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More information on Areia Preta Beach in Natal

Description: Areia Preta Beach in Natal

This is one of the main urban beaches of Natal, found towards the north end of the city.  Until a short time ago, this beach was primarily visited by the locals who lived in the Mãe Luíza neighbourhood which lies directly behind the apartment and hotel buildings that line the coast here.  Today, housing prices have increased dramatically and new luxury buildings have been built, which have brought in more and more tourists to the area.  This is often attributed to the beautiful green ocean views and the two bays that compose this beach.  The area is also popular with locals due to it proximity to the city center and commute times.

The beach has been built up with a lot of new infrastructure along the beach, with a wide sidewalk to allow people to walk up and down the beach.  Small kiosks line this walkway, serving up typical foods, drinks and snacks.  They are small brick structures and often have employees that come down to the beach with your food or drinks so that you never have to leave the sand! 

Surfers often frequent this beach due to great surfing conditions.  Swimmers and children also enjoy the bay due to the formation of "swimming pools" between the rocks at low tide which protect the swimmers.  At high tide, Areia Preta Beach offers scenery for those strolling along the side walk and appreciating the gorgeous landscape. 

At high tide, swimming is not recommended because the sea hides the rocks, which create the "swimming pools" during low tide.  During these conditions, even surfing becomes dangerous due to the hidden dangers at Areia Preta Beach.

The area has many restaurants that are nearby, and which offer up an excellent selection of food.   Two nearby Northeast Brazilian restaurants include Moqueca Capixaba and Farol Bar and Restaurant.  Another option for those famished after visiting Areia Preta Beach is O Bistecão which is a typical steak house.

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