Pirangi do Norte
Pirangi do Norte is a picturesque beach area containing a charming wooden pier and a park with the world’s largest cashew tree. Rock formations and dunes enclose the vast sandy area, which is a haven for surfers and sunbathers. Take a boat trip from the pier to some of the natural pools and lagoons around this exotic region.
Join a diving excursion with one of the tour operators in the town. Snorkel in the clear, warm water to spot colorful fish. The town’s stretch of sand is 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long, making it longer than its southern counterpart of Pirangi do Sul. Wander across the vast beach to look for shells and other ocean gems. Purchase souvenirs, snacks and refreshments from the huts and vendors on the sand. Find relief in the shade of an umbrella and relax on a deck chair.
At the southern part of the beach is the world-famous Pirangi Cashew Tree, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest of its kind. Bring your kids to play around the branches that tangle in and out of the ground, covering an area of 2 acres (0.8 hectares). Take a guided tour of the enormous tree to learn about its origin and the genetic defect responsible for its remarkable growth. Try to locate the initial trunk amid the labyrinth of twirling branches. Pay a small fee to enter the park containing the Pirangi Cashew Tree.
Watch windsurfers and kite surfers taking advantage of the bay’s cool breezes. Hire a driver for a buggy ride racing up and down the region’s iconic sand dunes. The Morro do Careca dune is an astounding natural treasure on the nearby Ponta Negra Beach.
Pirangi do Norte consists of the small town and beach on the northern flank of its eponymous river. Drive south from Natal for 15 miles (25 kilometers) to get here in around 35 minutes. Appreciate the picturesque coastal journey as you pass the districts of Neópolis and Ponta Negra. The beach town of Pirangi do Sul is just south of the Pirangi River.