Useful information about Fortaleza
Discover Fortaleza: Everything you need to know to make the most of the capital of Alencarina
If you are planning to visit Fortaleza, get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant, sunny city full of unforgettable experiences. The capital of Ceará and one of the most beloved tourist destinations in Brazil, Fortaleza combines paradisiacal beaches, remarkable cuisine, rich popular culture and a welcoming people who transform any visit into a fond memory.
In this guide, we have gathered the most important information so that you can make the most of your time in the city. From practical tips on transportation, weather and clothing to cultural, gastronomic and leisure suggestions, here you will find everything you need to explore Fortaleza safely, comfortably and freely. Whether you want to relax in the warm waters of Praia do Futuro, walk at sunset on the Iracema waterfront or be enchanted by the forró and humor of Ceará, Fortaleza is ready to surprise you.
Airport
Photo: Disclosure/Fraport Brasil
Fortaleza Airport - Pinto Martins International Airport (FOR) receives national and international flights and is strategically located in the city center. It is approximately 10 km from the east zone, where the main hotels, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants of the capital of Ceará are concentrated.
Climate
Photo: Fortaleza City Hall/Reproduction
Tropical coastal climate:
Fortaleza has a pleasant climate all year round, with average temperatures between 25°C and 32°C. The city is bathed in sunshine most days, making it a perfect destination for those who love heat and the beach.
Rainy season:
From February to May, with heavier rains, especially in the late afternoon.
Dry season:
From June to December, with blue skies, sunny days and few clouds, it is considered the best time to enjoy the city.
Dry winter:
Even in the “winter” months (June to August), Fortaleza remains warm and dry, ideal for those who want to escape the cold of other regions.
Wind season:
Between August and November, the trade winds blow stronger with gusts of wind that can reach 60 km/h, attracting kitesurfers and windsurfers from all over the world to the Ceará coast.
Best time to visit:
From June to December, when the weather is more stable and the city breathes summer. For those who prefer a quieter Fortaleza, it is best to avoid major dates such as Carnival, New Year's Eve and Fortaleza, when the city is full.
Subway and VLT
Photo: METROFOR/Reproduction
South Line (Central Metro ↔ Pacatuba)
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Extension and stations: 24.1 km with 20 stations.
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Operation: Monday to Saturday, from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with average intervals of 17 minutes.
West Line (Moura Brasil LRV ↔ Caucaia)
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Extension and stations: 19.5 km with 10 stations.
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Operation: Monday to Saturday, from 5:30 AM to 8:40 PM, with 28 daily trips.
Northeast Line (Parangaba LRV ↔ Iate)
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Extension and stations: 13.2 km (1.4 km elevated) with 11 stations.
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Assisted operation: Monday to Saturday, from 5:30 AM to 11:20 PM. Fare-free — test phase.
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Transfers: Stations connected to Parangaba and Papicu bus terminals and the future East Line.
Under construction – East Line (Central Metro ↔ Papicu)
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Extension and stations: 7.3 km, 4 new underground stations + 1 surface station.
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Transfers: Expected integration with South, West, Northeast lines and bus system.
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Timeline: Expected operation between 2026 and 2028.
Under construction – Branch Line (Airport LRV ↔ Castelão)
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Route: Pinto Martins Airport → Castelão (Football Arena), integrating with the Northeast Line.
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Extension and stations: 7.6 km with four new stations (Expedicionários, Airport, CEU, Castelão).
What to wear
Photo: Fortaleza City Hall/Reproduction
Light, comfortable clothing for the day: shorts, t-shirts, dresses.
Sunscreen, a hat/cap, and sunglasses are essential.
In more upscale restaurants, a “resort casual” look (light pants, dress shirt, leather sandals) is appropriate.
Main beaches
Photo: Fortaleza City Hall/Reproduction
Praia do Futuro:
Perfect for catching some sun in the morning and afternoon. Ideal for swimming, surfing, and spending leisure time with friends and family. The beach features seaside restaurants with water parks, rich seafood cuisine, and live music. At night, some beach spots host private parties and luaus for couples.
