São Miguel do Gostoso

São Miguel do Gostoso is 110km away from the capital Natal, where the nearest airport is located. Coming by car from Natal, you’d need to take the highway BR-101 and then the RN-023. By bus, the company that makes the route between Natal and São Miguel do Gostoso is called Expresso Cabral.

São Miguel do Gostoso has only 10,000 inhabitants, so it is possible (and very easy!) to visit the city only on foot. To go to the beaches, you can also walk or, if you prefer, rent bikes, quads or buggy!

The municipality of São Miguel do Gostoso has set itself a goal in 2019 to be the most sustainable tourist destination in northeast Brazil, and we are working hard to achieve this! In recent years, we have been committed to seeking sustainable strategies, including: cleaning the water supply; awareness of sustainability through a local economic development project and an environmental project in schools; and implementation of new clean energy sources – such as solar – in the municipality.

The state of Rio Grande do Norte has been taking serious measures and precautions to guarantee the health of its visitors and contain the advance of Covid-19. Tourism enterprises have received training and guidance to ensure the safety and health of visitors and tourists. Check here updates and statistics regarding the pandemic situation in the state before planning your trip to São Miguel do Gostoso.

The good practice story of São Miguel do Gostoso is related to the benefits brought to the culture and community of Baixinha dos França, a district in the rural area of the municipality. A Community Based Tourism course by Senac was held with the community and covered topics such as ethics, the tourism market, entrepreneurship, sustainability, culture and heritage. The course resulted in greater empowerment of residents and a positive outlook on the creation of tourist activities in the region, bringing greater economic and social benefits.

São Miguel do Gostoso has many beautiful white-sand beaches. There are four urban beaches: Praia do Ponta do Santo Cristo, Praia do Cardeiro (photo), Praia da Xêpa (where the touristic center is) and Praia do Maceió. Praia de Tourinhos and Praia do Marco beaches are a little further from the city, but are accessible for day trips. It is possible to go by bicycle or quad, or with hire a buggy trip.

In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo (photo). The museum is a wooden house that portrays the history and customs of the people from the Northeast. The church has its history linked to the name of the city. According to a legend, in the 20th century, a merchant was cured of an illness thanks to his saint: Saint Michael the Archangel, and, as a tribute, built a small chapel for him. This is how the name of the village that would become São Miguel do Gostoso originated.

Praia da Ponta do Santo Cristo is considered one of the best Brazilian beaches for water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. Due to its favorable location, on the ‘curve’ of the South American continent, the wind is perfect for sailing sports and the waters are warm. There are countless schools that rent equipment and give classes and instructions. It’s worth trying!