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Municipality in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Photo: edsonaoki, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Parnamirim is a city in Rio Grande do Norte, in the metropolitan area of Natal. It is frequently considered to be part of Natal by visitors, due to the conurbation between the two cities. Among its attractions are the Barreira do Inferno launch center, the Pirangi and Cotovelo beaches, and the largest cashew tree of the World.
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A rocket launch and research center for the Brazilian Air Force. It is only open for group visits with appointment, although a museum open to the public is planned on the site.
Calm beach surrounded by cliffs and trees.
Along with Ponta Negra and Genipabu, Pirangi do Norte is one of the beaches of the metro area of Natal most popular among tourists. It has calm waters and is famous for its natural swimming pools about 500 m from the coast. A boat ride service to the swimming pools, including snorkelling equipment, is offered by Marina Badauê. The beach has some tourist infrastructure but much less than Ponta Negra.
The "one-tree forest" covering an 8,500-m² area is the city's most famous sight, as well as one of the most famous sights of Rio Grande do Norte. The tree yearly produces about 2.5 tons of cashews. It contains also a 10-meter high viewpoint for those wishing to see the whole tree from above.
Marina Badauê provides boat rides to the natural swimming pools of Pirangi do Norte (with the listed price) or to the south coast (R$ 80). Snorkelling equipment is provided. Reservation is possible but generally only needed for groups.
The fanciest accommodation you can find in the city, in front of Cotovelo Beach.
By car or by bicycle
Cotovelo Beach is 10 km from Ponta Negra, in Natal, and can be reached by taking RN-063 (Rota do Sol). A bit further is Pirangi Beach.
By train
Parnamirim has a train station downtown, close to the airport. However, it is not very useful to tourists, as downtown Parnamirim is quite far from the major attractions.
By plane
The next international airport is Greater Natal International Airport in São Gonçalo do Amarante 30 km north of Parnamirim.
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