Fortaleza is a naturally beautiful destination, benefiting from the beauty of the coastline it sits upon, so for many visitors sightseeing begins with the wonderful ocean and seaside views that are available. Throw a setting sun into those scenes and you get sights that are hard to forget and rarely matched by any other location in the country. If you prefer your sightseeing to contain a few manmade creations, then be sure to check out Fortaleza Cathedral and the Fort of Our Lady of the Rising.

Sunset at the Beach
You really cannot visit Fortaleza without at least making a special effort to witness the sunset from a coastal location. Choose any beach and by that time of day, things are quiet so the experience can be both peaceful and romantic. Watch the sun set the sky on fire before it dips down below the ocean horizon. The sight is priceless and will be one of the highlights of your holiday photos without a doubt.

Fortaleza Cathedral
Construction began on Fortaleza’s Metropolitan Cathedral in 1939 but it was close to four decades later when it was actually completed in 1978. The cathedral was designed by French architect George Mounier and built in Gothic-Roman style. With a capacity for 5,000 people, it’s Brazil’s third largest cathedral. 
Phone: +55 85 3231 4196

Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao
With a name meaning Fort of Our Lady of the Rising, the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao is a structure with important historical ties. The fort was built in 1649 by the Dutchman Matias Beck and originally named Fort Schoonenborch. In 1654 the Portuguese seized the fort and changed its name to its current one. The fort is open to visitors and contains a small museum dedicated to General Antonio de Sampaio.

Jericoacoara Beach
The Washington Post declared this scenic sandy strip to be one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. With such an accolade, you would imagine it to be crowded; however, it’s quite the opposite and tends to be free of the tourist masses and favoured more by the locals. For peace, tranquillity and picture-postcard scenery, this is the place to head.

Praca do Ferreira
This is the main square of the city and a focal point of local life, so if people-watching is your thing, then this is the ideal location to do it. There are shops, restaurants and cinemas situated around the square’s perimeter and the popular Jose de Alencar Theatre can also be found here. Street performers are a common sight during the dry season.