Extremoz: Ruins, Grude and Dunes

Extremoz combines local history and cultural traditions with Grude and rides through the dunes. Families looking to include different interests in their travel plans can focus on religious and historic sites, local food culture or a more active outing. These themes can also help you decide which location would suit your holiday rental and planned activities.

Ruins and religious history

The ruins of the former main church are considered a tourist attraction in Extremoz. Aldeia Guajiru is located right next to the ruins and is described as a place full of Extremoz’s stories and memories. The Casa do Grude is also located in the Aldeia, where Grude is made fresh by hand. Here, traces of history meet local food culture.

In the centre of Extremoz, the Igreja Matriz of the São Miguel parish stands at Praça Prefeito José Franco. Mass times are listed as 7:00 and 18:30 on Sundays, and 18:00 from Tuesday to Friday. If you would like to combine your visit with a service, check the time with the parish in advance.

Cultural traditions and event dates

The Corrida de Argolinhas is recognised as part of the historical, cultural and intangible heritage of the municipality of Extremoz. Municipal Law No. 1,190/2023 schedules it for the second Sunday of September each year. Before travelling, check whether a specific edition is taking place; the statutory date alone does not confirm that a particular event will be held.

The Corrida São Miguel Arcanjo is a separate event: in its 2025 edition, the gathering, start and finish were at the ruins of the Jesuit church. The gathering was scheduled for 6:00, and the start for 6:28 or 6:30. These details refer to the 2025 edition.

Quadrilhas Juninas and street Arraias are also part of the municipality’s cultural heritage: Municipal Law No. 1,311/2025 recognises both as intangible cultural heritage of Extremoz. In 2025, the tradition of prayer circles in evangelical churches was also recognised as historical and intangible cultural heritage. These recognitions offer insight into the municipality’s different traditions; check specific event dates separately before travelling.

Dune rides and landscapes

Buggy rides through the dunes are available in the municipality of Extremoz. During a ride, you can see the lagoons of Genipabu and Extremoz, as well as the beaches of Genipabu, Barra do Rio, Santa Rita, Redinha and Pitangui. This active outing offers a contrast to a more history- and culture-focused exploration of the area. The Área de Proteção Ambiental de Jenipabu provides another natural setting within the municipality: established in 1995 by State Decree No. 12,620, it covers 1,739 hectares and extends across parts of the municipalities of Extremoz and Natal.

Grude and local identity

Grude is made from cassava starch and grated coconut. In the municipality of Extremoz, its production is considered a livelihood for many people and a defining feature of local identity. Grude is made fresh by hand in Aldeia Guajiru, where the Casa do Grude is located. This connects a specific culinary interest with the cultural character of the municipality, without Grude needing to be just another dish on your travel itinerary.

When choosing a holiday rental in Extremoz, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on: would you like to explore local history and religious traditions, discover Grude and the local food culture, or plan a ride through the dunes? These interests can guide your search without presuming a particular accommodation or its amenities.

Discover more destinations: Tibau, São Miguel Do Gostoso, Baixa De São Francisco, Serra De São Bento, Zumbi, Maracajaú, São Miguel, Guamaré.

For the regional travel overview: Rio Grande Do Norte.