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If you’re planning to visit Rio Grande do Norte, you’ve probably heard of Pipa Beach. While many people take day trips from Natal, my first tip for this destination is to spend at least one night!

Pipa is a village on the southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte where you can feel like you’re in both the Caribbean and Greece in a single day! Want to know the details of this charming region? Keep reading!

Note: The currency exchange rates used in this article are based on the rates from October 26rd, with 1 USD = 5.71 BRL and 1 EUR = 6.16 BRL. Please be aware that these rates are for reference only, and updated values should be checked closer to your travel dates.

Pipa: A must-visit stop in RN!

Pipa Beach, like the entire region, is truly stunning. I dare say it’s one of the most beautiful and welcoming places I’ve ever visited. My expectations were high because everyone speaks so highly of Pipa. But believe me, they were far exceeded!

Praia do Centro (Central Beach) is the most well-known and lively beach, but there are at least four other beaches in the area that are worth visiting. I visited the village in June 2021 and can’t wait to return. But before I talk about the beaches, I’ll tell you how to get there and where to stay!

Where is Pipa Beach located?

Pipa is located on the southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte, more specifically in the municipality of Tibau do Sul.

As you can see from the map, it’s not far from Natal and is close to other must-see destinations in RN: Barra do Cunhaú and Baía Formosa. Additionally, it’s also near other Brazilian capitals, such as João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba, and even Recife, the capital of Pernambuco.

In which city is Pipa Beach located?

As mentioned, Pipa is in the city of Tibau do Sul. However, Pipa is somewhat removed from the actual center of Tibau do Sul and functions almost like its own town. Tibau also has its own natural beauty, and if you have time, it’s worth taking a little trip to explore it.

You can visit Tibau do Sul Beach, which is known for its famous cliffs and is very peaceful. Nearby Pipa, there’s also Cacimbinhas Beach, as well as Lagoa de Guaraíras, which separates Tibau do Sul from Malembá.

You can take boat tours on the lagoon that last the entire day, with lunch included and one of the best sunset views in RN!

By the way, Tibau do Sul is an indigenous name meaning “between two waters,” as the region is surrounded by Lagoa de Guaraíras and the Atlantic Ocean.

How did Pipa Beach in Rio Grande do Norte come about?

The region now known as “Pipa” has had several names. It was called “Orotapiry” – village of the white man in Tupi, “Itacoatiara” – main stone of yellowish color, and “Ponta do Cabo Verde” (something like Green Cape Point) – due to the beautiful view of the Atlantic Forest that sailors could see from afar.

However, the village became known as Pipa because of the Pedra do Moleque (something like Kid Rock), located at Praia dos Afogados (Drowned Beach). During the Age of Discovery, navigators used this rock, which many say resembles a wine or cachaça barrel, as a point of reference. The Portuguese often called these barrels “pipa,” hence the name.

Over time, this fishing village caught the attention of tourists, including international ones. Home to dolphins and sea turtles, it became world-renowned and now has excellent infrastructure to accommodate all kinds of visitors.

How to get to Pipa Beach

You can reach Pipa in several ways. Being close to Natal, and even João Pessoa, you have various transportation options, so choose whichever suits you best.

If you’re staying in Natal and have the chance to rent a car, I recommend taking the Rota do Sol (Sun Route) to Pipa. It’s a beautiful route with several strategic stops to enjoy each tourist spot along the way.

How many kilometers from Natal to Pipa?

Pipa is 85 km from Natal, about 1.5 hours via the BR-101, or a little over 2 hours via the Rota do Sol (Sun Route) (RN-063), excluding stops. If you choose the Rota do Sol, which I recommend, you can stop at several attractions, such as

• Barreira do Inferno (Hell’s Barrier): a former rocket launch center;
• Pirangi do Norte, home to the world’s largest cashew tree;
• Mirante dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Viewpoint) where you can also spot sea turtles;
• In the city of Nísia Floresta, you can stop at Búzios Beach, Barra de Tabatinga, Lagoa de Arituba, and Camurupim Beach.
• Pedra Oca (Hollow Rock) a little after Camurupim Beach. You can only enter the “stone house” at very low tide.

When I took the Rota do Sol, I was actually heading to Canguaretama, a southern coastal town with the beautiful Barra do Cunhaú beach.

With a few stops, it took me an afternoon to get there. I took public transport from Canguaretama to Pipa. However, you can visit Pipa without a car from either Natal or João Pessoa.

If you’re coming from João Pessoa, just follow the BR-101 to Goianinha, then take the RN-003 to Pipa. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

How to get to Pipa without a car

There are basically three options for those visiting Pipa without your own car or rent a car. You can go by public transport, private transfer, or use ride-hailing apps (like Uber) and taxis. The cheapest option is definitely public transport.

Leaving Natal, there is a direct bus to Pipa every hour via Viação Riograndense, costing around R$25 (US$ 4,38 / € 4,06). You catch the bus at the bus station, where you can also take “bestinhas” (small buses). These minibuses operate between cities in RN and are very affordable depending on the route.

