Located in the Northeastern section of Brazil, the city of Fortaleza is the state capital of Caera. The city, which flanks the Atlantic Ocean, is home to more than 3.4 million Fortalezenses and has a cultural history you’ll wish you had more time to explore.

The city is full of incredible statues, monuments, old buildings, and churches. Even the nightlife, complete with clubs, restaurants, bars, are incredibly safe and popular. Some of the country’s most famous comedy artists make their debuts in the clubs throughout Fortaleza. The city offers a myriad of opportunities to visitors willing to open their eyes and look around. Consider adding Fortaleza and the following attractions to your next Brazilian trip agenda.

About Fortaleza, Brazil

Not to be confused with the city of Fortaleza in Puerto Rico, the city of Fortaleza in Brazil serves as the capital of the State of Ceara. The city and its beaches are incredibly popular amongst not only Brazilians but amongst visitors from around the world as well.

The culture in Fortaleza is incredible, the beaches are warm and sunny, and the nightlife is not only enigmatic but is one of the safest you’ll ever experience. The people are friendly and the costs associated with living in (or visiting) Brazil are relatively low compared to most other areas in the world.

The Beaches at Fortaleza

Ceara is one of Brazil’s smallest states but it still has the longest coastline. In Fortaleza you’ll find a collection of urban beaches, each with its own distinct advantages.

Image Credit:Marcus Zorbis

Iracema beach, for example, is a great place for those who identify with the bohemian lifestyle. Visitors to Iracema usually begin to flock towards the sand in the late afternoon or early evening and tend to hang out well into the early morning hours. The beach is lined with night clubs and restaurants, so there are plenty of options for those who need to get away from the sand for a while as well.

Image Credit: Alfredo D. Ortiz

At Mucuripe beach you’ll find a beautiful boardwalk from which you can observe local fisherman and their jangadas. Jangadas are small sail boats used by local fisherman who depend on them to earn their livings each day.

Visit early enough in the morning and you’ll be able to watch the fisherman launch their jangadas into the ocean – it’s a sight to behold.

Image Credit:Lia Guedes

The beach at Praia do Futuro, of course, is the best for those looking for a relaxing place to bathe in the ocean or merely sunbathe on the sand. Surfers enjoy the waves on this beach as well and when you aren’t people watching or soaking in the rays you’ll want to check out some of the local barracas – small restaurants built right on the sand.

Local Attractions in Fortaleza

There are, of course, plenty of things to see and visit in Fortaleza aside from the beaches. The cathedrals, monuments, and attractions all speak reams about the history of this incredible city.

Image Credit: shonk

Start your trip with a tour of Fortaleza Cathedral. The cathedral, which was built in 1939, is considered to be the third largest church in all of Brazil. Designed by a French architect by the name of George Mounier, the cathedral took more than 40 years to build and can hold crowds of up to 5,000 people. The cathedral is the property of the Catholic Church and, as such, receives no support or maintenance from the local government.

The Old Iracema Statue is a representation of a character in a novel written by Jose de Alencar. Iracema was the wife of Martim Soares Moreno, the first Portuguese visitor to explore Fortaleza. Iracema became so popular that a statue of her likeness was erected and became one of the most famous landmarks in the city. The artist, however, was a modernist so the thick legs and large breasts on an otherwise small frame are, unfortunately, inaccurate depictions of the woman so many loved. Today you can find both the original statue and a new statue – located about 4 kilometers (just over 2 miles) apart.

At the Fortaleza del Nossa Senhora de Assuncao you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of Fortaleza itself. The fortress, whose name translates to “Fort of Our Lady of the Rising,” was built in 1649 and has been refurbished several times throughout history. Here you’ll learn about the formation of the city itself but your access will be very limited. The fort is still actively used by the army.

There are, of course, dozens of restaurants, night clubs, and cultural attractions worth visiting in Fortaleza as well. These beaches and historic sites should get you started on your journey but keep your eyes peeled along the way for other favorites. You’ll be amazed at the treasures this incredible city has in store!