Dragao do Mar Cultural Center
Fortaleza's cultural heart on the edge of Praia de Iracema: museums, a planetarium, cinemas and a lively square of bars and restaurants set in colourful restored buildings.
Ceara (Brazil)
Fortaleza
Fortaleza is the sunny capital of Ceara, a big, warm, easy-going city on the northeast coast of Brazil where the seafront promenade fills at sunset, the barracas of Praia do Futuro serve crab and shrimp on the sand and the old centre hides a cast-iron theatre and a market full of lace and cashews.
It is also the gateway to some of Brazil's most photogenic coastline: the dunes and lagoons of Cumbuco, the coloured cliffs of Morro Branco, the red cliffs of Canoa Quebrada, the palm-fringed bay of Lagoinha and the sand-street village of Jericoacoara. This guide covers 19 sights and day trips, 10 hotels from city towers to beach resorts and pousadas, and 6 travel guides to help you plan.
Don't miss
Dragao do Mar Cultural Center
Fortaleza's cultural heart on the edge of Praia de Iracema: museums, a planetarium, cinemas and a lively square of bars and restaurants set in colourful restored buildings.
Praia de Iracema and the Ponte dos Ingleses
The historic bohemian beachfront of Fortaleza, with a pier at sunset, restaurants, bars and live music a few steps from the Dragao do Mar centre.
Beach Park Aqua Park
Brazil's best-known water park on the beach at Aquiraz, home to the tall Insano slide, a long list of family attractions and a seaside setting 30 minutes from Fortaleza.
Cumbuco Beach and Dunes
A relaxed fishing village west of Fortaleza with big dunes, buggy rides, lagoons and some of the best kitesurfing wind in Brazil.
Things to do in Fortaleza
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Theatro Jose de Alencar
A cast-iron and stained-glass Art Nouveau theatre from 1910 in the old centre, named for the novelist of Ceara and one of the most beautiful buildings in northeastern Brazil.
Mercado Central and the Cathedral
The big handicraft market in the old centre, with lace, leather, hammocks and cashews, beside Fortaleza's neo-Gothic cathedral.
Praia de Iracema and the Ponte dos Ingleses
The historic bohemian beachfront of Fortaleza, with a pier at sunset, restaurants, bars and live music a few steps from the Dragao do Mar centre.
Praia do Futuro
Fortaleza's famous long city beach, lined with barracas serving crab, shrimp and cold beer, with wide sands, dunes and a lively weekend crowd.
Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour
A guided half-day overview of Fortaleza, covering the main waterfront, the old centre and the main viewpoints in air-conditioned comfort.
Fortaleza Private Walking Tour with a Local
A private walk through Fortaleza's historic centre and waterfront with a local guide, tailored to your pace and interests.
Beach Park Aqua Park
Brazil's best-known water park on the beach at Aquiraz, home to the tall Insano slide, a long list of family attractions and a seaside setting 30 minutes from Fortaleza.
Cumbuco Beach and Dunes
A relaxed fishing village west of Fortaleza with big dunes, buggy rides, lagoons and some of the best kitesurfing wind in Brazil.
Jericoacoara Day Trip from Fortaleza
The famous dune-backed beach village in Ceara, reached on a very long day with 4x4 beach driving, Pedra Furada, lagoons and the sunset dune.
Jericoacoara 3 Days and 2 Nights from Fortaleza
A three-day, two-night programme from Fortaleza that gives you the village at sunset and sunrise, plus the lagoons, the rock arch and the dunes at an easy pace.
Fortaleza to Jericoacoara 4x4 Beach Transfer
A shared 4x4 transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara, handling the sand sections that regular cars cannot, for independent travellers who plan their own stay.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Mercure Fortaleza Meireles
Meireles
A dependable international-brand hotel in Meireles, the main hotel and dining district, a short ride from the seafront promenade, the evening craft fair and the best restaurants.
Check rates →ibis Fortaleza Praia de Iracema
Praia de Iracema
A simple, well-located budget hotel on Praia de Iracema, a short walk from the pier, the Dragao do Mar centre and the evening bars and restaurants.
Check rates →Hotel Gran Marquise
Meireles and Beira Mar
A long-established upscale hotel facing the Beira Mar avenue in Meireles, with a pool, restaurants and an old-school sense of hospitality.
Check rates →Marina Park
Mucuripe and Beira Mar East
A large resort-style hotel in the Mucuripe area of Fortaleza, with a pool, leisure facilities and views over the sea and the marina.
Check rates →Vila Gale Resort Cumbuco
Cumbuco
A beachside resort at Cumbuco, a short drive from Fortaleza, with pools, family facilities and easy access to the dunes, lagoons and kitesurf beaches.
Check rates →Pousada Brasil Cumbuco
Cumbuco
A small, informal pousada in Cumbuco village, a short walk from the beach, suited to kitesurfers and travellers who prefer a village atmosphere to a big resort.
Check rates →
$$$Beach Park Suites Resort
Porto das Dunas, Aquiraz
A beachfront resort next to the Beach Park water park in Aquiraz, with suites for families, pools and easy access to the rides.
Check rates →Beach Park Acqua Resort
Porto das Dunas, Aquiraz
A family resort at Aquiraz with a focus on water and leisure, close to the Beach Park aqua park and the long Porto das Dunas beach.
Check rates →Villa Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara village
A comfortable pousada-style hotel in the sand streets of Jericoacoara, a short walk from the beach and the Sunset Dune, for travellers who want to stay overnight in Jeri.
Check rates →Pousada Jeri Dunas
Jericoacoara village
A friendly, mid-range pousada in Jericoacoara, with simple comfort and a short walk to the main street, beach and dune.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Dragao do Mar Cultural CenterStay
ibis Fortaleza Praia de IracemaPraia de Iracema
Do
Praia de Iracema and the Ponte dos InglesesStay
Hotel Gran MarquiseMeireles and Beira Mar
Do
Beach Park Aqua ParkStay
Beach Park Acqua ResortPorto das Dunas, Aquiraz
Fortaleza guides
Fortaleza for First-Timers: What to Know Before You Go
A practical primer for a first trip to Fortaleza: when to fly, how to get around, money, beaches, food, day trips and the sights that deserve your time.
Where to Stay in Fortaleza: Meireles, Iracema, Mucuripe and the Beach Resorts
Compare the best areas to stay in Fortaleza and on the coast nearby: Meireles, Praia de Iracema, Mucuripe, Cumbuco, Aquiraz and Jericoacoara.
Three Days in Fortaleza: A First-Visit Itinerary
A three-day plan for Fortaleza combining the city's culture, a Praia do Futuro lunch, a Cumbuco or Morro Branco beach day and a sunset on the pier.
Eating and Drinking in Fortaleza: Seafood, Tapioca and Sertao Flavours
A food guide to Fortaleza: crab and shrimp at the barracas, tapioca, sun-dried meat, cashew fruit, regional drinks and how to eat well on a budget.
Best Time to Visit Fortaleza: Wind, Rain, Crowds and Seasons
When to go to Fortaleza and the Ceara coast: the dry and rainy seasons, kitesurf winds, school holiday crowds, festivals and how prices change.
Day Trips from Fortaleza: Dunes, Cliffs, Lagoons and Jericoacoara
The best day trips from Fortaleza ranked by distance: Beach Park, Cumbuco, Aguas Belas, Morro Branco, Canoa Quebrada, Lagoinha and Jericoacoara.
