8 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.

Also called the Praça dos Mártires, this landmark square dates from the 19th century. In 1824 many soldiers were executed here in the war for independence from the Portuguese crown. It has a central fountain and is full of century-old trees and statues of Greek deities. Look for the ancient baobab tree. Small stalls sell snacks and handicrafts and there is occasional live music.

Just 30 minutes from downtown on the idyllic Porto das Dunas Beach is this enormous water park. A 14-story-high waterslide dumps you into a pool at a speed of 105 kph (65 mph), or if you prefer slow-paced attractions, visit its museum, which has the country's largest collection of jangadas, the wooden sailing rafts used by fishermen. Book into one of the private cabanas or opt for lunch at the open-air restaurant at the beach, which serves tasty seafood dishes. There is no bus from downtown, and a taxi costs around R$90.

Built by the Dutch in 1649, this fort was originally baptized Forte Schoonemborch. In 1655 it was seized by the Portuguese and renamed after the city's patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Assunção. It was rebuilt in 1817 and is now a military headquarters. The city took its name from this fortress (fortaleza), which still has the cell where the mother of one of Ceará's most famous writers, José de Alencar, was jailed. Guided tours are led by the soldiers themselves, although few speak English.

An interesting day-trip from Fortaleza, this museum offers tours of a cachaça plant, where you learn about the history of how the sugarcane juice is fermented and distilled. Most notably, cachaça is the primary ingredient for the caipirinha, widely considered Brazil's national cocktail. Afterward, there are tasting sessions. The 98,736-gallon wooden barrel in the tavern is the largest in the world. The museum is located inside the I-Park, which has a variety of fun activities well suited to kids of all ages, from paddleboats and archery to a climbing wall and a decent restaurant

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.