Brazil is a destination renowned for its exceptional coastline see an example of this when visiting Ceará. Spend your time here basking in the sunshine at secluded bays and quaint fishing villages. Take part in adventure sports such as kitesurfing, paragliding and surfing. Travel deep into the interior of Ceará to hike in mountainous countryside, trek in a cloud forest and visit pilgrimage sites.
FortalezaOpens in a new window, the state’s ocean-facing capital and liveliest city, is good place to start your vacation. A major highlight is the long stretch of sand and sea at Praía do Futuro. Enjoy people-watching from the waterfront barracas (bars) at Praía do Meireles and sample the nightlife at Praía de Iracema. Wander through an area of protected mangrove swamp at Parque Ecológico do Cocó.
Sweeping east and west from Fortaleza is 356 miles (573 kilometers) of pristine beaches framed by vast dunes and red-hued cliffs. A short drive to the east is Aquiraz, home to the Beach Park waterpark. Visit Canoa Quebrada, a one-time bohemian hangout that is now a popular kitesurfing, surfing and paragliding resort.
Head west along the coast from Fortaleza to find almost empty beaches at Cumbuco, Trairi and Mundaú. Snorkel in the reefs and clear water at Flexerias, which at low tide has access to the timeless fishing village of Guajiru. Go kayaking, kitesurfing and windsurfing at the white-sand beaches of Jijoca de Jericoacoara, set around a headland in Parque Nacional de Jericoacoara.
Hike or ride a cable car through Parque Nacional de Ubajara, nestled amid the cloud forest and uplands of the Serra da Ibiapaba. Mingle with pilgrims at Juazeiro do Norte, set in a region encompassed by a lush valley.
Reach Ceará by flying to Fortaleza’s international airport from major cities in Brazil, Europe and other South American countries. Year-round hot temperatures add to the state’s reputation as a beach paradise. Visit between June and December to avoid heavy showers, from December to April for the best waves and from August to November for optimum windsurfing conditions.