To locate Natal, you should look to the northeast of Brazil. Here, nestled amidst stunning beaches and picturesque lakes, you'll find this charming resort town. The name "Natal" means "Christmas" in Portuguese, and it's a popular destination for family vacations. Natal is known for having the cleanest air on the planet, second only to Antarctica.
Natal was founded on December 25, 1599, by Portuguese settlers. During its early years, the primary purpose of the town was to safeguard Portuguese possessions from French attempts to invade the region.
The growth of the new town was initially slow due to the local sandy soils, which were unsuitable for agriculture, and the picturesque dunes and pristine beaches with coral reefs didn't attract much interest at the time. During World War II, Natal hosted an American military base, and American soldiers lived here for several years, significantly impacting the local way of life.
It wasn't until the end of the 20th century that the resort town started rapid development on the tourist front. Today, the coastal zone is adorned with numerous hotels, restaurants, entertainment complexes, and shopping centers. Whenever you visit Natal, you can expect to be greeted by beautiful sunny weather and warmth.
Currently, Natal boasts a population of around 800 thousand people and serves as an excellent starting point for those looking to explore this part of Brazil. The official currency here is the Brazilian real (BRL).
