Parnamirim
Brazil · Americas
About Parnamirim
Parnamirim is a Brazilian municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, located 17 kilometers south of the state capital, Natal. Part of the Natal Metropolitan Region, it covers an area of 124 km² and had a population of 252,716 inhabitants according to the 2022 Brazilian Census, as reported by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), making it the third most populous municipality in the state, following Natal and Mossoró, and the 115th in Brazil. Conurbated with the capital, bordering it to the north, Parnamirim is experiencing significant economic growth, particularly in the real estate sector.
Emancipated from Natal in 1958, Parnamirim is internationally recognized as the "Trampoline of Victory" due to its historical ties to World War II, when it served as the site of the American airbase Parnamirim Field. Its strategic global location made it a key departure point for numerous American aircraft of all types, transporting troops to the African front. The significant presence of American soldiers influenced the local population, introducing their culture, stimulating the local economy, and even participating in the social life of residents at the time.
Parnamirim boasts the highest Human Development Index (HDI) among municipalities in Rio Grande do Norte, with a value of 0.766. It is home to the Barreira do Inferno Launch Center, the first rocket launch base in Brazil and South America. Tourist attractions such as the Cashew of Pirangi, the beaches of Cotovelo and Pirangi do Norte, and the hosting of events and music concerts during the high season, make the city one of the primary tourist destinations in Rio Grande do Norte.
Parnamirim travel guide
Understand
In 1927, the Portuguese land owner Manuel Machado donated part of his lands to Compagnie Générale d´Entreprise Aéronautique, a French aviation company that installed an airport there to be used by aviation pioneers. Parnamirim grew with the airport, which was used as a base for the Americans during World War II and is now a base for the Brazilian Air Force and an international airport. Beginning in the 1990s, Parnamirim started to grow faster due to the urban expansion of Natal in toward the south, eventually leading to conurbation. The east parts of the two cities, however, remain separated by the airport and the Barreira do Inferno launch center.
Getting there
By bus Buses between Natal and Pirangi beach are operated by Viação Campos . Buses depart from either downtown or the intercity bus terminal of Natal (Rodoviária) and can be caught at Ponta Negra. Check the company website for itineraries and other information.
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. Due to the short distance, cycling (along RN-063) is also a popular way to reach these beaches. To go to downtown Parnamirim, take BR-101.
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.
See
Barreira do Inferno Launch Center, Rodovia RN063 - Km 11, ☏ +55 84 3216-1400. Appointment only. 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. Cotovelo Beach. Calm beach surrounded by cliffs and trees. Pirangi do Norte Beach. 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. World's Biggest Cashew Tree, Av. Dep. Márcio Marinho, Pirangi do Norte, ☏ +55 84 3238-2975. 07:30-17:30. 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. free to R$4.
Do
Boat ride Marina Badauê, Av. Dep. Márcio Marinho, Pirangi do Norte, ☏ +55 84 3238-2066. 07:00-19:00. Marina Badauê provides boat rides to the natural swimming pools of Pirangi do Norte (with the listed price) or to the south coast (R$ 80). Snorkelling equipment is provided. Reservation is possible but generally only needed for groups. R$35-50 (discount for kids).
Sleep
Most visitors to Parnamirim stay at Natal, but there is a small range of accommodation at Cotovelo and Pirangi do Norte, mostly pousadas.
Blue Marlin Resort, Av. Humberto Campus, 3730 - Cotovelo, ☏ +55 84 3237 2482. The fanciest accommodation you can find in the city, in front of Cotovelo Beach.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.