Things to do in  Fortaleza

Surrounded by pink sand dunes, sandstone cliffs, and a winding river, Canoa Quebrada is a laid-back beach town blessed with a stunning natural environment. While the town has grown with the times, it hasn’t lost that mystical feel that earned its reputation as a ‘hippie town’ in the 1970s.

Morro Branco’s seaside cliffs appear strikingly red from a distance, but up close you can see they have a number of pink, cream, and beige hues that together form their distinctive overall color. These eroded sand cliffs, known as the Labyrinth, have served as a filming location in several productions.

Like many northeastern Brazilian cities, Fortaleza is famous for its handicrafts, particularly its embroidered white lace textiles. One of the best places in the city to pick up locally made souvenirs is Mercado Central. The 3-floor market houses dozens of shops selling woven hammocks, clay sculptures, and other hand-crafted items.

Palm-fringed sand and surf-worthy waves await sunseekers at Futuro Beach (Praia do Futuro), one of Fortaleza’s most popular family beaches. Stretching 5 miles (8 kilometers) along Fortaleza’s east coast, Futuro Beach offers ideal conditions for swimming and surfing, and is lined with lively beach bars (barracas).

Fortaleza is blessed with many spectacular beaches, and Cumbuco Beach ranks among the best. A popular spot for kitesurfing, sandboarding and buggy tours, Cumbuco (both the beach and neighboring fishing village) is distinguished by its rolling dunes and long expanses of white sand lined with coconut trees.

Fortaleza Beach Park is a hugely popular entertainment and leisure complex on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Every year, more than 700,000 people visit the tropical playground’s resort, hotels, restaurants, shops, sailing raft museum, water park—one of the largest in South America—and beach.

The José de Alencar Theater is a true hidden gem in the heart of Brazil. The art nouveau landmark is from the age of music halls and has early 20th century aesthetics. It was named after José de Alencar, a playwright and artist from Fortaleza. Inside, find the city’s concert hall; outside explore the theater garden and outdoor stage.

The third largest cathedral in Brazil took 40 years to build—construction began on the Gothic-Roman structure in 1939 and continued until late 1979. Designed by French architect George Mounier and said to be inspired by Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral remains one of Fortaleza’s most distinctive landmarks.

The Brazilian state of Ceara is famous for its long coastline and numerous beaches. In the city of Fortaleza, Meireles Beach is one of the busiest stretches of the coast, packed with the highest concentration of hotels, barracas (beer stalls, and seaside restaurants serving up traditional Brazilian food and drink.

Half-moon-shaped Lagoinha Beach was once a favorite hiding place for French pirates. These days, Lagoinha is home to a small fishing community, and has a reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Its good looks are enhanced by its tranquility, as well as its appeal for kitesurfing and more, and it’s far enough away from Fortaleza to escape the crowds.

Considered Guaramiranga’s star attraction, Parque das Trilhas is a natural reserve set amid 282 acres (114 hectares) of Atlantic Forest. A network of hiking trails, a swimming lake, and activities that range from ziplining to kayaking make it one of Fortaleza’s most popular day trip destinations.

Ceará Tourism Center used to be Fortaleza’s jailhouse, but where criminals once languished, there are now art displays and local crafts exhibited within the walls of this fortified building. There are stalls throughout where you can buy pieces and chat to the artists who made them. It's an ideal place to learn about local art.

Dutch colonists built the historic fort of Nossa Senhora de Assuncao in the 17th century, but it was only kept by them for five years until it was captured and taken over by the Portuguese. It was then renamed after the patron saint of Fortaleza. Now an imposing example of Dutch architecture and a public museum, the fortress is dedicated to exhibits detailing the lives of local war heroes and notable persons.

Visit the home of the city of Fortaleza—the Museum of Ceara is housed within the former Legislative Assembly and represents Brazil’s culture and history in the region of Ceara. Here, you can learn about the indigenous cultures of the people of Brazil and the history of Portuguese colonization up until the city’s present day.