Since I was coming from Canguaretama (a town in the countryside), we took a bestinha to Goianinha (another little town), then another to Pipa. The entire journey took about 2 hours. In Natal, they depart from Natal Shopping (on Av. Senador Salgado Filho) and the bus station.

The trip from Natal to Goianinha takes about 40 minutes. From there, you catch another bestinha to Pipa, which takes about 30 minutes. I don’t remember the exact prices, but each leg was about R$5.

Additionally, there are several transfer services from Natal to Pipa. You can hire one directly at the airport or choose from several options in Ponta Negra.

I’ve never traveled to Pipa using a transfer, but I did use the Vip service (084 99473-7848) to travel from the airport to Ponta Negra. They were very accommodating and charged a fair price, considering the airport is far from Natal itself.

Taking Uber to Pipa is the most unpredictable option, as you can’t be sure you’ll find available drivers, especially for the return trip. Taxis cost about R$300 each way.

Is Pipa in Brazil safe?

Pipa is considered a relatively safe destination in Brazil, especially for tourists. Like any travel destination, it’s important to take common safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping personal belongings secure. The local community and authorities prioritize tourism, making Pipa a welcoming and enjoyable place for travelers.

What are the best hotels to stay in Pipa?

Pipa is one of those destinations where you can find a little bit of everything. Although most accommodations are slightly above average, with a bit of research, you can find more affordable options.

I chose Pousada Alto de Pipa for its structure and the (not too large) distance from the center of Pipa. Let’s say that Pipa is lively at night, and I wanted to stay a little away from the bustle, but not so far that it would be hard to get around.

Pousada Alto de Pipa is just right! It’s located on Rua da Gameleira, about a 10-minute walk from Avenida Baía dos Golfinhos, the main street.

They offer a free shuttle to the center in the evening. It’s a great help for people with mobility issues, families with children, or on rainy nights like the one I had.

The inn’s structure is simply amazing! Everything is so new and well-designed that it’s a pleasure to just admire it. The room is well-kept, very spacious, and has plenty of space for those who need to work.

The bed is huge and very comfortable. The balcony is charming and also quite large. The clothesline in the bathroom is a unique feature! Essential for beach accommodations, but very few have it.

The pool is fantastic (as are all the common areas). Even the landscaping of the inn is perfect! If I start talking about breakfast, we’d spend the entire article just discussing the inn.

Which hotels in Pipa offer views?

There are several hotels and inns in Pipa that offer sea views. One of the most famous and Instagrammable is Pousada Mediterrânea. It has a Greek vibe that goes perfectly with another tourist attraction we’ll discuss soon. For those looking to save money while staying right on the beach, Camping do Amor is a great option.

How to enjoy Pipa?

Pipa is rich in natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and a deep connection with nature. It’s one of those destinations “for all tastes.” If you just want to relax, you’ll love Pipa. If you want to enjoy the parties and nightlife, you’ll love it too. Since I had limited time, I focused on the beaches, but we’ll also talk about other tours.

What is there to do in Pipa?

The main attractions in Pipa are, of course, the beaches. They are truly indescribable and completely different from the others we’ve visited.

The main beach is Praia do Centro (central beach), which is directly accessible from the town center. It’s also the busiest and has the most stalls, but it’s where the boat tours depart from.

To the left, we have Baía dos Golfinhos and Praia do Madero. Baía dos Golfinhos has little structure and is quite empty. It’s practically a private swim with dolphins. However, to reach it, it’s important to go at low tide.

Praia do Madero is a bit more inaccessible. You can get there from the top of the cliff, but you’ll need to take transportation outside of Pipa. There are several companies that offer buggy or 4×4 tours, and there’s also a local shuttle that stops nearby.

It’s possible to reach Praia do Madero by walking along the beach at low tide, but it’s quite challenging. Also, you really need to go at low tide to ensure you have time to go and return safely, as the path involves walking on rocks.

Heading to the right, you’ll find the famous Praia do Amor (love beach), which got its name from the heart-shaped bay. There are plenty of stalls and infrastructure there. You can also climb the staircase and be enchanted by the view from the top of the cliff.

What to do in Pipa Beach at night?

At night, Pipa reveals itself as one of the best destinations for party-goers. You can find all kinds of restaurants, snack bars, electronic music clubs, forró, funk, and much more.

You can have drinks at Aruman, and the most famous club in town is Calangos. But don’t worry if you’re unsure where to go. Just head to Avenida dos Golfinhos and follow the vibe that appeals to you the most.

An interesting fact is that there are several galleries in the streets off the main avenue, each with its own charm. Rua Beija-Flor (Hummingbird Street) became famous for its architecture, which has been compared to the Greek islands.

It has several boutiques with white walls and red lanterns. Rua do Céu (Sky Street) is another charming spot, full of flags and bistros.

