Breathtaking vistas, beach parties and local art in Fortaleza
Hedonistic nightlife, plenty of cultural attractions and more than 18 miles of beaches make Fortaleza a great all-rounder to suit a variety of clients.
With a new service from Air Europa launching this December, getting to the capital of Ceara state in north-east Brazil should be easier than ever.
I spoke with the airline’s UK and Ireland country director, Colin Stewart, at a recent event.
“We will be operating two flights a week from Gatwick via Madrid T1, which offers a smooth transition with no connecting terminal. This will be our fourth Brazilian destination, joining Sao Paulo, Salvador and Recife. Fortaleza is already popular with the Latin American market, but we wanted to open up somewhere new for UK travellers.”
Sun worshippers typically flock to Iracema beach, the perfect spot to work on a tan by day, while an abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs ensures there is plenty to do in the evenings too. Recommend clients visit the Ponte dos Ingleses, which has been modelled after Brighton Pier, for sunsets and breathtaking views of the coast.
On Thursday evenings, Praia do Futuro welcomes live music and DJs. A short taxi ride will take clients looking to bust a few moves to cocktail bar Arre Egua. Here, they can rub shoulders with locals, or if they are brave enough, grab a partner to attempt the forro, a waltz-like dance.
Along Beira-Mar Avenue, visitors can sample local specialities and explore the seafood market renowned for its fresh shrimp, while craft fairs offer opportunities to purchase leather goods and clothes. Art lovers have plenty to enjoy too. The Dragao do Mar Center of Art and Culture is home to several on-site museums, including the Ceara Museum of Contemporary Art and Praca Verde, which offers a programme of more than 450 dance, music and circus shows a year.
With perfect wind conditions, Fortaleza is considered a mecca for sailing and windsurfing. In particular, the village of Cumbuco, 15 miles north-west of the city is a popular location for adrenaline junkies seeking a thrilling day on the water.
“We are so excited about the new route and look forward to developing our Brazilian network,” said Stewart.
“Fortaleza offers a perfect mix of sun, great hotels and culture.”
Essential information
Flights: Commencing 20 December, Air Europa will offer two flights weekly from Gatwick via Madrid. Flight time is 10 hours.
Currency: The Brazilian real.
Climate: The region enjoys year-round high temperatures, reaching a maximum of 33°C (January) and lows of 22°C (July).
Visa: UK travellers do not require a visa to visit Brazil.
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