The capital of the state of Ceara in northeastern Brazil, Fortaleza is a lively city offering an eclectic mix of modern facilities, classical architecture and old-fashioned Latino charm. Throw in some gorgeous beaches and stunning coastal scenery and it’s not difficult to see why this is one of Brazil’s most popular tourist destinations.

Whether you are an independent traveller or a visitor with family members in tow, Fortaleza has something of interest. The city’s picture-postcard beaches offer the broadest appeal, presenting soft golden sands for relaxing on and warm ocean waters on which to pursue sporting activities. For a change of atmosphere, family visitors will love the city’s Aqua Park, where water fun comes in a variety of forms.

For culture seekers and sightseeing enthusiasts, there are also plenty of attractions to suit. The Dragao do Mar Cultural Centre delivers exactly what its name suggests, while the Theatre of Jose de Alencar is the place to head for evening entertainment in a traditional stage setting. Meanwhile, on sightseeing tours, Fortaleza Cathedral and the Fort of Our Lady of the Rising are essential stops.

The local food bears all the hallmarks of tasty Cearanese cuisine and includes some unique characteristics as well. The diversity of eating venues available ensures that eating out in the city is rarely a dull experience. To work up a good appetite for lunch or dinner, hit the city’s shopping trail and enjoy the consumer delights of modern malls and traditional markets alike.

The city caters well to its visiting population, offering a wealth of accommodation options. There’s an absence of major international hotel chains but still plenty of four- and five-star establishments for visitors seeking quality accommodation. For backpackers and budget travellers, choices are gradually becoming more limited but there are still some places to suit.

Fortaleza is perhaps not the easiest city to reach, despite its own international airport, as direct flights from Europe and North America are few. From the UK, the city can be reached with a single change at Lisbon Airport, so the inconvenience is minor. Once in the city, the extensive bus network makes getting around easy. Car hire is an option for not for the faint-hearted in light of local driving habits!

Fortaleza’s climate brings it 300 days of sunshine per year, with the conclusion offered from this being it’s a city that rarely sees anything resembling cold weather. Rain is a predominant feature of the climate, with the first six months of the year presenting monsoon conditions in which humidity is constantly high and downpours are frequent. Temperatures are still high, however, rarely dropping below 21°C.

The second half of the year sees dry weather and more extreme temperatures with averages coming in at around 27°C. This is the best time for tourists to take trips to the city, especially if beach activities are planned. With the midday sun capable of hitting the high 20s in November and low 30s in December, it’s wise to apply plenty of sunscreen or cover up if out and about at this time.