Natal is a city in the midst of a tourism boom. Just a few years ago this far-flung northern Brazilian city was a speck on the map reserved mainly for intrepid travellers and sand freaks. But today, hotels line the beaches and trendy bars and restaurants have sprouted in huge numbers to cater to the tourism demand. What do they come here for? The sand and the sea.

It’s hard not to notice the sand in Natal. It blows along the streets, builds up in little piles against buildings, and covers the entire landscape just outside the city limits. It is the immense sand dunes that have put Natal on the travel map. The dunes are massive, stretching for miles in all directions and offering weeks of fun exploration via the ubiquitous dune buggies that zip around the region.

But there are also great beaches in Natal, and some spectacular snorkelling at Maracajau. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do here, from sand boarding to surfing and sailing. Head down the coast a few minutes and a stunning coastline with hundreds of empty beaches dotted with traditional fishing villages awaits. This corner of Brazil is a real gem that is still relatively untapped by Western tourism.

There are hotels everywhere you look in Natal, especially along the beaches. High season runs from December to February, so be sure and book online ahead if you want a specific hotel. Ponta Negra is the most popular site for everything, and a good central choice for fun and sun. Genipabu is ideal for quieter folks where the sand is the priority since it’s a few miles outside of Natal.

You can either fly into Natal or take a long-distance bus. Flying is easier, and all of Brazil’s regional carriers handle daily flights from every major city in the country. Once in Natal, a rental car is useful to explore the amazing surroundings. But if you plan to stay in town the whole time, the great public bus service and ample taxis will make your transport options relaxing and easy.

Natal essentially lies on the equator so the temperatures remain a balmy 28^oC to 34^oC all year long. Humidity levels are fairly high throughout the year, but cooling winds off the sea keep things fairly pleasant. The only noticeable difference in the climate around Natal is that in the winter months from June to August it tends to rain more often. The summer months virtually guarantee about 15 hours of clear sunshine every day, a condition that earned Natal the nickname ‘City of Sun’.

January is Natal’s hottest month, averaging 31^oC, and July is the coolest month, averaging 27^oC during the day. The driest months tend to fall between September and January, while the greatest amount of rain falls between March and July. Even in the hot summer months, the seawater remains a soothing 26^oC. Natal’s peak tourism season runs from December to March.