Fortaleza is the capital of the northeastern Brazilian state of Ceará. It's known for its beaches, which are punctuated by red cliffs, palm trees, dunes and lagoons. Fortaleza’s long-standing folkloric traditions are presented in dance performances at the art nouveau José de Alencar theater, open since 1910. Another architectural highlight is the neo-Gothic Catedral Metropolitana.

Considering its isolation, Fortaleza is a surprisingly large and sprawling place. It’s one of Brazil’s biggest cities, and an economic magnet for people from Ceará and beyond. It’s also a draw for tourists from Brazil and overseas, who come for its beaches, party atmosphere and the spectacular smaller beach spots, rolling dunes and fishing villages accessible from here. The coastline of Beira-Mar Avenue has numerous restaurants with typical food, with emphasis on the dishes made from seafood, in addition to a varied craft fair, where you can find leather goods, trinkets, clothes, food and the acknowledged warmth of the people from Ceará. At the end of the Avenue is the fish and seafood market, where you can buy fresh shrimp and other seafood and, in the tents behind the market, eat them with garlic and oil, while enjoying the Sunset.

Close by is the Iracema Beach, with its stunning views and where the culture thrives. At the Dragão do Mar Arts e Culture Center, one of the most important in the State, there are theaters, a planetarium and the Museum of Contemporary Art of the city. At night the place bustles with bars, nightclubs and live music. Praia do Futuro is one of the most frequented and has differentiated services, in addition to several musical attractions, unique decorations and typical foods. Attendance is higher during the day, but on Thursday nights the delicious caranguejadas happen, when several tents open their doors offering music, cold beverages and lots, lots of crab!