Making the most of Fortaleza
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships berth in Fortaleza's somewhat run-down commercial port. Only a few taxis are allowed in beside the ship, but 200 meters farther on, at the port entrance, there are plenty. They are metered and reasonably priced. Ask for Mercado Central, the main local shopping market and a fun experience; shuttles also operate.
Nothing is really within walking distance of the dock.
With 3.3 million people in its metropolitan area, Fortaleza is among Brazil's largest cities and attracts people from Ceará and beyond for work. Its beaches and party atmosphere also draw Brazilian and overseas tourists.
Fortaleza, capital of the State of Ceará, has for decades been one of Brazilian tourists' favourite destinations. Its reputation has recently grown worldwide, bringing increasing numbers of European, North and South Americans travelers to Cearás.
What brings so many Brazilian and foreign visitors to Fortaleza is not one single reason, but a combination of sunny beaches, busy and safe nightlife, delicious culinary, rich Brazilian culture and very peaceful friendly people. Brazil is also free from natural disasters and is a country with a low cost of living.
Getting around
Day trips to beaches east and west along the coast are popular from Fortaleza. Dozens of travel agencies arrange them, and minivan and dune-buggy operators gather near the Meireles tourist office.
Nearby places
For swimming, avoid the somewhat polluted hotel-sector beaches of Meireles. Take a taxi to Praia do Futuro, not far from the port but in the opposite direction from town. Find the name of a popular "barraca" (pronounced ba-ha-ka, meaning tent, hut, shack, open-air restaurant or bar) to avoid an empty area or a place run by the taxi driver's cousin.
Do not walk into inland neighbourhoods from the beach area, as they are not safe. Beaches generally do not open until 5 pm, once it is a little cooler.
Food and shopping
Mercado Central's five stories have almost anything: Indigenous artwork, pottery, basketry, bamboo, jewelry, beach items, clothes, cashews and more. It is known for lace products and has elevators, ramps and restrooms at both ends of every level.
Money
The currency is the Brazilian Real.
Staying connected
Portuguese is spoken.
Cafes offering customers free WiFi are uncommon.
Opening Hours and
Most stores and businesses have basic hours of 9am to 6pm, with an extended lunch break around noon to 2pm.
Many museums close on Monday.
Fortaleza's out-of-season Carnaval takes place in the last week of July. The Iemanjá festival, celebrating the sea goddess, is held at Praia do Futuro on August 15. The Regata de Jangadas, a regatta for traditional northeastern jangadas (triangular-sailed fishing boats), runs between Praia do Meireles and Praia Mucuripe in the second half of July.