State of Ceará and the City of Fortaleza

Known as the ‘Terra da Luz’ (Land of Light), the state of Ceará is one of Brazil’s main tourist destinations. It boasts 7,300 kilometres (4,500 miles) of white sandy coastline divided by picturesque fishing villages, nestling between sand dunes which can rise 50 metres above sea level. Lying close to the equator, Ceará enjoys a remarkably stable climate of nearly 80 degrees. With the warm climate to be enjoyed year round, it is not hard to understand why so many Brazilians choose to make Fortaleza their holiday destination and increasingly many are purchasing vacation or second homes here. 

The state capital, Fortaleza, is a bustling city with a population of 2.4 million and a booming economy. It comprises of a hotbed ofcultures and recent statistics suggest a mixture of African, European and South American influences.  Its diverse culture and dramatic history make Fortaleza a rich and vibrant centre for tourism, with popular attractions such as the Cathedral and the Mucuripe Lighthouse. The city centre now buzzes with offices and apartment blocks and for well over a century Fortaleza has been the major commercial hub of the northern half of the north east. More recently it has poured resources into expanding its tourist trade, lining the fine city beaches with gleaming luxury hotels and developing the city centre.

Naturally, Fortaleza is a centre for sporting activities with many tourists and residents participating in beach sports like volleyball and water sports. Fortaleza is internationally renowned as a venue for kitesurfing and windsurfing championships and now with being awarded host city for 2014 FIFA World Cup, Fortaleza truly cements its place on the map as a worldwide destination.  With so much to offer for a greater quality of life, it really isn't surprising that Fortaleza is such a popular city for Brazilians and foreigners alike. 

Jericoacoara

Located 300 km north of Fortaleza, Jericoacoara enjoys one of the most internationally renowned beaches in all of Brazil and has been declared an Environmentally Protected Area since 1984 and a National Park since 2002 to help protect and preserve its abundance of natural beauty. 

Jericoacoara has been voted one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world by travelogue, Conde Nast, The New York Times and the Washington Post.

>Just a simple fishing village without electricity, roads or telephones, ‘Jeri’ began to become popular amongst the more adventurous traveller seeking unknown and unusual locations. Lost in immense white sand dunes and completely isolated from the rest of the world, Jericoacoara started to develop in 1998 when electricity was supplied but even today most of the houses and structures are built from local wood, surrounded by plants and flowers and with sand for roads, Jericoacoara has managed to keep its natural, rustic style, the atmosphere is magical.......

Since then this small fishing village has been slowly growing. However, thanks to building limitations, there are no vast constructions or sprawling modern hotel complexes and its relaxed simplicity effortlessly pleases visitors as international and regional cuisine compete harmonically for attention with food options as varied as pizza to the traditional banana cake and ‘pousadas’ (small inns) offering informal and relaxed hospitality.

It is impossible to describe Jericoacoara without mentioning its natural love of water sports! The winds are literally guaranteed here and the beach of Jericoacoara plays host to a wide variety of sports. In recent years fans of wind and kite surfing have put this beach firmly on the map as one of the most visited in Brazil as Jericoacoara is considered one of the best beaches in Brazil to practice these sports. 

Visitors can participate in other popular activities such as kayaking, sand boarding, horse riding and dune buggy tours which are often the best way to get to know the area.

In late afternoon, visitors head for the dunes to watch the sun magnificently set at end of another day before a relaxed meal in a local bar or restaurant, listening to local guitar music and looking for shooting stars or dancing the ‘Forro’ late into the night!

Camocim

A town more than one hundred years old, the preservation of architectural facades and old constructions makes Camocim charming and beautiful. Old mansion houses and public buildings from the 19th century create the town’s landscape and its surreal scenery fascinates visitors with white sand dunes, coconut palms, mangroves, lakes, lagoons and oases. Today, Camocim is a genuine Cearense fishing town.

Camocim provides a central point for visitors who wish to visit and explore some of the finest coastal areas and beaches in north-western Ceará. There is a wide range of inns and hotels to stay in at varying prices and levels of comfort. Alongside an assortment of exotic fish recipes, the local cuisine consists of crab, lobster, shrimps and oysters and all contribute greatly to menus of the local restaurants.

Camocim boasts an intense cultural life and welcomes thousands of visitors during carnival season. Its main attraction is the beach of Tatajuba, where visitors discover all the traditional aspects of a true fishing village. 

Local Attractions

Tatajuba Beach

Located between Camocim and Jericoacara, Tatajuba is one of the most beautiful tropical beaches in the north east region of Brazil. It is surrounded by white dunes, coconut trees and mangroves. It offers one of the highest dunes in the coastline of Ceará called Morro Branco (White Cliff). The beach is in an environmentally protected area and access is available mostly by buggies or 4-wheel drive.

‘Ilha do Amor’ Island

Known locally as ‘Love Island’ - Ilha do Amor, is located opposite the town and possesses beautiful beaches, dunes and marshland. Accessible by boat across the Coreaú River, Ilha do Amor is appreciated by those who love to bathe in the sea, take long walks or practice their ‘dune ski-ing’ skills. From this island, visitors have a beautiful view of the town.