Things To Do
in Goianinha
Goianinha is a small coastal municipality in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, just a short drive from Natal. It blends rural charm with access to beaches and natural landscapes. The town offers a laid-back vibe, friendly locals, and a gateway to the region's dunes and lagoons.
Visitors can enjoy seafood, local markets, and day trips to nearby attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at São Gonçalo do Amarante International Airport and take a scenic drive to Goianinha. Settle into your accommodations and enjoy a refreshing drink as you take in the lush surroundings. Explore the local area, perhaps taking a leisurely walk to get familiar with your new surroundings.
Visit the charming town square, where you can buy locally-made artisan crafts and try some traditional snacks. Engage with the friendly locals who can offer tips about hidden gems and attractions. Consider enjoying a meal at one of the local restaurants for an authentic taste of northeastern Brazilian cuisine.
Relax in the quiet atmosphere of your lodgings or head to a nearby bar for some live music. Enjoy the sounds of regional artists as they perform traditional Brazilian songs to set a delightful backdrop for your first evening. Wind down with a nightcap and listen to the sounds of nature around you.
Start your day with a beach adventure, heading to Pipa Beach or Malembá Beach. Enjoy the warm sun and pristine sandy shores while swimming and sunbathing. Grab breakfast at a beachside café, savoring fresh tropical fruits and pastries.
Spend the afternoon engaging in water sports like stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. Alternatively, you can relax and soak in the breathtaking views of the cliffs surrounding the beach. Don’t miss the chance to watch the playful dolphins that frequent the waters.
After a day in the sun, have dinner at a beach restaurant famous for its seafood dishes. As the sun sets, enjoy the stunning coastal views under a sky painted in hues of orange and pink. Finish your evening with a stroll along the beach, where you can feel the cool ocean breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🧃Soda/soft drink | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local transportation (short ride) | $4-8 |
| 🧢T-shirt or souvenir | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Pleasant coastal setting near Natal
- Fresh seafood and hospitable locals
- Affordable travel in a less-touristy area
- Gateway to dunes, lagoons, and nature
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Less English widely spoken in rural areas
- Longer drives to major attractions from Goianinha
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Goianinha
Visit one of these nice places.
A quiet beach with golden sands and calm waters, ideal for sunrise photography and silhouettes.
Expansive dunes and native forest for dramatic landscape shots during golden hour.
Iconic white dunes along the coast offering panoramic views and sunset photography opportunities.
Classic Natal coastal backdrop with a striking dune and lively beach scene.
Turquoise lagoon with reflections and boats, great for tranquil, soft-light photography.
Food in Goianinha
Goianinha Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sun-dried beef served with cassava (macaxeira); a Northeastern staple often accompanied by onions, peppers, and hot sauce.
Must-Try!
Regional fish stew made with coconut milk, peppers, and dendê oil, typically served with rice.
Coastal fish stew with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, usually paired with farofa and rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small-town market offering fresh seafood, cassava, fruits, and quick snacks like tapioca and fritters.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple hello with a handshake or nod; use bom dia/boa tarde, and speak politely with locals.
Be respectful, say please and thank you; avoid loud conversations in public spaces; respect personal space.
Safety
Tipping in Goianinha
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and hotels but not mandatory; 5-10% is common if service is not included.
Brazilian reais (BRL) are standard; cash is widely accepted, and many places accept credit/debit cards and mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with plenty of sunshine; ideal for beach days. Expect occasional tropical showers and refreshing sea breezes.
Transition to the rainy season; warm days with higher humidity and lush landscapes.
Milder temperatures, comfortable for outdoor exploration; some rainy days but generally pleasant.
Warming weather and typically drier days; great for coastal hikes and photography.
Goianinha at Night
Hiking in Goianinha
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive dune and forest trails offering scenic coastal views and wildlife.
Coastal dune hike with panoramic seascapes and optional camel rides.
Coastal trails near Jacumã with mangroves, lagoons, and water views.
Airports
How to reach Goianinha by plane.
The main international gateway for the region, located in Natal and well connected to Goianinha by road.
Nearby option in the neighboring state for international and domestic flights, a longer drive from Goianinha.
Another nearby option for international flights in the northeast region, with a longer transfer from Goianinha.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily local families and farmers, with a mix of commuters from nearby Natal.
Visitors drawn to beaches, dunes, and rural hospitality, mostly from across Brazil and international travelers seeking a quieter coastal experience.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local leagues and informal games often played on beaches or community fields.
Common on Goianinha’s beaches, with both casual games and organized events.
Traditional Brazilian martial art often taught in community centers and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Goianinha.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in town centers, including salads, rice and beans, cassava, eggs, and grilled vegetables. Ask for sem carne (no meat) and sem manteiga (no butter); many seafood dishes can be prepared without meat.