Natal – Discover the allure of Brazil

“Sun, sea and samba - succumb to the tropical beat and contagious energy that is Brazil. Whether it's the rustle of palms swaying in the breeze or the playful blast of a carnival whistle, Brazil radiates a love of life like no other."

Mention Brazil and what springs to mind? Snake-hipped dancers moving in time to hypnotic samba rhythms? Carnival revellers wearing feather headdresses shimmying through the streets of Rio? Sun-bronzed volleyball players frolicking on the sugar-white sands of Copacabana beach? Vibrant and intoxicating, Brazil is all these things…and more! Roughly the size of the USA and covering almost half of South America, Brazil is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Boasting soaring mountain peaks, thundering waterfalls, coral reefs, palm-fringed beaches, desert sands, Arctic environments and dense Amazonian rainforests, Brazil’s natural beauty is beyond compare. Brazil is a veritable melting pot of cultures, having fused influences from Europe, Africa and the Americas. This cultural melange is reflected in the cuisine, music and dances of Brazil, where the tastes of Europe merge effortlessly with the passion of the Tropics. Brazil also exudes a distinct ‘live for the moment’ appeal, which has garnered it a worldwide reputation for flamboyance and light-heartedness. Little wonder, therefore, that Brazil has enjoyed a long-standing love affair with high-spirited pleasures such as samba, carnivals and football. In Brazil, smiles and laughter are all important.

Beaches

Bathed in year-round sunshine, Brazil boasts eight and a half thousand kilometres of coastline made up of dramatic cliffs, emerald green bays and, of course, spectacular tropical beaches. While Rio plays host to arguably Brazil’s most famous seaside retreats, Ipanema and Copacabana, the northeast coast is also renowned for its profusion of idyllic golden sands. Lapped by warm, turquoise waters, and framed by gently swaying coconut palms, the dreamy beaches near Natal offer a real slice of paradise - perfect if you’re looking to spend some lazy days out in the sun. If you want to get active, most of Brazil’s major beach resorts offer a wide selection of water sports to choose from, including surfing, sailing and scuba diving.

Shopping

From large American-style shopping malls filled with boutiques and cafés to local street traders selling wares from open-air barrows and stalls, Brazil offers a diverse range of options when it comes to retail therapy. Incense and perfumes are particularly good buys - several Brazilian perfumeries have been developing fragrances using Brazilian flowers, thereby creating more delicate scents with less essence than their French counterparts.

Eating out

From the piquant seasonings used for cooking to the freshly-picked produce used in dishes, Brazilian cuisine seems to have a special touch; an air of secrecy that only comes with age old family recipes. Food is plentiful and inexpensive in Brazil. In the north, tapioca and pato no tucipi, duck cooked in a manioc sauce, are firm favourites as are, carne de sol, sun-dried beef, and acaraje, an Afro-Brazilian speciality made with shrimps and seasonings. Other popular dishes include ‘moqueca capixaba’, seafood stew, and the ‘national’ dish, feijoada, which combines beans, pork sausage and a garnish of oranges. Meat is often eaten churrascaria style, that is to say slow cooked over charcoal grills, and is usually paid for by weight.

Nightlife

Brazil’s nightlife is legendary. After sunset, head to a traditional samba club and experience a real slice of South American life. Dance floors become a blur of fast-moving feet and clicking heels as thronging crowds shimmy and shake to the contagious sounds of syncopated bongo drums and rattling maracas. Of course, no night out in Brazil would be complete without a cocktail so once you’ve shown off your moves, head to the bar and sip one of Brazil’s most famous creations, a caipirinha. Made from rum, lime juice, sugar and crushed ice, it’s just the ticket to get you in the Latin mood.

Sightseeing

Natal
Considered to be the home of the friendliest people in Brazil, Natal forms a heady mix of historical colonial buildings, tempting restaurants and glorious beaches and is a great introduction to Brazil. Literally translated, Natal means ‘Christmas’ in Portuguese and the locals claim that it’s Christmas every day in Natal - impressive credentials indeed! In fact, if you visit around Christmas time, you’ll be treated to the excitement, colour and festivities of a traditional Brazilian carnival with the Natalenses celebrating in the streets.

Ponta Negra
With its beautiful palm-fringed beach, choice of bars and restaurants and selection of shops, Ponta Negra offers everything you need for a fantastic getaway. Once a bustling fishing village, this delightful resort town boasts an intoxicating combination of beautiful beaches, lively bars and restaurants with music and dancing – everything from disco to samba!

Rio de Janeiro
No trip to Brazil would be complete without spending a couple of nights in Rio de Janeiro. Internationally renowned as the carnival capital of the world its delights are never ending. With outstretched arms, the imposing figure of Christ the Redeemer keeps a vigil over the beachfront metropolis that is Rio de Janeiro, welcoming you to the city. Set against the majestic backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, the sweeping beaches of Capacabana and Ipanema form the epicentre of life in Rio, serving as places to meet, mingle, sunbathe and play. Stretch out on the shore, run your fingers through velvety-soft sand and soak up the sunshine.

Colonial Brazil – Salvador & Olinda
In 1501 the Portuguese adventurer Pedro Cabral became the first European to settle Brazil. At first the country was regarded only for its profusion of a valuable red dye called ‘brasil’ – from which the country takes its name – and for years was ruled from Lisbon. However, fearing invasion by Napoleon, the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil at the beginning of the 1800’s and declared Rio de Janeiro as the new seat of their court. By 1822, however, Brazil had been declared an independent empire and later became a republic. But three centuries of Portuguese rule certainly left their mark, not only in terms of language, religion and customs, but also in terms of architecture. Much of Brazil’s colonial past can still be seen today. The historic city of Salvador was Brazil’s first capital and has managed to preserve many outstanding examples of its Renaissance stonemasonry. Like a kind of living museum, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Olinda is another Brazilian ‘must see’. Founded in the 1500’s, it’s said to be the birthplace of Brazilian culture at large. Its exquisite array of Baroque churches, convents and chapels and old grandiose houses provides a fascinating insight into Brazil’s Portuguese heritage.

Volleyball Matches
Brazil is a world reference in terms of sports. Its people are justifiably proud of their nation’s sporting achievements - not only is it the record-breaking five-time winner of the football World Cup, but it’s also home to a double Olympic gold volleyball team. Of course, Brazil has spawned its very own take on volleyball, ‘beach volleyball’ - a genuine Brazilian sport, created on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. Why not join in with the fun and watch an adrenaline-pumping game down on the beach?

Useful links

www.brazil.org.uk
www.braziltourism.org
www.brasil.gov.br
www.natal-brazil.com
www.ipanema.com
www.embratur.gov.br
www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com
www.copacabana.info
www.bahia-online.net
www.v-brazil.com