Praia de Pipa

Praia de Pipa is one of Brazil's most famous beach towns. Situated on the southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte, it is administratively a part of Tibau do Sul.

Understand

6 km south of Tibau do Sul, Pipa's collection of beaches are the most exciting and well-known in Rio Grande do Norte and include some of the most spectacular in Brazil. It is cosmopolitan and international where many Brazilian accents & languages from around the world flow together. Tours through the forests, dunes and along the beaches are always a pleasure and the flavours provided by the town's gastronomy will satisfy even the most demanding of palates. Pipa's nightlife is always buzzing with many bars offering live music, the energy is contagious and resistance is futile. A little further south is Praia das Minas: 7km of deserted beaches featuring segregated areas for the protected turtles.

The world over Pipa is famous for it's natural beauty. With the media numbering Pipa's beaches amongst the most beautiful Brazil has to offer, the area attracts both national and international visitors. Here, as in Porto de Galinhas, one encounters natural pools, utopian beaches and excellent surf breaks, like Fernando de Noronha the presence of dolphins is constant; the imposing coloured cliffs remind of Arraial d'Ajuda (Bahia); the preserved areas of Atlantic Forest compare to those in Itacaré; and, Pipa's winds compete with those of Jericoacoara. Not least, the area boasts the dune fields of Natal and the dazzling Guaraíras Lagoon (ideal for fishing, boating and canoe trips and the stage for a truly golden sunset).

If the nature does not charm you, the architecture, fashion, culture, art and pace of life certainly will.

Pipa at night is an attraction on its own: stylish bars; restaurants with the best in regional, national and international gastronomy; cafés; art galleries; and, a rich and varied artisan tradition.

The community is made up of fishermen and small-business owners alongside Brazilians and people from all around the world who have chosen this small slice of paradise in which to live all warm-hearted people dedicated year-round to helping you feel at home.

Get in

The most convenient by plane is to fly to the airport of Natal. Further flight connections you can find to Recife and João Pessoa.

From Natal there are direct buses for R$18 (as of 2020) and Blablacar rides.

From João Pessoa and Recife there is no direct bus, but some shared rides are offered on Blablacar. If you search on Blablacar from João Pessoa or Recife to Pipa, it will also show you rides to Goianinha and "Rio Grande do Norte". You can take those rides, too! Ask the driver to let you out at the main road of Goianinha near the blue church. To Goianinha there are also intercity buses from Recife for R$29 (May 2021) and from João Pessoa for around R$60 (May 2021).

In Goianinha a minibus leaves from behind the blue church for Pipa every 12 minutes for R$4.50 (May 2021). On the way to the blue church is an eatery called Salgateria Seus on the right side with tasty Brazilian snacks for R$1.50 (May 2021). The locals like it.

Get around

The village can be easily explored by foot. You can take the minibus to all villages and attractions on the way to Goianinha.

See

• 1 Pipa Chapadao – An outlook over the beach in the east of Pipa

You can reach all these places by the minibus, that goes to Goianinha:

• 2 Falésias​ de Cacimbinhas – outlook over the beach and ocean. Also there are the Dunas de Cacimbinhas.
• 3 Tibau do Sol – A village way less touristy than Pipa

Do

• 1 Praia de Pipa - beach in the north with natural swimming pools. Suitable for surfing.
• 2 Praia do Amor – pituresque beach in the east with white-sand beach, palm trees and rocky cliffs
• 3 Praia das Minas – Beach in the south-east

You can reach all these places by the minibus that goes to Goianinha:

• 4 Praia Baía dos Golfinhos - You can make a boat tour and may see dolphins.
• 5 Praia do Madeiro – nice stretch of beach at cliffs adorned with forest.
• 6 Praia das Cacimbinhas – beach at cliffs with nice looking stone formations.
• 7 Santuário Ecológico de Pipa – Forested reserve at the ocean with several trails ranging in dificuilty and a variety of wildlife. There is an entry fee.

Buy

Bradesco has one ATM in the center of the village.

There are a few minimarkets and supermarkets. One of the bigger stores for groceries is the 1 Mercadinho San José at the Praça do Pescador.

Eat

Budget

• 2 Churrascaria Dona Branca, Av. Baía dos Golfinhos, 946a. (updated Aug 2022)
• 3 Boas Vindas, Av. Baía dos Golfinhos, 811. (updated Aug 2022)
• 4 TITA, Av. Baía dos Golfinhos, 781. (updated Aug 2022)
• 5 La Chiviteria, Av. Baía dos Golfinhos, 585. (updated Aug 2022)
• 6 Pizzaria do Ademilson, R. das Gameleiras. (updated Aug 2022)
• 7 De Boca En Boca, Av. Baía dos Golfinhos, 116. (updated Aug 2022)
• 8 Self-service shirley house, Av. Baía dos Golfinhos. (updated Aug 2022)

Mid-range

• 9 Pipa Beach Club, Largo São Sebastião, 277. (updated Aug 2022)
• 10 Lua Cheia Restaurante, R. do Cruzeiro, 502. (updated Aug 2022)
• 11 Quintal Restaurante e Tapiocaria Pipa, Av. Baía dos Golfinhos, 985. (updated Aug 2022)
• 12 Restaurante Jerimum, Av. Baía dos Golfinhos, 932. (updated Aug 2022)
• 13 O Tal Do Escondidinho, Em Frente a Loja Ecológica. (updated Aug 2022)

Sleep

• Solar Pipa Resort. Rua da Gameleira Nº 209. 
• Sugar Cane Hostel, 19 Rua Arara, ☏ +55 84 3246-2723, sugarcanehostel@googlemail.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11:00. 
• Zicatela Beach Hostel, Rua Praia do Amor 48, ☏ +55 84 3246-2377. 

Go next

Both places have hostels and private rooms:

Natal

João Pessoa