Iracema Beach:
An urban beach known for the iconic “Ponte dos Ingleses” pier, the “Iracema Guardian Statue,” the romantic “Praia dos Crush,” and the “Aterro da Praia de Iracema,” stage of Brazil’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebration.
Meireles Beach:
Great for walking, with the traditional beachfront craft market, kiosks with live music, sunset views, and a full infrastructure including public restrooms, a bike path, skatepark, and a wide boardwalk perfect for family outings.
Available water sports: Stand Up Paddle, Kayaking, Hawaiian Canoeing
Mucuripe Cove:
A well-known fishing hub with traditional sailboats (jangadas), a fish market, and catamaran tours to watch the sunset from the sea.
Nightlife & gastronomy
Photo: Reproduction
Bars and restaurants in Meireles, Varjota, Aldeota, Parquelândia, Maraponga and Benfica serve seafood, good music and rich local cuisine.
Strong forró and Ceará humor scene, with shows in beach huts and theaters.
Night experience: cocktails based on local fruits (cashew caipirinha, siriguela).
Culture and leisure
Photo: Fortaleza City Hall/Reproduction
Dragão do Mar Center for Art and Culture:
One of the symbols of Ceará's cultural life, Dragão do Mar brings together museums, cinema, theater, planetarium and art galleries in a modern and vibrant space, with activities to suit all tastes. Ideal for those who want to discover the most creative side of the city.
José de Alencar Theater:
One of the most beautiful theaters in Brazil, with art nouveau architecture, colorful stained glass windows and gardens designed by Burle Marx. It offers guided tours and an intense program of theater, music and dance.
Village of Arts:
Public space dedicated to artistic training, with courses, workshops, exhibitions and creative residencies in the areas of dance, audiovisual and visual arts. A true hotbed of talent.
Fortaleza Central Market:
The perfect place to buy regional handicrafts, lace, chestnuts, typical sweets and souvenirs. There are over 500 stalls spread over four floors, with a welcoming atmosphere and lots of colours.
Pine Nut Market:
Historic market that hosts food fairs and cultural performances, surrounded by simple and cozy open-air bars with live music shows. It is a place to go for those who enjoy local culture, good food and outdoor gatherings.
Cocó State Park:
One of the largest urban parks in Brazil, it offers ecological trails, boat rides, leisure areas and direct contact with the mangroves and local fauna. Great for escaping the hustle and bustle and getting some nature.
Ceara Art Gallery
Located inside Estação das Artes, the Pinacoteca exhibits contemporary and modern art works in a fully restored historic building. It is an invitation to dialogue between Ceará's artistic past and present.
Museum of Image and Sound of Ceará (MIS)
With immersive and interactive exhibitions, the MIS is a space dedicated to the audiovisual and musical memory of the state. Its modern architecture and innovative programming make it one of the most interesting museums in the Northeast.
Arts Station
A large cultural complex in the city center, the result of the revitalization of the old João Felipe Station. Today, it houses the Pinacoteca, exhibition areas, cultural squares and events that connect art, history and accessibility.
Sabiaguaba Cultural and Gastronomic Complex
Sabiaguaba is a natural refuge in Fortaleza, where the river meets the sea amidst dunes, mangroves and natural pools. Ideal for those seeking tranquility, incredible landscapes and an unforgettable sunset. Perfect for family outings, ecological trails and authentic experiences.
Hosting
Photo: Fortaleza City Hall/Reproduction
The preference is for hotels and inns in Mucuripe, Meireles, Aldeota and Praia de Iracema, with great beach infrastructure, gastronomy and culture.
Book in advance during high season, especially during events such as Fortal and New Year's Eve.
Practical tips
Photo: Fortaleza City Hall/Reproduction
Electric current:
220 V with type N sockets; lightweight universal adapter.
Tips:
Not mandatory, but 10 – 12% is common in restaurants and services.
Typical times:
Banks (10am–4pm), shops and malls (9am–10pm), supermarkets (7am–11pm), nightlife goes on until the early hours.
High seasons:
Carnival, São João (June and July), Fortal (July) and Christmas and New Year's Eve (December).