Galinhos

With its vast, deserted beaches, towering sand dunes and pellucid waters, Brazil’s Costa Branca or "White Coast" is one of the country’s most enchanting regions, and its best-kept secret is the historic fishing village of Galinhos, a popular day trip from nearby Natal. Encircled by water and reachable only by boat, the sandy peninsula is a pocket of serenity, with horse carts in lieu of taxis and the landscape dotted with salt flats, mangrove swamps and rolling dunes. 
If you’re looking to head off-the-beaten-track this is the perfect destination, but Galinhos isn’t completely void of life – in-the-know locals have long frequented the spot for kite surfing and wind surfing, while other activities include snorkeling and dune buggy rides.

Practical Info

Galinhos is located in Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil, about 100 miles (160 km) from the state capital of Natal.