Cotovelo Beach - Image 1
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Cotovelo Beach Natal Brazil

4.7
·1k reviews·, Brazil

A stunning, tranquil beach known for its vast sandy expanse, dramatic cliffs, and pleasant waters, ideal for peaceful escapes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Vast sand, calm sea

CrowdLow
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Cotovelo Beach - Image 1

Cotovelo Beach Natal Brazil

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Vast sand, calm sea

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning, tranquil beach known for its vast sandy expanse, dramatic cliffs, and pleasant waters, ideal for peaceful escapes.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Stunning for those who enjoy natural beauties and tranquility, ideal for families and couples. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Time your visit for low tide

The beach is widest and most serene during low tide.

⚠️ Watch out for cliffs

Cliffs can slip; avoid getting too close.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Sandy Shore

Expansive Sandy Shore

The main beach area

A vast, beautiful beach with a wide sandy strip, perfect for long walks and relaxation.

Reddit
Dramatic Cliffs

Dramatic Cliffs

Along the coastline

Impressive cliffs offer a stunning backdrop, but approach with caution due to potential slippage.

Reddit
Tranquil Waters (Low Tide)

Tranquil Waters (Low Tide)

Oceanfront

Enjoy pleasant, often calm waters ideal for swimming and enjoying the sea, especially during low tide.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Low Tide

Cotovelo Beach shines during low tide, revealing a vast sandy expanse perfect for walks and enjoying the scenery. Be mindful of the collapsing cliffs and strong waves, especially when the tide is high. Reddit

Cliff Caution

The stunning cliffs are a highlight but can be unstable. Avoid getting too close, as they are prone to slipping. Keep valuables secure, as unexpected waves have caused people to lose items. Reddit

Best Times

When
Low tide mornings
Why
Vast sand, calm sea
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Sugestão de praia

⏳ Time your visit for low tide

The beach is widest and most serene during low tide. Reddit

⚠️ Watch out for cliffs

Cliffs can slip; avoid getting too close. Reddit

reddit.com

Suggestions for places to go

🌊 Be mindful of waves

Waves can be strong and unpredictable, especially at high tide. Reddit

🍽️ Enjoy local restaurants

Several restaurants and kiosks offer delicious local dishes. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Time your visit for low tide

The beach is widest and most serene during low tide. Reddit

⚠️ Watch out for cliffs

Cliffs can slip; avoid getting too close. Reddit

🌊 Be mindful of waves

Waves can be strong and unpredictable, especially at high tide. Reddit

🍽️ Enjoy local restaurants

Several restaurants and kiosks offer delicious local dishes. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cotovelo Beach is praised for its stunning natural beauty, vast sandy shores, and tranquil atmosphere, especially during low tide. Visitors appreciate the dramatic cliffs and pleasant sea waters. However, caution is advised regarding the unstable cliffs and unpredictable waves, with some experiencing loss of belongings. Reddit

"Praia de Cotovelo is a beautiful beach with usually only very few people. The tidal range is quite big, I would guess around 70–100 meters. There are a couple of restaurants at the end of the beach. It's a great place to go for a beach run."

Corsin

"A beautiful beach with a wonderful view. The cliffs look wonderful, but you have to watch out for them as they can slip. The water in the ocean is pleasant, but sometimes gusty. Here, many people have made the same mistake and entered the water with sunglasses, and returned without them. The waves can be large from nowhere, so you need to be careful."

European Gringo

"The beach is stunning for those who enjoy natural beauties and tranquility. Ideal for families and passionate couples who can walk quietly enjoying the CLIFFS, DUNAS and the SEA WITH CRYSTAL WATERS, sometimes in green color, sometimes in blue color with soft waves. Unforgettable! There is a good infrastructure for those who choose to rest and enjoy the delicious dishes served in restaurants and kiosks"

Elisabete Binder (50tonsdajuventude)

What People Like

Beautiful natural scenery
Wide, expansive sand
Tranquil and uncrowded

What People Dislike

Unstable cliffs
Sudden strong waves

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cotovelo Beach is located south of Natal. You can reach it by car, taxi, or ride-sharing services. The drive typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Some local buses also service the area, though they might be less direct. Reddit

Yes, Cotovelo Beach is a well-known destination. Following GPS or asking locals for directions to 'Praia de Cotovelo' in Pium will guide you there. Reddit

For flexibility and ease, driving or using ride-sharing apps is recommended. This allows you to explore at your own pace and easily access different parts of the beach. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Cotovelo Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its natural beauty freely. Reddit

Cotovelo Beach is accessible at all hours, as it's a natural public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

No advance booking is necessary for general access to the beach. If you plan to dine at specific restaurants, it might be wise to check their availability, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy long beach walks, sunbathing, swimming (with caution), and simply relaxing. The wide sand area is great for beach runs. Reddit

Yes, it's ideal for families, especially during low tide when the waters are calmer and the beach is wide. The natural beauty is captivating for all ages. Reddit

Beachwear is appropriate. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to explore the sand extensively. Reddit

While there are restaurants and kiosks, dedicated public restrooms might be limited. It's advisable to use facilities at restaurants if needed. Reddit

It's generally a tranquil beach with few people, especially during weekdays and low tide. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find delicious local dishes served at the restaurants and kiosks along the beach. Expect fresh seafood and regional specialties. Reddit

Yes, there are several restaurants at the end of the beach offering a good infrastructure for dining and enjoying the view. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic cliffs, the vast sandy expanse during low tide, and the sea with its changing blue and green hues offer fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

While sunsets can be beautiful, the cliffs might obscure the direct view depending on your location on the beach. The natural light on the cliffs and sea is stunning throughout the day. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and cliffs. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cotovelo Beach is a wonderful spot for families, particularly during low tide. The expansive sandy area provides ample space for children to play and explore safely. The generally calmer waters at low tide make it more suitable for younger swimmers. Reddit

Remember to keep a close eye on children, especially near the water's edge, and be mindful of the cliffs. The natural beauty of the beach, with its clear waters and interesting rock formations, offers a captivating environment for a family outing. Packing snacks and drinks is a good idea, though local eateries are available. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, Cotovelo Beach is an excellent choice. Solo travelers can enjoy peaceful walks along the vast shore, while couples can find romantic spots to relax and admire the scenery. The sea with crystal waters, sometimes green, sometimes blue, and the soft waves create a serene atmosphere. Reddit

It's an ideal destination for quiet contemplation or a romantic stroll, especially during the less crowded weekday afternoons. The dramatic cliffs add a unique element to the landscape, making it a picturesque setting for shared moments. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Tides at Cotovelo Beach

The tidal range at Cotovelo Beach is significant, often between 70–100 meters. This means the beach dramatically changes its appearance throughout the day. During low tide, a vast expanse of sand is revealed, creating a perfect canvas for long walks, beachcombing, and enjoying a sense of open space. It's during this time that the waters are generally calmer and more inviting for swimming. Reddit

Conversely, high tide brings the water closer to the cliffs and can result in larger, more powerful waves. Travelers have noted that waves can appear suddenly, so caution is advised. It's crucial to check the tide times before your visit to maximize your enjoyment and safety. Planning your visit around the low tide will offer the most serene and expansive beach experience. Reddit

Navigating the Cliffs Safely

The cliffs are a defining feature of Cotovelo Beach, offering a dramatic and beautiful backdrop. However, they are also prone to erosion and can slip. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid getting too close to the cliff edges. Several reviews mention losing personal items due to unexpected wave action or the unstable nature of the cliffs. Reddit

While the cliffs add to the beach's wild beauty, they require respect and caution. Enjoy their grandeur from a safe distance. The combination of the cliffs, dunes, and crystal-clear sea creates a truly unforgettable natural landscape that is a major draw for visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Reddit

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