Pipa Beach Picture 5

Internationally recognized, Pipa Beach should be on everyones agenda when visiting Natal.  While a fair distance from Natal, at almost 80 km, the beach is still worth taking the time to visit.  Originally a fishing village, it was inhabited by immigrants from all over the world, changing the way people now see Pipa Beach.

Today Pipa Beach has an excellent infrastructure, including restaurants with dishes from around the world, and lodging from simple inns to very refined resorts.

The landscape is formed by cliffs, warm clear and calm waters, and lots of vegetation.  One of Pipa's hiking paths includes the Ecological Sanctuary, with fantastic views, space for picnics and an observatory with an exclusive sight of the Bay of the Dolphins (Baia dos Golfinhos).

The central beach, where there are the sea-side bars, and kiosks selling various food, is calmer and with fewer waves. 

If you decide to go for a walk, in the southern direction is the tip of Amor Beach, or Love Beach, with open sea and strong waves for the surfers.  To the north of Pipa Beach there is the Bay of Dolphins (Baia dos Golfinhos), a small cover where the dolphins approach the beach in search of fish and swim side by side and play with with swimmers.  If you're lucky, you can meet the sea turtles, another great Pipa Beach wonder.

At night, Pipa Beach becomes an animated place, with bars along the central avenue and places to meet pretty people from all parts of the world.  Night clubs are open all night long and the party just keeps on going.

One of the great attractions of Pipa Beach is how modern life and rusitc find each other.  It's easy to find large malls, and French restaurants along side bare-footed fishermen, rafts, and small markets which can all be found all the side of the beach.  Make sure you bring enough money because Pipa Beach is known for not having great access to ATMs, and not all restaurants accept credit cards.  

Pipa Beach is often referred to, but there are actually many beaches in this area which people all consider to be under the same name, such as Praia de Malembá,  Lagoa de Guaraíras, Praia de Tibau do Sul ou da Barra, Praia do Giz e Praia da Bóia, Praia do Madeiro, Praia do Madeiro, Praia das Minas, Praia do Centro, Sibaúma, and Cacimbinhas.  The area is a popular destination and tourists not only love the great beaches, but the city, lifestyle and everything the area has to offer.