de Galinas and Galinhos.

Dunas de Genipabu
play-rounded-fill

Map of the coastline of Rio Grande do Norte

Mapa do litoral do Rio Grande do Norte
Map of the coastline of Rio Grande do Norte

8-Day Tourist Itinerary along the North Coast of Rio Grande do Norte

The northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte offers a wide range of attractions and activities that combine adventure, relaxation and contact with nature, making it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the state.

  1. Day 1 – Genipabu
  2. Day 2 – Pitangui Lagoon, Jacumã Lagoon and Muriú Beach
  3. Day 3 – Maracajaú
  4. Day 4 – Bulls
  5. 5th and 6th – São Miguel do Gostoso
  6. 7th and 8th – Chicks and Roosters

Day 1 – Genipabu

A visit to Genipabu is a classic experience that includes an exciting buggy ride through the region’s dunes and along its beaches.

Genipabu no litoral norte do RN
Genipabu on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte

It’s an experience that can be quite tiring, but it promises to be great fun. To make the most of it, I suggest splitting the trip over two days.

We start with the famous buggy ride at Genipabu Dunes Park, where the constant action of the winds shapes the dunes, making them shifting.

The adrenaline rush begins with the buggy driver’s question: “Right then, everyone, with or without thrills?”. Those who opt for thrills experience unforgettable moments with extreme manoeuvres.

Shortly afterwards, we came across the dromedaries in the dunes, where a 15-minute ride is an attraction in its own right.

Lunch at Bar 21 is almost a must – it’s famous for its fish and prawn dishes and for its panoramic view.

In the afternoon, take the opportunity to relax on Genipabu’s developed seafront.

Praia de Genipabu no RN
Genipabu Beach in Rio Grande do Norte

Day 2 – Pitangui Lagoon, Jacumã Lagoon and Muriú Beach

The second day is a bit less hectic. I’d recommend booking a buggy tour, but you can also explore in your own car. The rowing ferry crossing across the Ceará-Mirim River takes you to Graçandu Beach, which isn’t one of the most impressive.

Pitangui Lake

Our first stop is Pitangui Lagoon, the perfect place to relax in the shade of the plastic deckchairs. Kayaks are available for a short trip around the lagoon.

Lagoa de Pitangui no RN
Pitangui Lake in Rio Grande do Norte

The road between Pitangui and Jacumã crosses an impressive chain of dunes, reminiscent of the Sahara Desert, where scenes from the soap opera “O Clone” were filmed.

Jacumã Lake

In contrast to the tranquillity of Pitangui, Lagoa de Jacumã is the place to be for adventure lovers. Here you can try esquibunda and aerobunda, as well as the thrilling kamizaze.

Lagoa de Jacumã no RN
Jacumã Lake in Rio Grande do Norte
Lagoa de Jacumã no RN
Jacumã Lake in Rio Grande do Norte

At the end of the day, a dip in the sea at Muriú Beach, with its natural pools 1 km off the coast, is the perfect way to round off the day.

Praia de Muriú no RN
Muriú Beach in Rio Grande do Norte

Day 3 – Maracajaú

Maracajaú is one of the most popular destinations for day-trippers from Natal.

Famous for its parrachos (reefs) 7 km off the coast, it’s an ideal spot for diving and taking incredible photos of the fish.

Praia de Maracajaú no RN
Maracajaú Beach in Rio Grande do Norte

The natural pools have an average depth of 1.5 metres, which may not be ideal for children or non-swimmers.

However, Maracajaú has other attractions to offer, such as the beautiful dunes and coconut palms, as well as the Manoa water park, which guarantees fun for the whole family.

Praia de Maracajau no RN
Praia de Maracajau in RN

Just a few kilometres away, in Maxaranguape, the curious Tree of Love and Cabo de São Roque, the closest point to the African continent, are must-see attractions.

Day 4 – Bulls

Touros is a key point on the map of Brazil. Known as the Elbow of Brazil, it is where the coastline changes direction.

The Calcanhar Lighthouse, one of the tallest in the world at 62 metres, is unfortunately closed to visitors.

Farol do Calcanhar em Touros RN
Calcanhar Lighthouse in Touros, RN

Touros’s main beach has good facilities, but the strong sea may not be suitable for everyone. Perobas Beach offers crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxing.