My 2-day trip to Pipa

Unfortunately, I stayed only one night in Pipa, which is exactly why I recommend staying longer! I managed to visit the main beaches, but it would have been much more relaxing if I’d had one more day to divide the tours and enjoy them more leisurely.

I arrived by shuttle very early, before 8 a.m., so I had breakfast at a hotel near the beach while I worked a bit. Around 10 a.m., I headed to the guesthouse, and although check-in wasn’t until 2 p.m., they allowed me to leave my backpacks at reception.

If you need to arrive or leave outside the guesthouse’s set hours, always contact them a little in advance. After all, each place has its own rules, and it’s better to ensure flexibility than create an awkward situation.

Once checked in and with my bags settled, I headed to the boat tour I had booked through the guesthouse. I went to the beach to meet the agency, and soon I was boarding.

The day was a bit rainy, but it wasn’t cold, so the tour was perfect! We passed by Baía dos Golfinhos and Praia do Madero.

At Baía dos Golfinhos, we stopped to observe the dolphins, who were a bit shy, and we also swam a bit. I admit it was my first time swimming in the open sea, but I loved the feeling!

Since I had to return to work after lunch, I bought a takeout meal from Branca’s restaurant, a real gem in Pipa. Each takeout cost R$17.00 and was huge and delicious. The next day, I returned to dine at the restaurant, which has an incredible view of Pipa and the constant presence of hummingbirds on the porch.

In the afternoon, I took the opportunity to rest by the guesthouse pool and complete some work tasks. In the evening, I dined at Trio Restô & Grill, the top-rated restaurant in Pipa on Tripadvisor.

Their service is incredible, from the staff to the food. The waiter recommended a wine that paired perfectly with the meal. Ah, the food… it was delicious, perfect! From the starter to the main course.

The restaurant is located on Rua do Céu, one of the most charming streets in Pipa. Additionally, all the staff were following COVID protocols, and social distancing was maintained. It was a wonderful experience, and I was delighted. It’s a place I definitely want to return to!

The second day was all about walking! I left very early to watch the sunrise at Chapadão de Pipa. I arrived just a little after sunrise because the walk was a bit longer than I had imagined, but it was totally worth it. I saw a family of surfers heading down the cliff to the beach and became very intrigued by the path they were taking.

After watching another couple of surfers make the descent, I decided to go for it! Down below Chapadão, the experience is completely different. The sight of the waves crashing against the rocks is breathtaking.

I headed a bit to the right to the very secluded Praia das Minas. It has absolutely no infrastructure, just nature. There, I climbed a small stone staircase back up to Chapadão and headed toward Praia do Amor.

Descending the charming staircase to Praia do Amor, you can walk back to Praia do Centro. Still in the morning, I took advantage of the low tide to walk to Praia do Madero along the sand.

The passage from Baía dos Golfinhos to Praia do Madero is full of rocks and can only be made at low tide. So, if you’re unsure whether the tide is low enough to go and return, it’s better to reach Praia do Madero from the top of the cliff, perhaps with a buggy tour.

I spent the rest of the morning relaxing at Baía dos Golfinhos. The beach is quite empty, and the sea is wonderful. The dolphins appeared, and I just marveled at the beauty of the place. After lunch at Branca’s barbecue house, I returned to Canguaretama, enchanted by Pipa and longing for more.

How many days to spend in Natal and Pipa?

Rio Grande do Norte is a state rich in natural landscapes. You’ll find beautiful beaches, dunes, mountains, rock paintings, waterfalls, lagoons, caves, and much more. So, rest assured, Rio Grande do Norte has destinations to last a lifetime!

I recommend spending at least three days in Pipa and another two days in Natal to see the main attractions:

Day 1 – Drive from Natal to Pipa along the Rota do Sol and enjoy Praia do Centro;

Day 2 – Boat tour, Chapadão, and Praia do Amor;

Day 3 – Buggy or quad tour to Praia do Madeiro and walk to Baía dos Golfinhos;

Day 3 – Jeep or quad tour to the beaches of Pipa, including Barra do Cunhaú or Baía Formosa, with sunset at Lagoa de Guaraíras. Return to Natal;

Day 4 – Enjoy Praia de Ponta Negra;

Day 5 – Visit Lagoa de Jacumã and Pitangui and take a buggy tour through Parque Turístico Ecológico Dunas de Genipabu to watch the sunset on the dunes.

That’s it, folks! Pipa is yet another paradise in Brazil. It offers countless natural wonders and many exciting tours. There’s a fantastic company, Pipa Aventura, that offers a variety of unique tours around Pipa.

With them, you can book buggy rides along the region’s beaches, diving, tree climbing, zip-lining, boat tours, and even massages. It’s a different way to explore the area!

Rio Grande do Norte is a small but grand paradise that gave me so many amazing experiences. I hope you can visit these places and that these tips are helpful. Until next time!