7 Best Sights in Fortaleza, The Northeast

The ocean is always calm at this beach, which is surrounded by coconut trees, lagoons, and sand dunes. During low tide the reefs surface, and you can see small fish and shells in the rocks. When the tide comes in and the natural pools form, you can grab your mask and go snorkeling. In a 5-km (3-mile) stretch between Flexeiras and Mundaú—another almost-deserted beach—there are several fishing villages and a working lighthouse. A river joins the ocean at Mundaú, forming a large S on the sand; on one side is a line of coconut trees and on the other, fishermen with their jangadas—the scene conveys the very essence of Ceará. Flexeiras is about a 90-minute drive from Fortaleza. You can take the Rendenção bus or arrange a trip here with a tour operator. As yet there are no luxury resorts here, but there are several simple, clean pousadas. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming.

Hidden behind dunes, the stunning Canoa Quebrada Beach was "discovered" in the 1970s by French doctors working in the area. The spectacular scenery includes not only dunes but red cliffs and groves of palm trees. Carved into a cliff is the symbol of Canoa: a crescent moon with a star in the middle. The village now has good roads and an endless choice of comfortable pousadas, bars, and restaurants. The most efficient and economical way to get here is on a trip offered by one of Fortaleza's many tour operators, with prices from R$45 per person. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Surrounded by white-sand dunes, this laid-back beach in the nearby village of Aquiraz has calm and clean water. There are both fishermen and lace makers (lace is sold at the Centro de Rendeiras). There's also a lookout at Morro do Enxerga Tudo. Buses depart from Fortaleza for this beach several times daily on the route to Aquiraz. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: solitude; surfing; swimming.

Tourists and locals alike flock to this beach to enjoy the many water sports (including surfing) and gawk at the lovely sand dunes. Porto das Dunas is south of Fortaleza in the municipality of Aquiraz. It also has a golf course overlooking the beach. São Benedito operates the Jardineira bus that runs from Centro to Porto das Dunas; you can catch it along Avenida Beira-Mar. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; windsurfing.

Hands-down the city's best beach for swimming, this long curve of golden sand lines the only part of Fortaleza's sea regularly clean enough to take a dip. Framing the beach are mega-barracas, sophisticated beach clubs that have restaurants, bathrooms, bars, and even swimming pools with slides for kids. The regular waves attract local surfers. If returning after dark, it is best to take a taxi (approximately R$25 to Praia dos Mereilles). Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; surfing; swimming; walking.

Kitesurfers and surfers who want optimum conditions but lack the time to travel to Jericoacora should head to this little beach town up the coast from Fortaleza. The recent construction of the Porto de Pecém has upgraded the infrastructure of this little fisherman's village, although local fisherman still grill their daily catches directly on the seashore. The vibe here is geared toward relaxing. In August, the village hosts the Festival of Escargot, where local restaurants set up stands on the main street and serve snails and wine. You can stay overnight in one of the few simple yet comfortable pousadas, or rent your own beach house. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: kitesurfing; surfing; windsurfing.