Praia de Perobas no RN
Perobas Beach in RN

5th and 6th – São Miguel do Gostoso

São Miguel do Gostoso, formerly a district of Touros, was given its name in 2000 following a referendum. In recent years, the area has become a hotspot for kitesurfers and windsurfers due to its strong winds.

Set aside two days to enjoy the beaches. Ponta do Santo Cristo is the liveliest, with blue waters and moderate waves. The central beaches, such as Cardeiro and Xêpa, have beach huts and a more peaceful atmosphere.

Praia da Ponta do Santo Cristo em São Miguel do Gostoso (RN)
The most popular spot amongst kite and windsurfing enthusiasts, Ponta do Santo Cristo beach in São Miguel do Gostoso (RN), boasts green, calm waters.

In the evening, Avenida dos Arrecifes is the perfect place to mingle with the locals, who are known for their friendliness.

Tourinhos Beach

On the sixth day, don’t miss Tourinhos Beach, a less crowded gem with its petrified dunes and the ‘whale’s sigh’. Access via a dirt track or a buggy ride is recommended.

Praia de Tourinhos no RN
Tourinhos Beach in Rio Grande do Norte
As dunas petrificadas de Tourinhos em São Miguel do Gostoso
The petrified dunes of Tourinhos in São Miguel do Gostoso

7th and 8th – Chicks and Roosters

Galinhos and Galos are among the most charming spots on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte.

The village of Galinhos is a small town situated on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte, whilst Galos is an even smaller settlement. Both offer a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.

Accessible only by buggy or 4×4, these villages offer a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.

Galinhos no RN
Galinhos in Rio Grande do Norte

Galinhos, with a population of around 1,000, is the perfect place to watch an unforgettable sunset. The village of Galos, which is even smaller, can be reached on foot or by horse-drawn taxi.

Praia de Galinhos e Farol Carroca no RN
Galinhos Beach and Carroca Lighthouse in Rio Grande do Norte

Rio Grande do Norte is Brazil’s largest salt producer, and the region’s salt flats are well worth a visit. A boat trip through the region’s natural beauty, including the Duna do Capim, is an unmissable experience.

Conclusion

This sightseeing itinerary along the North Coast of Rio Grande do Norte offers an experience rich in nature, adventure and local culture. Get ready to explore and be enchanted by every stop along this incredible destination.

Tourist Itinerary along the North Coast of Rio Grande do Norte

Tourist Guide to the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte

Publicações Relacionadas

7-Day Itinerary Through Rio Grande do Norte — Natal, Genipabu, Pipa

Maracajaú: Explore the Brazilian Caribbean Paradise

How to get there, when to go and what to do in Fernando de Noronha?

Santa Rita de Cássia: A Monumental Pilgrimage Site

Diving in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago

Beaches of Fernando de Noronha: A Visitor's Guide

Galinhos, RN: A Complete Tourist Guide — Beaches, Lighthouse and Dunes

Pipa Beach | Pipa Guide (Tibau do Sul) — Beaches and excursions

South Coast of RN: Your Guide to Tropical Wonders

8-Day Itinerary in Rio Grande do Norte: Beaches and Culture

Fernando de Noronha — A comprehensive guide to beaches, diving and surfing

Rio Grande do Norte: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Spinner Dolphins in Fernando de Noronha: A Guide

Nísia Floresta (RN) — Beaches, lagoons and cultural tourism

Barra do Cunhaú in RN: The perfect combination of river and sea

Sibaúma Beach — a rustic retreat on the southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte

Nísia Floresta: Explore Coastal Wonders and Lagoons

Fernando de Noronha archipelago

Surfing in Fernando de Noronha — Guide to Spots, Season and Tip

Rio Grande do Norte Dunes: Buggy Tours and Adventure

São Miguel do Gostoso: A Windsurfing Paradise

North Coast of RN: A Guide to Stunning Beaches

Rio do Fogo in RN: Discover Local Attractions Today

Seridó of RN: Explore Unique Natural Wonders

Tibau do Sul: A Guide to Beautiful Beaches

Natal, RN: Complete Travel Guide — Beaches, Dunes, and Nightlife

Wreck of the Corvette Ipiranga in Fernando de Noronha

This post is also on: Português English Deutsch Español Français

Hide picture