Overview
Natal is the sun-soaked capital of Rio Grande do Norte, tucked into Brazil's north-eastern corner where the Atlantic meets vast, pale sand dunes. Nicknamed the "cidade do sol" (city of the sun) for its near-constant sunshine, it's a laid-back beach city built around Ponta Negra, with easy access to some of Brazil's most striking dune landscapes just outside town. For UK travellers after a genuine slice of Brazil without the crowds of Rio, Natal is a brilliant, still-underrated choice.
Best time to fly to Natal
Natal enjoys warm weather year-round, but the driest, sunniest spell runs from roughly September to January, making it the pick for reliable beach days. The wetter season falls between March and July, with short, heavy showers rather than washout days. Carnival (February/March) brings lively celebrations but also higher demand and fares, so if you're after value, check the When to book chart above for the best windows to lock in a fare.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Natal, so a connection is required. The most efficient route is usually via Lisbon, where TAP Air Portugal operates flights on to Natal, pairing neatly with the many daily UK–Lisbon services. Alternatively, airlines such as British Airways, LATAM, Air France-KLM and Iberia can route you via São Paulo or other Brazilian hubs, with a domestic onward leg to Natal on LATAM, Azul or GOL. Including the connection, total journey time typically runs from around 11 to 15 hours.
Things to do in Natal
Once you land, there's plenty to fill a stay beyond the beach loungers:
- Ponta Negra Beach: Natal's famous curve of sand, overlooked by the giant dune of Morro do Careca.
- Genipabu Dunes: take a dune buggy ride over towering golden dunes, with sandboarding and lagoon dips along the way.
- Parque das Dunas: one of Brazil's largest urban forest reserves, great for walking trails and native wildlife.
- Forte dos Reis Magos: a striking 16th-century star-shaped fort where the Potengi River meets the sea.
- Praia da Pipa: a popular day or overnight trip south of the city, known for cliffs, dolphins and buzzy nightlife.
At Natal International Airport (NAT)
Natal is served by Governador Aluízio Alves Airport, also known as Natal International Airport (NAT), around 30km north of the city centre and Ponta Negra. Licensed taxis and pre-booked private transfers take roughly 35–45 minutes into town, and are the most straightforward option after a long journey. Car hire desks are available in the terminal for those wanting to explore the dunes and coastline independently, while local buses run a cheaper but slower route into the city.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Natal
- Book ahead: fares for this route tend to firm up closer to departure, so aim to book a few months in advance where possible.
- Travel midweek: departing on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than a Friday or weekend often works out cheaper.
- Stay flexible: shifting your dates by even a few days can make a noticeable difference — use the flexible date and price charts on this page to spot the cheapest days to fly.
- Compare routings: connecting via Lisbon with TAP versus via a Brazilian hub can vary significantly in both price and total journey time, so it's worth weighing both.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can currently enter Brazil without a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days, though it's always worth checking the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change. The currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL); most UK cards work in ATMs and larger establishments, though it's handy to carry some local cash for smaller vendors. There's no mandatory vaccination for UK travellers arriving directly from the UK, but check current NHS Fit for Travel guidance for general health advice ahead of your trip, and make sure your passport has at least six months' validity remaining.
