SAO MIGUEL DO GOSTOSO   Home
Sao Miguel do Gostoso ~ the name could not be more delightful ~ we hope that you enjoy reading a little about the history of Sao Miguel do Gostoso, its name and how Sao Miguel do Gostoso is developing into a much sort after tourist destination in the Northeast of Brazil, for both holiday makers and sporstmen and women alike.

Sao Miguel do Gostoso ~ Creation of the Municipality
On 16th July 1993, the beachfront town of Sao Miguel split from its municipality of Touros. The new municipality held its first elections in 1996 and at this time it was decided that the town would retain its original name of Sao Miguel de Touros. This decision not to rename the newly created municipality left the local population disgruntled and as a result a series of requests for a name change were submitted to the head of the municipality. In addition, on the 19th November 2000, 7 years on from its independence from the municipality of Touros, a local referendum was held and the town's name became the delightful Sao Miguel do Gostoso.
 

Sao Miguel do Gostoso ~ Origin of the Name
According to legend, there was once a man living in the area named Mr. Manoel Gostoso who was known to give shelter to travelling salesmen. Due to Sr. Manoel Gostoso's unique sense of humour (he entertained his guests with stories and jokes) and contagious laugh Mr. Manoel Gostoso became known in the town as Mr. Gostoso.   Thereafter, not only the the travelling salesmen but also the locals, began to refer to the town as Gostoso.  On 29th September 1899, Mr. Miguel Félix Martins, in order to fulfil his promise made to the Saint Sao Miguel, inaugurated the first church of the town and instated the Saint's image. From that day onward Sao Miguel has been the Patron Saint of Gostoso. The local population then joined Sao Miguel to the previous name of Gostoso to create Sao Miguel do Gostoso.

Sao Miguel do Gostoso ~ The Growth of Tourism
In the past to journey to Sao Miguel do Gostoso was to journey by horse!  However, in the 1960s the BR-101 and RN-221 (Project Pólo Costa das Dunas) were constructed to improve the access between Natal and Sao Miguel do Gostoso.  As a result of these highway constructions Sao Miguel do Gostoso has gained improved vehicular access and ultimately improved infra-structure. In the past the town houses were constructed mainly of taipa but now are mostly of bricks and mortar. In relation to tourism, in 1989 there was just 1 pousada in Sao Miguel do Gostoso whilst today there are approximately 20 with new tourist bars, restaurants and services opening anually.  Sao Miguel do Gostoso, due to its pristine white, palm tree lined beaches and its perfect wind conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing is now attracting a growing number of tourist and professional and amateur sportsmen and women each year (see our interview with Bimba, the World & twice Pan-American Windsurf Champion) and is set to become one of the best tourist destination in Brazil. Recently the municipality, in partnership with EMBRATUR, opened the Sao Miguel do Gostoso Tourist Terminal Praia da Xêpa which is considered to be the perfect leisure spot for both tourists and the local community
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Sao Miguel do Gostoso - General Information
345.9 km² (equivalent to 0.65% of the state of Rio Grande do Norte)
Latitude: 05° 07’ 29 / Longitude 35° 38’ 21 / Altitude: 18m
Rain : Average 1038.3 mm / Rainy Season : March to June
Average Annual Temperature: 26,5° C
Average Annual Hu midity: 68%
Population: Approximately 10.000 inhabitants
Economy: Agriculture, Trading and Fishing
Electricity: 220v