One of the most justifiably famous beaches on the Northeast coast is Praia da Pipa, which rivals Jericoacoara for the title of hippest tropical beach getaway. It is certainly the most happening. Surfers discovered the tiny fishing village, 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Natal, back in the 1970s. Since then, an endless trail of both native and foreign paradise junkies have been seduced by the tiny town.

Yet despite the onslaught of charming eco-pousadas, gourmet restaurants, and chic boutiques, not to mention hordes of getaway artists and revelers that descend upon it come summertime, Pipa hasn’t lost its laid-back allure (or its dirt roads). And its beaches remain astonishingly beautiful with sugary white sand offset by spectacular red cliffs.

Whether you’re into snorkeling or surfing, dolphin watching or simply sprawling in the sun, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more relaxing or ravishing beach destination. For this reason, although you can easily visit Pipa on a day trip from Natal, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t stick around for at least two or three days.

Getting to Praia da Pipa

Pipa is 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Natal. The town is easily reached by bus from Natal’s long-distance rodoviária. Oceano (tel. 84/3205-3656) offers service, with departures every 1–2 hours throughout the day. The trip takes about an hour.

By car, follow the BR-101 from Natal to Goianinha, then take the RN-003. If you’re coming by buggy, you can go along the coast. You can also take a taxi directly from Natal’s airport, which will cost around R$120.

For getting around, there are buggies as well as scads of vans and microbuses that shuttle between Pipa and surrounding beach towns such as Tibau do Sul to the north and Barra do Cunháu to the south.