Fortaleza (Ceará)

Fortaleza (Ceará)

 Fortaleza, Ceará state capital, is the gateway for wonderful beaches in the same state. Basically, Ceará has an East and an West Coast, as its shores faces north, in the direction of the North Atlantic. Almost in Equator´s line, Ceará is all-year-round hot. But the wind is constant on its shores, making heat affordable. Beacause of that, wind power mills are a constant presence in Ceará state.  

Wind power mills in Fortaleza

Seawater is allways warm, an advantage related to southern Brazillian states. 

The airport in Fortaleza is very well located and very close to downtown, and there are many hotels in the city. To get to the beaches outside Fortaleza, many tour operators work directly with these hotels, so it is easy to hire a ride to one of them. 

To the closest ones, a daytour is possible, departing early in the morning and comming back late afternoon. But some are worth staying one or two nights. Jericoacora, the state´s most famous beach, however, is about 3h30 away, so to getting there and enjoying the place, a daytrip won´t be enough. 

Fortaleza has a big cultural centre, called Dragão do Mar (Sea Dragon). Theaters and exhibitions, as well some fokloric presentations of local groups are common there. By night, nearby bars get crowded.  

The statue of Irace, at Iracema´s beach, in Fortaleza

It is close to Iracema beach, a very central beach. Iracema beach hosts the statue of Iracema, the indian who was the main character of José de Alencar, on his most famous novel called also Iracema, first published in 1865. He is the most famous writer from Ceará, and one among the most read in Brazil. 

Some historical buildings, such as the cathedral are worth visiting:

For a beautiful view of Fortaleza´s skyline, you can do a boat ride along its shoreline. If you´re lucky, you can take a nice picture in the sunset:

Sunset in Fortaleza

Fortaleza´s skyline after the sunset