The capital city of Ceará State

Culture

Fortaleza is a city that does not sleep. There are parties every night of the week. A Monday in Fortaleza is the liveliest in the country. When in the Capital, it is worth checking out the schedule or the Cultural Centre Dragão do Mar, which has cinemas, theatres, music nights, bars, and not to mention stunning modern architecture.

Another example of great architecture is the art nouveau façade of the José de Alencar Theatre, where you can see a show or have a guided tour.

There are numerous fairs and markets throughout the city, where amongst the labyrinth of stalls, you can find outstanding, traditional handicrafts such as hammocks, bottles decorated with colourful sand, and clay and wood carvings.

Beaches

Fortaleza has 30 kilometres of beaches suited for all tastes. These are the most famous ones:

Praia do Futuro, 11 kilometres from the Capital’s centre, is perfect for snorkelling and has excellent local stalls, bars and restaurants. The beach stalls are all about comfort, and you can even get a massage on the beach.

Praia de Iracema, with bars and restaurants, this beach is known for its lively nights and the postcard pretty bridge Ponte dos Ingleses.

Meireles e Mucuripe, this beach is the most sought after for its artisan fairs, trips on a sailboat, pretty walks, and an abundance of regional and international restaurants and bars. It also has the largest hotel network in Fortaleza.

Close to Fortaleza is the tourist complex Beach Park. It is located on Porto das Dunas beach in Aquiraz, some 15 kilometres from the Capital. It comprises 18 unforgettable attractions for people of all ages. With more than 7,793,000 litres of water, the park guarantees fun and adrenaline for all its visitors.

Cuisine

If you want to try lobster, Curuípe beach is the place to go, where little fishing boats come to shore with fresh fruits of the sea.

Country-style food, like Bahian rice and beans and sun cure beef, can be found in the Varjota and Aldeota neighbourhoods.

Tapioca (cassava root pancakes) have their own special place here; the neighbourhood Messejana is home to 20 Tapioca stalls that offer various delicious pancakes and fillings.

Airport

Fortaleza airport is called Aeroporto Internacional Pinto Martins. It is 10 kilometres from the city centre.

Distance from other cities

Teresina: 626 kilometres; Natal: 552 kilometres; Recife: 822 kilometres; São Luis: 1,055 kilometres; Brasília: 2,482 kilometres; Rio de Janeiro: 2,812 kilometres; São Paulo: 3,121 kilometres.