The new Greater Natal International Airport stands 10 miles to the west of the city of Natal in north eastern Brazil. While Natal hugs the Atlantic coast, the officially named Sao Goncalo do Amarante - Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport occupies a flat part of sparsely populated countryside further inland. The modern new airport was built to handle traffic for the 2014 World Cup. It has plenty of parking and is sophisticated enough to handle transatlantic passenger flights. Usually simply called Natal Airport, it replaced the older Augusto Severo Airport. Visitors who hire a car from Greater Natal International Airport find there is a brand new dual carriageway linking it to the BR-406 heading to the city centre.
Natal stands on the coast at the mouth of the Potenji River, which you can drive across on the spectacular Newton Navarro Bridge. If you've picked up a hire car at Natal airport you'll be able to easily explore this lively capital of Rio Grande do Norte state. It's a tourist resort that's popular with Brazilian families, thanks to sandy beaches, waterfront restaurants and colourful nightlife. The historic highlight is the original star-shaped Forte dos Reis Magos on a point at the river mouth; the top local activity is joining an off-road buggy trip over the sand dunes. The cleanest, most up-market beach is at Ponta Negra.
