Things To Do
in Grossos

Grossos is a small coastal town in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, known for its tranquil beaches and fishing heritage. The town has a laid-back vibe, with pastel houses lining narrow streets and a warm, welcoming community. Visitors can enjoy seafood feasts, sun-soaked shores, and local markets that showcase the region's coastal produce.

With easy access from Natal and Mossoró, Grossos makes a relaxed base for exploring the northeast's coast and dunes.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Beach Relaxation
morning
:

Arrive in Grossos and settle into your accommodation with a refreshing morning walk along the pristine beaches. Enjoy the cool sea breeze and start your day with a delicious local breakfast by the shore. Take some time to relax and unwind after your journey.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful dunes near Grossos. Try sandboarding or take a guided tour to learn about the local landscape and ecology. Admire the panoramic views and capture some stunning photographs.

evening
:

Dine at a beachfront restaurant offering fresh seafood while watching a spectacular sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy live local music that provides an authentic Brazilian atmosphere. End your evening with a peaceful stroll along the moonlit beach.

day 2
Lagoa de Guaraíras Exploration
morning
:

Head out early to Lagoa de Guaraíras for a boat tour through the lagoon’s tranquil waters. Observe the native flora and fauna, including various bird species and mangroves. Learn about the importance of this ecosystem from a knowledgeable guide.

afternoon
:

Visit a local artisan village to see traditional crafts and purchase unique handmade souvenirs. Stop for lunch featuring regional dishes such as tapioca and fresh fish. Relax by the lagoon with a cold beverage before heading back.

evening
:

Experience a cozy dinner in town and sample local desserts like cocada or tapioca pudding. Take the opportunity to mingle with locals and discover their culture and traditions. Enjoy a calm evening reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee or tea at a cafe$2-4
🚕Taxi or rideshare ride$3-8 (within town)
🍺Beer at a bar$3-5
💧Bottled water (1.5L)$0.75-1.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed coastal atmosphere with friendly locals
  • Fresh seafood and affordable prices
  • Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
  • Fewer English speakers outside tourist spots
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Onde fica…?" - Where is…?
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Grossos

Visit one of these nice places.

Praia Principal at Sunset

Wide sandy shoreline with golden skies at dusk; ideal for long exposure and golden-hour portraits.

Harbor and Docks

Colorful boats, nets, and fishermen provide dynamic foregrounds for documentary and street photography.

Coastal Dunes Overlook

Elevated view over rolling dunes meeting the sea; dramatic silhouettes during sunrise.

Culinary Guide

Food in Grossos

Grossos cuisine centers on seafood caught fresh from the Atlantic, with comforting staples like cassava, coconut milk, and white rice. Expect bright, simple flavors that highlight the coastal ingredients and the region’s rural produce.

Grossos Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moqueca Potiguar

A fragrant seafood stew made with fish or prawns, coconut milk, palm oil, peppers, and cilantro; best enjoyed with white rice and farofa.

Must-Try!

Carne de Sol com Macaxeira

Sun-cured beef served with fried cassava (macaxeira) and a fresh salad or beans; a hearty staple of the interior and coastal towns.

Peixada Potiguar

A coastal fish stew with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, often served with rice or cassava, reflecting the region’s fishing culture.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Grossos

A small municipal market offering fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and local snacks; great for sampling the day’s catch and local produce.

Seafront stalls

Casual beachside stalls selling fried fish, shrimp skewers, cassava snacks, and refreshing coconut water

Climate Guide

Weather

The coastal climate is hot and tropical year-round, with a rainy season typically in the early part of the year and dry spells during parts of the year. Expect high humidity, sea breezes, and plenty of sunshine; water temperatures are comfortable for swimming most of the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Greet with a friendly hello or bom dia/boa tarde; eye contact and a handshake are common in business settings.

Tipping and conversations

Ask before taking photos of people; maintain respectful distance when speaking with locals; avoid loud behavior in public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise normal travel precautions: keep valuables secure, stay aware in crowded areas, especially at night, avoid isolated beaches after dark, and use reputable taxis or rideshares. Check weather and sea conditions before beach activities and stay informed about any local advisories.

Tipping in Grossos

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In Brazil, service is typically not included by default. It is customary to tip around 5-10% for good service at restaurants if not included in the bill.

Payment methods

Most places accept cash (BRL) and cards (credit/debit). Smaller vendors and markets may prefer cash; ATMs are available in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with a tropical breeze; frequent showers in the afternoon are common, so carry a light rain jacket and sunscreen.

Winter

Warm days with cooler evenings; drier conditions are common, making beach days ideal.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures, moderate humidity, and blooming coastal flora; great for outdoor activities.

Autumn

Milder heat and lower humidity; good for hiking and exploring markets without peak crowds.

Nightlife Guide

Grossos at Night

Grossos has a low-key nightlife scene centered around beachfront bars and casual venues where locals enjoy music, drinks, and seafood after sunset. Expect relaxed atmospheres with occasional live música or dancing in small squares; the most lively evenings tend to be weekends and festival periods.

Hiking in Grossos

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal dune walk

Short hikes along the dunes adjacent to the beaches; easy and scenic for all ages.

Rural inland trails

Gentle hikes through nearby rural landscapes offering countryside views and birdwatching.

Airports

How to reach Grossos by plane.

Aeroporto Dix-Sept Rosado (MOC) – Mossoró

Small regional airport serving domestic flights; about a short drive from Grossos by road.

Aeroporto Internacional de Natal – Augusto Severo (NAT)

Major international airport with connections across Brazil; about 180-250 km away by road.

Getting Around

Walkability

Grossos is walkable in the town center and along the waterfront, with compact streets and market clusters. Expect occasional hills and uneven sidewalks; a short taxi ride is common for venturing to beaches or the harbor.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Fishermen and coastal families

A strong community rooted in fishing and seaside trades; many families have generations of work along the water.

Young residents

A growing younger demographic and tourists visiting in holiday seasons.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol

The most popular sport, played casually on beaches and in local leagues.

Esporte aquáticos

Surfing, stand-up paddle, and beach volleyball enjoy strong local participation.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in town, with occasional congestion near markets and the harbor during peak times. Public transportation is limited; buses connect to larger cities, and taxis or rideshares are common for longer trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Grossos.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can find rice, beans, salads, and cassava-based dishes; many eateries offer vegetarian options or can adapt dishes by omitting meat and fish. Consider asking for queijo (cheese) in meals and look for pratos com legumes and legumes-based sides.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public clinics and a small hospital serve basic needs; for specialized care, residents often travel to Mossoró or Natal. Bring any necessary medications and keep a copy of prescriptions; travel insurance is advised.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide