Experiences and local guides in Fortaleza

Nature

Fortaleza is the capital of Ceará, with 25 km of city beaches and a coastline of dunes, coloured cliffs and fishing villages on either side. The constant wind of the second half of the year made Praia do Futuro and Cumbuco world references for windsurfing and kitesurfing; eastward, Canoa Quebrada and Morro Branco with red cliffs, and westward Cumbuco, Paracuru and the wind route to Jericoacoara.

Activities

• Windsurfing at Praia do Futuro, side-shore wind and medium waves, schools and rentals all year
• Kitesurfing at Cumbuco (Cauípe lagoon and sea), Taíba and Paracuru, downwinders along the coast
• Buggy over the Cumbuco dunes with sand sledding into the lagoons, jangada sailing at Mucuripe
• Surfing at Praia do Futuro and Titanzinho, stand-up paddle on the Beira Mar
• Canoa Quebrada and Morro Branco (cliffs, the cliff labyrinth), Beach Park, forró and the central market

When to go

August to December for strong, steady wind and clear skies. January to July has intermittent rain and less wind, but calmer seas and fewer people.

How to get there

Pinto Martins airport (FOR) is 10 km from the centre, with direct flights from Lisbon, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Miami and all of Brazil. Cumbuco is 35 km north (40 minutes by taxi or van) and Praia do Futuro 15 minutes from the centre. Buses and vans to Canoa Quebrada (2 h 30) and Jericoacoara (5 hours).