Praia de Cotovelo, Atlantic beach in Parnamirim, Brazil

Praia de Cotovelo is a beach in the municipality of Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, a few kilometres from Natal. Reddish cliffs frame a wide band of golden sand along the Atlantic, and the water is warm. Behind the beach lie the Alphaville condominium and a cluster of high-end villas and holiday homes.

Development here occurred later than at neighboring beaches, allowing the area to retain its natural character during coastal expansion in Rio Grande do Norte. This late growth meant fewer major changes compared to other coastal zones.

The neighbourhood's restaurants and bistros serve fresh seafood combined with contemporary culinary influences, reflecting the area's upscale profile. The name Cotovelo, Portuguese for "elbow", refers to the curve of the shoreline where the cliffs meet the sand. Nearby lies the Rota do Sol, the coastal route linking Cotovelo to Ponta Negra, Búzios and Tabatinga.

Cotovelo lies a few kilometres south of Natal along the Rota do Sol, the coastal route that also links Ponta Negra, Búzios and Tabatinga. The beach itself has little infrastructure, so bring water and supplies; the surrounding area is served by luxury resorts and the Alphaville condominium. Allow time to walk the sand strip beneath the red cliffs.

Natural pools form between the cliffs during low tide, creating protected swimming areas where small marine creatures can be observed. These temporary basins appear and disappear with the tides, offering different experiences each day.