Conheça Natal
We are located by the sea, on the Artistas Beach, near city center (4 km) and close to some of the city's most interesting tourist attractions, such as: Reis Magos Fort, Mãe Luiza Lighthouse, Ladeira do Sol, and the Tourism Center.
There is also an amazing variety of entertainment and fine cuisine all around us, such as the Chaplin complex, the Seven nightclub, the Crafts Fair, and the Tábua de Carne and Mama Itália Restaurants, among others.
"Forte dos Reis Magos" (Three Kings Fort)
The fort was built close to where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Potengi River, on star-shaped reefs. It was only in the late 16th century that the Portuguese were able to settle in Rio Grande do Norte, and it was by no mere chance that, attracted by such a special region, the Dutch took Natal and the Reis Magos Fort in 1633.
The Fort was renamed Keulen Castle, in honor of a Dutch commander, and the city of Natal went on to be known as New Amsterdam. Years later, the Portuguese managed to retake both the city and the Fort. The Fort still boasts its cannons on the upper part of the building.
"Farol Mãe Luiza" (Mother Luiza Lighthouse):
Inaugurated in Natal in 1951, the place was named in honor of a known midwife, who always carried a lantern to guide boaters at night. The lighthouse, located in the neighborhood of the same name, stands 37 meters tall and has 150 steps.
"Ladeira do Sol" (Sun Hill):
Natal's central waterfront encompasses four beaches: Areia Preta, the Artistas, the Meio and the Forte beaches, which can all be seen from the top of the Ladeira do Sol.
Ladeira do Sol is a belvedere from where the entire central coast can be looked upon. It is a true sight for sore eyes. Further on, there is the Câmara Cascudo Avenue, a tribute to the renowned Brazilian writer and folklorist.
This is where Luís da Câmara Cascudo's house is located. It was built in classical architecture and is listed by the state. Among other relics preserved in the city are two churches built by the Portuguese in the mid-17th century: the "Nossa Senhora da Apresentação" (Our Lady Presentation) Church, and the Santo Antônio (Saint Anthony) Church, both downtown. Located in the Petrópolis district, the Tourist Center is Natal's address for shopping. Built originally in 1974 to serve as a prison, it was converted into an orphanage and is now a complex of shops with an art gallery and a restaurant overlooking the sea.
Tourism Center:
An old prison, the building currently houses "cells" with local craft exhibitors and delights tourists who want to take home a souvenir from the city.
Chaplin Complex:
The stage of artistic events in the 1920's and 1930's, the "Artistas" Beach is the preferred gathering place for surfers at high tide. There is bustling nightlife in all the waterfront bars and restaurants, particularly at the Chaplin Complex and at the Via Costeira Brewery, which are frequented not only by tourists, but also by locals who are seeking a buzz in Natal. Located on "Artistas" beach, the Chaplin Complex has seven distinct leisure environments, featuring restaurants, nightclubs, an English pub, and a Mexican bar, among others.
Want more? Stroll through history on Rua Chile (Chile Street) and note the marks of time on its neoclassical mansions built in the early 19th century. And if you want to get to know a little more about the history and architecture of this sunny land, be sure to visit some old churches, such as the "Rosário" (Rosary) one, built in 1876, the "Nossa Senhora da Apresentação" (Our Lady Presentation) Cathedral, erected in 1599, and the Santo Antônio (Saint Anthony) Church, which was constructed in 1760 and operates a Museum of Sacred Art that is home to a valuable collection of pictures, ornaments, furniture, and editing paintings and panels.
In the old downtown, the Ribeira district's bars are place for the bohemian to meet at night. It is also home to the Alberto Maranhão Theater, a building of neoclassical lines that turned a hundred years old in 2004. The Potengi Palace, the former seat of the state government, is also an important visit because it is a building erected in 1865.
Outside of our region, we suggest a visit to the Natural Pools:
Near the world's biggest cashew tree, you can set sail on a boat from the Badauê Marina. The tours last an average of two hours, and stops are made for you to swim in the natural pools and walk on the reefs. The boats are equipped with bars and have diving masks and sandals available. At the marina restaurant, the specialty is seafood, but there are also "pastel" (a type of samosa) and cashew meat lasagna.
And don't forget that this year there is The Carnatal, the off-season Carnaval in Natal, which takes place over the first weekend of December. Groups of Carnaval dancers and the so-called "electric trios" help sway participants into motion. It is one of Brazil's most famous "micaretas."
This is where and how MARINA TRAVEL PRAIA HOTEL waits for you year-round, with a lot of sun and fun. No matter if you travel on business or to rest and relax, it is always your BEST OPTION.
Cuisine
To enjoy all the hype the city has to offer, there is nothing like tasting the delicacies we have around here. Or do you want to miss out on it? We bet not. So, check out our main dishes.
Seafood:
The Rio Grande do Norte or "Potiguar" cuisine is quite tasty and varied. Here you can enjoy the best seafood in the Northeast, especially shrimp. After all, "Potiguar" is a native Brazilian Tupi word that means "shrimp eater." Enjoy it!
Potiguar-style Jerked Meat
A unique delicacy, especially on account of the accompaniments: backland or browned cassava flour (farofa d'água), rice milk, green or string beans, fried or boiled cassava (manioc), salad and ghee. Combination that provides an unforgettable flavor.
Paçoca
Paçoca here is not the roasted peanut dessert like the one known in Southern Brazil. Rather, it is basically composed of crumbly bits of shredded jerked beef and cassava flour (plus seasonings such as onion, garlic, etc.).
Cuscus with chicken
A dish made with cooked corn meal, seasoned with vegetables and chicken. Definitely delicious.
Tapioca
Made out of slightly pressed and grilled manioc starch. It can be eaten as it is or stuffed, usually with shredded coconut, curd cheese, jerked beef, chicken, ginga (small fish), etc.
Typical regional sweets
"Doce de leite" (a type of sweetened and condensed milk fudge), green coconuts and tropical fruit such as cashew, guava, mango, bananas and papayas.
