At low tide, coral barriers and reefs at Praia de Camurupim form saltwater lagoons. Together with cliffs, viewpoints, freshwater lagoons and historic cultural sites, a range of natural and cultural themes shape Nísia Floresta. If you are planning a stay, it helps to distinguish between coastal scenery, nature watching and cultural heritage.

Coast and Lagoons

Barra de Tabatinga in the municipality of Nísia Floresta combines crystal-clear water and colourful cliffs with walks by the sea. Mirante dos Golfinhos is located on a cliff. From its viewpoint, with a little luck, you can spot dolphins and sea turtles in the region’s waters. Barra de Tabatinga is also associated with paragliding.

At Praia de Camurupim, coral barriers and reefs form saltwater lagoons at low tide. The water is considered calm and suitable for all ages. If you choose Camurupim for its lagoons, the tide level is essential to this natural attraction. The focus here is on the tides and reef structure.

Lagoa do Carcará has fine white sand and clear water; its surroundings are preserved for ecotourism. Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are also associated with this lagoon. At Lagoa de Arituba, a zip line adds to the range of activities. From Natal, the route to Lagoa de Arituba is via the Rota do Sol (RN-063) or BR-101.

Lagoa do Bonfim is considered the largest above-ground freshwater reserve in Rio Grande do Norte and is described as a water sports hub. Floresta Nacional de Nísia Floresta is a protected area in the Atlantic Forest, covering 168.84 hectares.

Culture, History and Regional Cuisine

Museu Nísia Floresta holds workshops on traditional art forms such as Boi-de-Reis, Côco de Roda and Pastoril, as well as toy-making and folk games. The museum also researches the municipality’s folk culture and creates image and audiovisual collections, postcards, photography exhibitions, and the audiovisual series Curta Nordeste.

Historical and gastronomic themes come together along the Rota do Camarão Potiguar. It includes three stops in Nísia Floresta, Senador Georgino Avelino and Barra do Cunhaú. In Nísia Floresta, these include guided visits to Museu Nísia Floresta and Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Ó. The church was built in the 18th century in the former settlement of Papari.

The Caminho dos Santos Mártires do Brasil also runs along the coast of Nísia Floresta. Casa de Pedra was listed as a heritage site by Fundação José Augusto on 17 February 1990 because of its cultural significance to the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Estação Papary is also one of the municipality’s tourist attractions.

For a culinary break, Restaurante Sua Praia in Barra de Tabatinga serves traditional dishes, fish baked in a roof tile, and shrimp. The restaurant offers beachside service. Alongside the coast and nature, local cuisine and historic sites therefore offer different interests to consider when planning your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Arês, Baía Formosa, Angicos, São Bento do Trairi, Lagoa Nova

Back to the main travel guide: Rio Grande Do Norte.