Flights to Natal with Air France

Information about Natal before you board

Located in the Rio Grande do Norte state, the city of Natal looks out over the Atlantic Ocean. With 800 000 inhabitants on a surface area of 107 km², it is together with Recife the most easterly city in Brazil, and therefore the closest to Africa. The Rio Grande do Norte state capital was an important overseas naval base for the US army during the Second World War.

Its fame and its nickname of “the City of the Sun” are due to its 100 km of white sand beaches, its dunes and 300 days of sunshine every year. Its festive and relaxed atmosphere attracts tourists. But its fame is mostly due to its tropical climate and to the “carnatal”: Natal's off-season carnival held in December. This small Brazilian city developed its salt industry long before it turned to tourism. You won't have any difficulty finding a hotel; there are more than 380 in the city.

Air France offers London - Natal flights all year round. Book your flight from London in a few clicks on our web site.

What to do and see in Natal?

A former colonial city, Natal's historic centre is rich in sumptuous buildings. Discover the classic Alberto Maranhao theatre or the Felipe Camarao palace with its unusual architecture combining baroque, classical and gothic elements. Among the modern buildings, we recommend the Todos bridge: a symbol of the modernity of the region, built in 2007. Don't miss the Fort of the Magi. Built in 1598 and located in the estuary of the river Potengi, it offers a panoramic view of the region.

Continue to the Dunes Park, classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, then visit the Genipabu beach, 20 km north of Natal, an emblem of the region. The white dunes and the lagoon offer an idyllic landscape and pleasant dromedary rides. Then head for Praia da Pipa, one of Brazil's most beautiful beaches, surrounded by a tropical forest. Enjoy the calm of these beaches to sunbathe, to swim in the crystal-clear water or to kitesurf. Among the local attractions, there is the cashew tree. Located in Pirangi, south of Natal, this 120-year old tree produces around 70 000 cashew nuts every year, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The local Brazilian cuisine, based on fish and prawns, is delicious. Natal's tourist centre comprises 36 shops installed in a former prison! You'll find plenty of souvenirs to bring back from your visit to Brazil: hammock, traditional objects and typical musical instruments.

Useful information before you take off for Natal

The time difference between London and Natal is 5 hours in summer and 3 hours in winter: for example, when it is 5 PM in London, it is it is noon in Natal. As everywhere in Brazil, the language is Portuguese and the currency is the Brazilian real (BRL).

A visa is not required for a visit to Brazil of less than three months. However, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your departure.

On your entry to Brazil, the authorities will issue you with a cartão de entrada/saída which you must keep until your departure.