Regions of Brazil

If you have even the tiniest drop of adventurer’s blood in you, Brazil is the place for you. Currently standing out as the most exciting place on the planet for property investors, Brazil’s determination to attract residential tourists and impress investors is unparalleled. Unaffected by natural phenomena such as earthquakes, hurricanes or tropical storms, Brazil is a safe piece of paradise indeed. Rio and São Paulo come with obvious benefits, thanks to their long history of tourism but Northern Europeans in particular are discovering the potential of the country’s relatively undiscovered areas, the boom especially focused on the north east coastline, around Natal and Fortaleza.

While it is widely acknowledged that the current investment focus is centred on Brazil’s northeast coast, that is no reason to eschew the charms of Brazil’s largest cities, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, sprawled across its southern coast. Few destinations can outdo Rio in hospitality and charm, its natural exuberance as a city, as well as its beautiful people (‘Cariocas’), music, beaches and historical sites making it truly unique. Home to the country’s most famous beaches, Ipanema and Copacabana, Rio’s status as Brazil’s head honcho was undoubtedly damaged in 1960 when Brasilia took over its role as the country’s capital, a position Rio had held for over 200 years. However, it would be a brave person who argued that intoxicating Rio is anything but Brazil’s cultural capital and repeat tourists flood there year on year, making it an attractive investment area for those looking for buy to let opportunities. However, with prices on the rise elsewhere in the country, in regions receiving massive infrastructural investment, Rio is definitely second choice on the property investors’ lists. Nonetheless, it would be sensible to keep an eye on these big cities and the opportunities they have to offer. Sao Paulo too, is growing at an incredible rate: the world’s second most populous city, it has been noted that ever increasing numbers of large national and international businesses are now relocating there from around the country.

Brazil’s north east coast is where all the action is right now, being the country’s main beach resort destination and the area of choice for billions of dollars’ worth of national and international investment. Money is being ploughed into marinas, hotels and tourism-related services as well as into real estate and property development. Brazil may be seen as an emerging country to outsiders but locals would disagree. A popular destination for Brazilians for decades, the area’s services and experience in the tourism sector are extensive and well developed. The north east coast of Brazil is attracting attention for numerous reasons, notably for its incredible scenery and climate. Temperatures here remain stable at around 27° all year round and the country as a whole remains free from the meteoric risk of hurricanes or tropical storms. As the closest point to Europe, flying time is reduced and as such, many operators are adding Brazil to their books, with flight prices dropping all the time. A low cost of living and a strong national property market eager to promote itself to foreign investors, is a sure fire recipe for success for those who wish to take advantage of such appealing early entry level prices.

Fortaleza is Brazil’s number one holiday destination, with a population of around 2.5 million. It is very close to the equator, and is famous for its tropical climate which ensures it receives over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, a fact of which it is very proud!

A major fishing port, Fortaleza has about 25 km of urban beaches, the best of which are in the east. The Praia de Iracema and the Praia do Futuro (7km long) are good options, the latter famous for its barracas, or rustic restaurants on the beach itself; the former is preferred by intellectuals and bohemians, whereas Praia do Futuro is preferred by swimmers and surfers. Along the splendid Avenida Beira Mar there are a few more beaches, such as the family-friendly Meireles and Mucuripe. The Avenida Beira Mar is noted for its lively nightlife and buzzing atmosphere.

But it isn’t just sun and sea on offer (although that is what Fortaleza does best!) Historic sights abound, including the fortress of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, after which the city is named, Fortaleza being Portuguese for fortress. Fortaleza Cathedral is the third biggest in Brazil. Fortaleza is also especially good for its arts and crafts scene, with lacework, embroidery, leather goods and ceramics all being good buys. The Mercado Central or Feirinha Beira Mar have over 100 stalls selling all kinds of handicrafts and regional products.

Natal is situated right in the north east corner of Brazil and is the state capital of Rio Grande Do Norte. Taking its name after the date of its founding, December 25 th 1599 (Natal means Christmas), this area is famous throughout Brazil for its 400km of coastline, stunning lagoons and dunes, near-perfect climate and excellent personal safety record. The safest state capital in Brazil, its population currently stands at 800,000 people, who are all reaping the benefits of living in the country’s leading beach tourism destination. Amazingly, Natal is said to have the purest air on the continent, second only in the world to the cold crisp air of Antarctica! It is also the closest point to the island of Fernando de Noronha, one of Brazil’s main ecological sanctuaries. Totally at one with its status as a top domestic tourist destination, Natal has managed to open itself up to the international market by retaining its natural charm and decorum. Natal hosts all the modern city requirements of top restaurants, leisure and shopping facilities as well as being home to numerous museums, heritage sites, a large aquarium and even the world’s biggest cashew nut tree!

Natal has become the focus of the Brazilian government’s tourism drive, with visitor numbers to the area up by a massive 134% between 2002-2005 thanks to investment in infrastructure and services. Ten new golf courses are planned in the area and nearly $2 billion is set to be ploughed into resorts and facilities, including a large bridge connecting the centre of Natal to the beaches on the north eastern coast. Perhaps most vitally, the new airport on the north coast, to be completed by mid-2009, will be the biggest in South America and the 8th largest in the world, with tour operators already confident of capitalizing on the year on year growth in visitor numbers and cementing Natal as the world’s tropical destination of choice. Not only is Natal a cosmopolitan city surrounded by incredible natural beauty, it is also virtually untouched by property developers. The coastline is free from high rise developments and the as yet infant property market promises to yield the greatest possible capital growth.