Fortaleza
Capital Of Ceará, One Of Brazil'S Largest Cities, And The Gateway To Jericoacoara, Canoa Quebrada And The Ceará Coast · Fortaleza, Ceará
Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará, is one of the largest cities in Brazil and the main gateway to the north-east's dune coast, and most visitors see it as a base rather than a destination. Its long seafront, the Avenida Beira-Mar, has a promenade and a nightly craft fair, and the city beaches of Iracema and Meireles are for walking more than swimming. For the beach, locals go to the Praia do Futuro, lined with huge beach restaurants, and to Beach Park, a large water park and resort in Porto das Dunas just outside the city, famous for a very tall and steep water slide. The Dragão do Mar cultural centre, the Mercado Central for cashews, lace and hammocks, and the Theatro José de Alencar with its iron Art Nouveau structure fill a day. Fortaleza is also known for comedy, with a strong tradition of stand-up clubs. From here, transfers run to Cumbuco for kitesurfing, Canoa Quebrada's red cliffs and Jericoacoara. The city has serious crime problems in some neighbourhoods; stay in the seafront districts.
Avenida Beira-Mar, Meireles, Fortaleza, CE, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
Fortaleza is a city and its seafront is busy from early morning, when people run and walk the Beira-Mar before the heat, until late at night. The Beira-Mar craft fair sets up every evening and runs into the night. The Mercado Central, the Dragão do Mar cultural centre and the city's museums keep daytime hours, with the Mercado busiest in the morning; many museums close on Mondays, and the Mercado has shorter hours on Sundays. The Theatro José de Alencar offers guided visits at set times and closes for rehearsals. Beach Park keeps its own calendar and does not open every weekday in low season - check before planning the day. The big barracas on the Praia do Futuro open by day and most close around sunset, and the beach empties quickly after dark. Peak season is July and December to February.