Praia da Pipa

Praia da Pipa is located in the north eastern corner of Brazil, an area renowned for the endless beaches that hug the shore to create one of the most stunning coastlines in the world.

Situated around 60km south of Natal international airport, Pipa could hardly be more accessible. After just one hour's drive, you find yourself immersed in an idyllic beach town that has spent the last couple of decades redefining laidback elegance.

Originally a small, remote fishing village, Pipa has slowly evolved, since being discovered by the surfing community 30 years ago, into an almost perfect seaside town that confidently carries the tag of 'global village' without losing sight of its local roots.

By day, fishermen occupy themselves in the town's lagoon while visitors decide which of the numerous beaches to visit. Surfing, sunbathing and even swimming in the Baia dos Golfinhos where dolphins glide alongside bodysurfing bathers are all possible options.

For the more energetic, there is no end of opportunities for adventure with paragliding, kite-surfing and dune buggy expeditions, all available within the immediate vicinity.

At night Pipa comes alive, with a number of top class restaurants sitting alongside lively bars and high-class shops on the town's main thoroughfare. Away from the centre, though, peace reigns, and Pipa's unique atmosphere is guaranteed to intoxicate.

Attractions

The town's beaches inevitably define Pipa, and whether you prefer a secluded bay to sit and read, a lively strip bordered by dreamy beach bars and restaurants, or watersport action, the choice is yours.

Surfboards are available to rent at the Praia do Madeiro where the calm waters and regular waves make it the ideal location for the beginner who can learn under the guidance of one of the excellent, multi-lingual surf schools. For the more experienced surfer, the Praia do Amor provides a more serious challenge. Four-wheel drive and beach buggy tours are available for day trips of for longer, multi-day expeditions along the coast, following the line of the beach up to Natal and beyond. Alternatively, the visitor can transport themselves, taking a hire car or motorbike to explore the local area, inland and long the coast, where you don't have to go far before you leave all trace of the understated influence of tourists behind.

For a more tranquil experience, try a day kayaking in the backwaters of the nearby Lagoa de Guarairas for a first-hand experience of the astonishing wildlife in the area. Or you could simply walk, quite literally for miles, along beach after unforgettable beach.

News & Events

Pipa attracts visitors from all over Brazil as well as from overseas, and proudly showcases the quality of the food and drink of this region - Rio Grande do Norte - during the annual Gastronomy Festival in October.

Then, of course, there is carnival time. No country in the world parties like Brazil and Natal comes alive with it's famed out of season Carnatal in December, two months before the festivities get underway in the rest of the country.

This is Brazil, though, and there is no shortage of festivals to celebrate throughout the rest of the year.

Shop & Dine

The Av Baia Dos Golfinhos runs through the heart of town and is home to many of Pipa's restaurants, bars and shops; many more also located on side streets darting off the main drag.

The beach isn't neglected at night, however, with the help of The Pipa Beach Resort, one of a number of ocean side restaurants that provide quieter dining away from the buzz of the centre of town.

Pipa isn't a large place, but a visitor would have to stay here for several weeks before they could claim to have tried all the excellent Brazilian and International food - Spanish, Argentine and French cuisine is particularly well represented - on offer.

The town also boasts a surprisingly large number of high quality clothes and jewellery shops while a small artisan market offers local arts and crafts in the centre of town.

Then, when the shopping and dining has been done, most of Pipa's population takes to the street, creating a lively late night atmosphere that can go on until sunrise for those that want it to, with the irresistible sounds of Brazilian music being performed somewhere in town on most nights.