The state of Rio Grande do Norte, 20,469 sq mi (53,015 sq km), occupies the northernmost curve of Brazil, with miles of beaches to tempt the sunseeker.
The early Portuguese colonizers had a difficult time. French privateers had already established themselves along the coast, the closest to Africa and Europe, using the area as base to prey on ships heading to Europe with the treasures of the continent. The French had established themselves as well with the Potiguar indigenous tribe and together, the natives and the French managed to keep the Portuguese colonists at bay until 1598 until the Portuguese built Reis Magos fort on the River Potengi where it meets the Atlantic.
A year later, they founded a settlement there on Christmas Day, and called it Natal, for the Nativity.
The strategic location was not lost on the Dutch, who occupied it from 1633 to 1654, when the Portuguese wrested it back. The location was also useful during World War II, when Brazil granted permission to the allies to build air bases in the state. The US built one at Parnamirim, south of Natal. The cities and towns were crowded with troops on their way to war.
Today, they are crowded, too, with tourists and beachgoers who travel to Rio Grande do Norte for the more than 44 beaches, lagoons, reefs, and natural beauty. With 300 plus days of sun a year, miles of white sand, dunes, and a concerted effort to build tourism, Natal and the state enjoy the reputation as the beach capital of the Northeast.
Natal has retained its colonial flavor even as it developed into a bright, modern city, boasting several universities and an active nightlife. Uniquely Brazilian, the Forró is very popular. Dance shows occur weekly with the traditional pé-de-serra forró (three musicians with triangle, zabumba - a kind of a drum, and accordion), plus modern forró with band, axé-music and pagode. The dancers are from a forró dance academy and will teach you the dance.
But the beaches - aahh! There are city beaches in Natal, Praia do Meio, Praia dos Artistas, Praia da Areia Preta, Praia do Pinto and Praia Mãe Luiza, stretching from the fort, which is open to tourists, and the lighthouse. You'll enjoy coconut palms, big surf, bars and nightlife along the beaches.
Farther out, are the huge sand dunes at Parque das Dunas de Genipabu where you can rent dune-buggies with licensed drivers who will give you a wild, exhuberant ride, one com emoção. You can also request a milder ride, sem emoção, without emotion. The beaches north of Natal also offer camel rides, harness jumping and esqui-bunda, which is something like snowboarding on your bottom down the sand dune.
The beaches south of Natal have a different feel to them. You can swim from the beach, or in one of the natural swimming pools at Pirangi do Sul, reached by boat.
If you like cashews, take a look at the largest cashew tree in the world at Pirangi do Norte beach. The tree is 100 years old and produces thousands of nuts a year.
The state of Ceará, 57,149 sq mi (148,015 sq km), was once one of Brazil's poorest states, but social, economic and political reform plus the promotion of tourism to enjoy the 600 km of coastline and magnificent beaches has now made quite a difference.
The capital of Ceará is the port city of Fortaleza , bisected by the Paejú River. The fortress, Fortaleza de Nossos Senorha da Assuncao, was built in 1609 and gave its name to the settlement that grew up around it. It was occupied by the Dutch from 1637 to 1654. It was the center for the sugar cane growers until the early 1800's when the ports of the Northeast were opened to international trade.
Today Fortaleza is a major commercial center, with fishing as one of its major business, and tourism another. It's a blend of old and new, with universities, traditional folkloric crafts and lively nightlife. The Regata de Jangadas, an annual July regatta of small wooden sailboats,the Semana do Folclore and the Festa de Iemanjá in August bring many visitors to the area. While there, browse through the Mercado Central for arts and crafts, and visit the cathdral, the Muséo Histórico e Antropológico, and the Centrol Cultural do Abolicão.
The beaches of Ceará extend either side of Fortaleza, and are exceptional. The prime attraction is the beach at Jerricoacoara, Jeri for short. It has been named as one of the world's top ten beaches and visitors flock to this remote beach. You can get there by a seven hour bus ride from Fortaleza or by small plane or helicopter. Canoa Quebrada has lost some of it's reputation, but not the beauty of the beach. The city beaches are good, with craft shops, bars and restaurants lining the shore.
For a break from the heat, head up into the hills to Ubajara for the Parque Nacional de Ubajara where you can explore the forests and the caves, which you reach by cable car.
