Rio Grande do Norte truly is the land of the sun!!! This is the state of white sand beaches, dunes, coconut trees, and peace and tranquility. A place to relax and admire the beautiful scenery. Here, summer lasts all year long and the heat is eased by a constant breeze. With a coast that extends for 399 km (250 mi.), this state can offer calm beaches, with natural pools formed by reefs.

Rio Grande do Norte also offers beaches for great surfing and beaches that are almost deserted, with dunes and coconut trees.

NATAL

The neoclassic architectural style, brought to Brazil by the Artistic Mission, was prevalent throughout the entire 19th century, leaving some significant contributions, which can still be visited, in Rio Grande do Norte and especially in Natal. The 20th century brought with it the progress resulting from the Industrial Revolution. The city of Natal was ahead of the Brazilian Modernist Movement, when it created the first Urban City Plan in the country with the development of the Cidade Nova (through Resolution No. 15 of 12/30/1901) in the boroughs of Tirol and Petrópolis.

The city plan was created by architect Antonio Polidrelli. In 1902, the creation of the Harbor Construction Commission launched the development of the Ribeira borough.

In 1929, Giacomo Palumbo, appointed by then Mayor Omar O'Grady, developed a Systematization Plan for the Expansion of Natal. During World War II, Brazil was under state of war and the state of Rio Grande do Norte, due to its strategic geographical location, was chosen by the American military for the installation of an air base. Natal was then known as the Trampolim da Vitória (Trampoline to Victory).

Natal has been growing steadily since then. The city was expanded with the opening of new wide avenues and the creation of new boroughs. The coastal highway was developed and several comfortable hotels were constructed alongside it. And everyday new buildings are being constructed. The great number of tourists visiting Natal brought the city to the level of a Regional Tourism Pole.

In Rio Grande do Norte you do not have to wait for summer time, since everyday is a summer day in the Brazilian northeast. This constant summer attracts over 500,000 tourists every year from all over the world. Most of the tourists come from southern Brazil, and they do not mind the long 3,000 km (1,800 mi.) trip by car or by bus in precarious roads, or the long flight. All they know is that a deliciously cold coconut water will be waiting for them under the shade of the thousands of coconut trees along the beautiful pristine beaches of Rio Grande do Norte.