Natal

Natal is situated in the extreme Northeast of Brazil and is capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. This state is situated on the eastern corner of South-America that sticks out in the Atlantic Ocean. The fresh ocean wind is probably the reason that NASA is measuring South-America’s best air quality in this region. The state's economy is based on tourism, oil extraction, shrimp farming, fruit growing and the production of sea salt. Because of its geographical location, Natal is traditionally more Europe-oriented than the rest of Brazil and a flight to Natal from Europe or North America is much shorter than a flight to many other Brazilian destinations. The surroundings of Natal are magnificent and consist of beautiful beaches, dunes, cliffs and reefs.

History
Befor the year of 1598, this region was mainly visited by Portuguese and French who cut Brazil wood (Pau-brasil ). In 1598, the Portuguese constructed the Forte dos Reis Magos ('Fortress of the Wise Kings') in order to control this region. The fortress was conquered by the Dutch in 1634 who would stay until 1654.

During the Second World War, Natal was the largest American airbase outside the USA. Even befor the USA participated officially in the war, this airbase was used to supply the English troops in the north of Africa. At that time, American airplanes could cross the Atlantic Ocean between Natal and Dakar. After German U-boats destroyed a number of Brazilian ships before the coast of Natal, Brazil joined the allied forces and sent 25000 troops to Europe.

Beaches
Within the urban area are 6 beaches: Areia Preta, Praia dos Artistas, Praia do Forte, Praia do Meio, Ponta Negra and Redinha.

On the Praia do Forte is the impressing Forte dos Reis Magos that was built by the Portuguese in 1598.

Ponta Negra is a small village that is part of Natal. It is has the best known beach of the city. This Praia da Porta Negra has a length of 4 km (2,5 miles) and is situated along a bay. The southern end of this beach is the Morro do Careca, a large sand dune that is a protected nature reserve.

Pipa is a small village south of Natal. The beach near Pipa, the Praia da Pipa, is visited by sea turtles and dolphins. The village has an interesting nightlife.

Nature
The Parque das Dunas (meaning “Dune Park”) is a nature reserve near Natal. The vegetation that prevents the dunes from moving consists predominantly of species of the mata atlântica but there are also species that are usually found in the caatinga ecosystem.

Getting in
Airplane
Natal has an international airport named Augusto Severo International Airport.

Bus
It is possible to travel to Natal from other Brazilian cities by bus . However, distances are very large as Natal is located in the extreme Northeast of Brazil.

Getting around
Taking the bus is a cheap way to get around. A taxi is a good alternative but agree a price befor entering the taxi. Avoid visiting Ponta Negra by car as it has a chronic lack of parking space.