FORTALEZA

Fortaleza is a major city on Brazil’s northeast coast that’s often called the “City of Light”, as it gets sunshine for 2,800 hours a year. It has a greater area population of 4 million people, and is famous for its 16mi/26km stretch of coastline that boasts dozens of white sand beaches.   

If you want to beat the Brazilian sun, there are plenty of sites to see downtown. For shopping, head to Mercado Central. It is the main market that boasts 4 floors of everything from handicrafts to food. If you wish to dive into Fortaleza’s culture, pay a visit to Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture, Theatro José de Alencar, and The Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza which was inspired by Notre Dame. And don’t skip Praca do Ferreira, which is the main square of Fortaleza.

 Eager to learn something new? The Rubens de Azevedo Planetarium is one of the most modern planetariums in the world, and you can learn all about the stars, planets, and galaxies. Come back down to earth with a visit to the Museum of Ceará, which has over 13,000 artifacts on the history of the state.

 For a more relaxed day, hit Iracema Beach. This stunning beach is lined with a buzzing promenade and plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Another option is Futuro Beach. It is south of the cruise port, and is regarded as the best beach for swimming. Feeling frisky? Head to Aqua Show Beach Park, which is the biggest water park in Latin America!

Whether you choose to hit the city, beach, or both, enjoy your day in Fortaleza!